More Info on WWE/NOAH Morishima Deal

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The potential WWE/NOAH working deal fell through when Vince McMahon watched Takeshi Morishima’s recent tryout matches and dismissed his efforts, claiming that he couldn’t connect with the audience. John Laurinaitis had been lobbying hard for Morishima but Vince made the comparison to Kenzo Suzuki, the last Japanese wrestler he had made big plans for, who had far less ability but a better physique. Others noted that if Morishima could drop 40 pounds then he might stand a better chance, since he did have good facials and it would benefit him on the health front anyway. Morishima was actually facing an uphill battle before he even got there, since his reputation as being the new Terry Gordy had left Gordy’s good friend Michael Hayes very skeptical about him even before watching his match.

NOAH had been under the impression that Morishima would get a lengthy run in WWE similar to how WCW booked The Great Muta in 1989, which would lead to his return as an even bigger star a few years down the line. They felt that they had enough talent in the interim to cover his absence and had arranged for Morishima to live with Harley Race in Eldon, MO, yet now it appears highly unlikely that the deal will proceed.

Morishima himself had no comment regarding his WWE matches but did take the time to put over Ricky Steamboat as having helped him with some pointers.

Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, 01 September 2008 (subscribe here)