The IMGP title match is now drawing to a close.
Koji, hang in there!
There, Taguchi! You got him!
Sir, what a great match for the championship!
If only we'd filled more seats...
And there goes Taguchi's trump card!
He's got him in a reverse-inverted full nelson!
Hiyama's in trouble! Will he break free?
Taguchi!
Taguchi's got him! And the referee stops the fight! Hiyama loses!
Taguchi seals it with his finisher, the reverse-inverted full nelson!
He did it!
There's our headline, "Taguchi wins with reverse-inverted full nelson."
Yes!
Long hailed as the future ace of Super Japan Pro Wrestling,
Koji Taguchi is no longer a mere prospect for the future!
Now that he's conquered the IMGP battle, he's the man of the moment,
standing at the pinnacle of Super Japan Pro Wrestling!
And now, Commissioner Kamohashi of the Japan Pro Wrestling Federation...
will be presenting Koji Taguchi with the IMGP championship belt.
That was a terrific fight!
Thank you, sir.
What on earth is this?
No matter how you look at it, it's a squid!
A squid has appeared on the ring and snatched away Taguchi's hard-earned belt.
A giant squid in the ring!
The seconds are now attempting to drag the monster from the ring.
But they're having trouble grabbing him! He's too slippery!
They've provoked him! It's a raging squid!
He's tossing aside the seconds one by one!
It appears that the giant squid is trying to provoke Taguchi.
Don't do it, Koji!
They're facing off in the ring...
Taguchi throws the first strike! The squid comes back with a blow!
Taguchi lunges but the squid deflects him and swings at him.
Taguchi goes for the tackle!
He's going for the kill! It's his finishing move!
It's the reverse-inverted full nelson!
Taguchi's got the squid in the reverse-inverted full nelson!
It's the champ's signature move.
The new champ's got him in a lock and he's tightening his grip!
Holy cow! The squid escapes from the inescapable hold!
What's your analysis?
Joint locks don't work on an invertebrate! He's too slippery!
And now a head butt!
Taguchi's stunned, he's dazed! And he goes down!
Now the squid goes for a hold!
The squid's got Taguchi in a joint lock!
That's an awfully difficult move.
The squid's got him in a firm arm lock, er... tentacle lock.
He stands up Taguchi, gets under his arm, and...
Amazing! He delivers a Northern Light Suplex!
This is a nightmare for Taguchi! Can this really be happening?
Kan-ichi?
The Calamari Wrestler
Directed by Minoru Kawasaki
The Headquarters of Super Japan Pro Wrestling
Those morons!
It's not like the squid won the championship!
It's truly a regrettable situation, sir.
But it's been a while since we made it onto the front page.
What's the use in getting Taguchi on the front page for such a disgrace?
Super Japan Pro Wrestling is nothing but a laughing stock now.
The public probably thinks it's one of your schemes again.
As if I'd do anything like that! A squid!
Why would I put a squid in the ring just to embarrass our own star?
But we have to take advantage of this. Let's set up a rematch.
Don't be silly.
We could probably double our attendance.
Double...?
No way.
Taguchi goes for revenge against the monster squid in a fight for the ages.
Adults and kids alike will be glued to the TV.
You really think so?
Absolutely.
And we should move on it quickly.
But if Taguchi doesn't win, it'd be pointless.
Indeed, we'll need to arrange for that.
Kan-ichi Iwata? Never heard of him. I used to only cover baseball.
He used to be the top young wrestler in the federation.
I used to root for him all the time.
But just as he was peaking, a terminal illness forced him to retire,
and that was the last the world heard from this tragic genius.
Huh.
Must've been three years ago.
Back then, Taguchi felt like hardly more than Iwata's attendant.
So what does Iwata have to do with the squid?
Well, that move by the squid yesterday just reminded me of Iwata.
Thinking about it kept me up all night, actually.
Must be around here.
Hello.
We're with Teito Sports, here to interview the Calamari Wrestler.
He stands up Taguchi, gets under his arm, and...
Amazing! He delivers a Northern Light Suplex!
What's wrong?
A bad dream?
No,
it was nothing, just a dream.
Cheers.
I've got high hopes for you, Taguchi.
You're the one who'll lift wrestling back to the top.
as the king of national pastimes, like in the glory days of Godozan.
Godozan? Daddy, you're so old-fashioned!
Godozan was a star in the '50s, right?
Miyako, you're always making fun of old things.
All I'm saying is that pro wrestling needs another charismatic leader.
Daddy...
We were supposed to talk about our wedding plans.
That's right, I'm sorry.
About that, sir...
We'd agreed to hold the ceremony after I became the IMGP champion.
Well, you're the champion now.
No, my belt was taken away.
That wasn't an official fight.
It was cowardly, ambushing you after your match.
That's why I need to fight him again in my best condition.
Don't be silly! He's not even human.
That doesn't matter.
He denied me my championship.
This time, I won't lose.
Any relationship with Kan-ichi lwata?
Thanks for taking the time.
Well, let's see now, where should I start?
You see, it's my first time talking to a squid.
Ask anything you'd like.
He'll speak the same language you all speak.
Ah, is that right?
Well, then...
Mr. Calamari, what foods do you like?
There's nothing I won't eat.
I like everything.
That's wonderful.
Red bean rice cakes.
You like red bean rice cakes?
The ones from Okamotoya with citrus dumplings, especially.
Red bean rice cakes with citrus dumplings from Okamotoya!
Those were Kan-ichi's favorites...
Mr. Calamari, you mentioned you're from Hunza Valley in Pakistan,
but isn't that a mountainous region far from any inhabitable ocean?
