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Yes.
All Japan by the late 90s had really fallen off, NOAH was the reset fans of kings road needed. Lots of cross over matches for their fresh and exciting junior division, Akiyama getting his big singles push, Kobashi’s legendary run. Even failed experiments like Morishima, Rikio and putting the title on Marifuji in the eyes of western fans at least felt bold and experimental at a time when it felt like no one was interested in new stars.
Misawa’s death left a dark cloud over NOAH. It was a real indicator of how brutal the style and schedule really was. There just isn’t a NOAH without him.
They’re just an indie now, gathering up whoever they can to fill the cards.
