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by Toshiro Kasaji, January 24th, 1999 
TOKYO, JAPAN -- January 24, 1999 -- Genichiro Matsumura, Director of
Operations for Neo Japan Pro Wrestling, has announced the signing of several
world-class athletes to the brand new promotion."We are extremely pleased with our acquisitions," stated Matsumura, "this talent-base will form the nucleus which we hope will carry Neo J from 2-and 3,000 seat arenas to the Tokyo Dome and other comparable venues." One glance at the aforementioned signings and you can see why Mr. Matsumura's outlook is so hopeful: "Ice Cold" Hiroyoshi Tenzaki; high-flying middleweight RAPTOR; former two-time World Champion and popular gaijin "Hardline" Byron Brady; the tag team Crush Guys; in addition, "[another] high-profile athlete who cannot be named due to the contract entanglements of his present promotion," Matsumura said. At press time, Matsumura and company were still in negotiations with tag teams Asian Assassination Squad and Tokyo Blades. Notwithstanding the firm grounding and credibility these superstars undoubtedly give the promotion, early word on Neo Japan is that they are already suffering financial woes and treading water; most likely from the high overhead incurred from the talented roster's price tag(s). Mr. Matsumura smiled and politely declined comment on the present financial status of NJP, "Get back to me in a year from now and we'll have this conversation." Neo J may not be alone in its climb to success. SJPW is rumored to be showcasing some NJP talent on upcoming cards. Matsumura was not quite as tight-lipped on this issue, "We have spoken with Super Japan several times in the recent months and although I can't formally give a lineup at this time, we do indeed have plans for a working relationship with their promotion." Neo Japan's televised bi-weekly program 'Denkoo Puroresu' is set to air beginning in February on TV Tokyo Channel 4. 
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