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by Riki Fudo, November 15th, 1998 
Matsumoto, it's THE name in puroresu. A family Dynasty that's spanned
three generations, more titles than you can imagine and one of the largest
merchandising empires anyone can fathom. In Japan when one says the
word "Matsumoto" it is uttered with respect and reverence.Part I: The Beginning The first Matsumoto to enter the business was promoter Kaji Matsumoto. Kaji helped small promoters unite to form Shin Japan Puroresu in October of 1957. Kaji was a spry 34 years old and promoted aggressively in the Northeast. The organization struggled initially but then in 1964 three men helped bring the promising federation to national prominence. First they signed Gen Asamiya, a brilliant technical wrestler who would be their top draw for ten years before leaving in 1974. But what really did it for Great Japan was Matsumoto bringing in his sons Kenshiro and Masami to wrestle as "Maho Ninjatai" (Magic Ninja Team). With Kenshiro as the fabled "White Ninja" and Masami as the deadly "Fire Ninja", Great Japan started to sell out every show they ran!! The Ninja's ruled as the team supreme in Great Japan till they broke up after Kenshiro's face turn in 1975. After that Masami teamed mainly with Akira Ono who had jumped from Old Japan specifically to team with him. Ono had previously held the Old Japan tag titles with Mistunori Takizawa. In the meantime, Kenshiro took over the lead singles spot left open when Gen Asamiya jumped to Old Japan Pro. Great Japan flourished with Kenshiro as the top man in the company. Great Japan and Old Japan put aside their differences to cross promote a show at Budokan Hall in November of 1978 headlined by Kenshiro Matsumoto challenging for the original All Asian title held by Asamiya. The card also had a stand out match as Gori Hamada and Tiger Kikuchi captured the All Asian tag titles in a tournament final over "Fire Ninja" and Akira Ono. Part II: Struggle On January 12th 1982 Kaji Matsumoto suffered a fatal heart attack at the age of 57. His family was struck deeply by this loss as was the entire industry. Kenshiro and Masami took over the day to day operations of Great Japan but finally closed the company down in 1985. The entire Great Japan roster was snatched up by Old Japan right away. But Old Japan had trouble finding young talent and gates for a heavily promoted card at Budokan on July 16th 1986 failed to meet expectations. Then tragedy hit again. Saint Louis, Missouri was the sight of a match between Masami Matsumoto and Tiger Kikuchi. Late in the match Kikuchi reversed an attempted backdrop by the "Fire Ninja" and executed a fast piledriver. Matsumoto never got up from that move. Matsumoto drifted in and out of consciousness for several hours before passing from this world at 12:53 p.m. November 23rd, 1989. Matsumoto's last words were to his friend and rival Kikuchi. Matsumoto: M-my friend... [long groan] I-I hold no grudge... it was... an... an... accident... Kikuchi: Masami-kun, rest the doctors will see to... Matsumoto: [coughs several times] Promise you will watch Tetsuo, Kasumi and Keiko? Kikuchi: Masami-kun... [chokes back tears] Matsumoto: P-promise me... you and Lanther-san and Ono-san will watch them... protect them... Kikuchi: H-hai.. H-hai Masami... Masami-kun... Matsumoto: Sayonara Kikuchi-san... I regret nothing... Masami Matsumoto was honored with a funeral the likes of which no wrestler has ever seen. It was said all organizations shut down operations to mourn his passing. His eulogy was given by his own brother, Kenshiro and an envoy from the Emperor and the Diet was sent to attend. Masami Matsumoto was honored with a plaque in the offices of the Tokyo Egg Dome in memory of all he and his father had done for the industry. He was survived by his wife Minako, his two daughters Kasumi (then aged 15), Keiko (then aged 8) and his son Tetsuo (then aged 17). Part III: Rebirth Reeling from the loss of one of its biggest stars, Old Japan continued for several years until being bought out by The Universal Wrestling Alliance in 1991. As part of the UWA, it was run by several men including Kenshiro Matsumoto, Akira Ono and Gen Asamiya. Finally, operations ceased in late 1994-early 1995. Eighteen months later, Shinsaku Yamashita acquired control of an organization known as Super Japan Pro Wrestling which had previously existed in three different incarnations under other owners, none of which had the vision to bring it to the levels Yamashita was planning to bring it to. Many big names were announced for the roster including international stars Ed Dean, Nik Nyce, Nik Patera and Ace Killcannon. Even more exciting was the roster of native Japanese wrestlers. Men such as Shinji Hamada (Son of Gori Hamada), Masashi Lanther, Akira Hashimoto and Keiji Asamiya (Gen Asamiya's son). But one individual stuck out of the crowd. A rookie named Super Tengu. From his debut, when he exposed his affair with a respected banker's wife, Tengu made waves. He made his debut in a shocking upset over Tiger Kikuchi. He thumbed his nose at tradition and made every effort to be as perverted as possible. Fuji TV even threatened to cancel SJPW's contract unless Tengu toned down his act. In fact many wrestlers were threatening to leave if something was not done. What Super Japan had on its hands was it's first superstar!! We could spend a chunk of this article on the now fabled feud between Super Tengu and Shinji Hamada but that is not the focus of this article. Merchandising for Tengu started right away. Matsumoto struck deals for an animated special featuring Super Tengu. He appeared in TV commercials for Coca-Cola, Pocky and even guest spotted on an episode of "B-Fighter Kabuto". His antics on the SJPW's weekly TV show earned him a following with the disaffected youth of Japan, encouraging them to "Spit In The Eye Of Tradition". SJPW's highest rated match was a match between Tengu and Jet Jaguar. On the same show, ratings were lower than normal but once the Main Event began viewership quadrupled!! Meanwhile, the eldest Daughter of Masami was slowly making her way in the SJPW women's division. Taking the name of "Rekka Sakura" Kasumi Matsumoto built a strong following as the opposite of her brother. Where Tengu was abrasive, Rekka Sakura was demure, When Tengu insulted the fans, Rekka Sakura opened her heart to them. When Super Tengu broke the rules, Rekka Sakura insisted that they be kept. Kasumi Matsumoto stood out as the only true face in SJPW-W*. Now the third wave of Masami Matsumoto's children is arriving. Keiko Matsumoto just made her debut for RINGST*RS with a victory over Mia Gaynor. A right energetic girl Keiko can only be headed for greatness like her brother, sister and father before her. Sure there are more members to this family. The wily Kazuya Asakino and noble Keiji Asamiya come to mind. Kazuya's sisters Junko and Maiko*. Even Maiko's husband Mike Malone wrestles (though very rarely these days). Malone's brother is renowned grappler Nova Storm and his wife Maria is sister to Mexican star El Kondor Magnifico. To write about the whole family is a PN Magazine special issue in itself!! But for now, the Matsumoto's are the "Royal Family" of Puroresu. It is a name that is meant in the gravest respect to the greatest the sport has to offer. 
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