Today I leave for the hallowed wrestling land of Japan to face one of my toughest challenges to date in SMASH, Takao Omori.

Omori started his pro wrestling career under Giant Baba in All-Japan Pro Wrestling back in 1992.   He is a multi-time champion in Japan with AJPW and NOAH, and in addition he has held the AWA World Heavyweight Championship, defeating my old rival Steve Corino for the honors back in 2005.  Omori even participated in the WWF Royal Rumble of 1996, showcasing him as an international name and talent.

I first saw Omori when I was still a rookie wrestler myself, watching an AJPW tag team match from 1995.  He was pitted in a tag team match with Jun Akiyama against one of my all time favorites, Dan Kroffat and his partner Doug Furnas.  Omori was still pretty green back then, but hey, so was I.

Now, on February 25, 2011 at Shinjuku FACE arena in Tokyo at SMASH.14, I will collide with Omori, and I must say that I really don’t know what to expect.  I have no idea if our styles will mesh or clash, but that said I am certain that it will be a heated match.  Simply judging from the response that Omori and I got from the fans at SMASH.13 in January as we faced off, the people are anticipating this showdown big time.

I should also mention that I am taking FCF Wrestling’s hottest rookie sensation in company history, Kristian Kurki, with me to SMASH.14, where he will tag up with my protege Hajime Ohara against Kushida and newcomer Yuji Kito.  This will be Kurki’s trial by fire, literally, as he has only three matches under his belt to date.  I personally believe in Kurki and his prowess, and I expect the young man to perform to the utmost of his abilities in Tokyo this coming Friday night.

Soudesune!