February 11, 2002 Observer Newsletter: Questions surrounding NJPW talent leaving for All Japan, more

There were still few answers as the week came to an end in the third week of the saga of Keiji Muto, Satoshi Kojima and Tokimitsu Ishizawa leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling for All Japan.

During the week, even after their New Japan contracts expired at the end of January, all three were playing the role of being free agents entertaining offers. The only thing announced was that Muto would face Toshiaki Kawada for the Triple Crown, a match announced months ago, on 2/24 at Budokan Hall. Genichiro Tenryu issued a challenge to Kojima for the same show, but the match hasn’t been announced, and if that is the bout, it would strangely seem to favor the idea of Kojima starting with a loss. Muto has only said that he would attend All Japan’s 2/9 show at Korakuen Hall when they start their new tour, and discuss finances with Motoko Baba, acting as if no deal has been made.

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