It's a preconception by mediocre minds that squids can only live in water.
Even in Japan, an octopus was once spotted on Shirane Mountain.
A world that transcends the imagination of men... That's Hunza.
You must be hoping to fight an official match.
Without question.
I came here specifically to get in that ring.
On a different topic,
have you heard of a wrestler by the name of Kan-ichi Iwata?
I'm sorry but we're out of time. We've got more training to do.
But wait, sir, you haven't answered my question!
Yes?
Open up! Open the door!
Taguchi's not here.
I'm not here for Taguchi!
Open the door! Let me in!
Then why?
Why did you come?
I don't have any squid friends! What do you want?
What...?
Why...?
Please go home!
I'm sorry...
Kan-ichi?
Kan-ichi, is it you?
Kan-ichi Iwata...
is dead.
What's the matter?
He was here.
The squid was here, wasn't he?
That bastard!
Hold me!
Hold me tighter!
If the Calamari Wrestler is really Iwata,
maybe he's unhappy about Taguchi taking what should've been his.
Will he accept our condition?
We'll give him no choice.
If it's really Iwata, I'm sure he'll understand my grand vision.
Maybe I'm developing some hearing difficulties...
What did you just say?
I must decline. I'm incapable of fighting to lose.
Look, Calamari...
Pro wrestling isn't a sport. It's a show.
Just look back at the history of pro wrestling and you'll see.
In the postwar period, our nation was in a frenzy over Godozan's success.
The people wanted to see a Japanese wrestler crush the hated Americans.
That's the blueprint.
During the high economic growth period,
pro wrestling was the fair wind behind the Japanese spirit.
Surely you'd remember.
Godozan?
Sure, that sounds familiar...
He was stabbed to death by some thug in a cabaret, right?
Godozan is the god of pro wrestling! How dare you disrespect him!
Calm down, Furuma.
Listen, Calamari...
No one embodies the utter chaos in today's Japan better than you.
The threat of nuclear attacks, of terrorism,
the rise of violent crime, mysterious viruses,
the anxieties over an aging society, the economy, the politics...
You're perfect for this current atmosphere,
you and your monstrous self.
Seeing a Japanese wrestler defeat you will invigorate their spirits.
By seeing a mysterious creature defeated, anxiety will turn into hope.
No matter what, you mustn't win.
You'll torment the Japanese wrestler,
but in the end, the people want to see you ultimately lose to him.
Behind the scenes, of course, you're the star.
In fact, it's so brilliant that you've become a squid.
Assuming you're actually Kan-ichi Iwata, that is.
Well?
I want to be loved.
People will love me if I win.
For them, a hero is a winner.
Like hell you'll be loved, you monster!
Look in the mirror!
You're no hero!
You're just an ugly, disgusting, giant squid!
Just let me fight!
Let me get in the ring, and you'll see!
I want everyone to see me fight!
The discussion's over.
I'll make sure you never enter a Japanese ring.
Get out.
Get your filthy hands off me!
Let go!
That's enough, now!
What happened here?
Stop it!
You're not allowed in here!
Will there be a rematch between Taguchi and the Calamari Wrestler?
The Calamari Wrestler? He's banned from Japan pro wrestling!
We said get out!
The Banishment of the Calamari Wrestler
Who's the fool in this picture?
Practice, practice!
Sir, one match is all I need!
Please, just give me one chance against Calamari!
The company will decide your opponents.
But no one will ever see me as a true champion!
The people will soon forget about the Calamari Wrestler.
How can you prevent a talent from taking the stage?
Look, wrestling is a business, a perfromance! You know that!
Just play your role!
Quit talking like a greenhorn!
Nice coloration on this squid...
Can I help you?
Sardines, please.
Um, sure.
350 yen, right?
Can I get change?
Thanks.
Hey.
You gave me too much.
You've been obsessed with Calamari lately.
You know nothing about me.
This is the real me.
This was me before we started dating.
Now, I have a sense of purpose again.
But Calamari was banned from wrestling.
So you won't have to fight him any more, right?
We'll fight.
I'll rip him to pieces right before your eyes.
You're still in love with him, aren't you?
With Kan-ichi Iwata, I mean.
Stop it!
The Calamari Wrestler is Kan-ichi Iwata, you know.
That giant squid isn't Kan-ichi!
Kan-ichi, Kan-ichi... I had to put up with it for so long.
I was always in his goddamn shadow!
As long as he was around, I always came second.
"Taguchi, the promising talent second only to Iwata" they'd say.
Even for you, I was the second guy.
But you're number one now.
Yeah right! Not even close!
You even listening to me?
How bad it feels when it's like I'm just sitting in his spot.
Like if he ever came back, I'd have to give up my seat again...
You even know what that feels like?
This time, I'm putting an end to this.
You're thinking too much.
I'm leaving.
You said you were staying tonight.
I'm not seeing you until I beat him.
Why are you doing this? Calamari has nothing to do with us!
Maybe I only wanted you because you belonged to Iwata...
I used to covet everything he had.
Don't say that!
So who's better in bed, me or Iwata?
Q-1 is now the second martial fighting organization.
to recruit the Calamari Wrestler Let's see how the negotiations went.
Director Ishiyama! Please, just one comment!
We couldn't get anywhere.
His passion for pro wrestling is just too strong.
Will you give up signing him?
He's an exceptional talent, so we intend to keep trying.
Do me a favor?
Sir?
Scrub my back for me.
Kan-ichi, this country's filled with temptations.
Be careful.
Yes.
Think back to the feeling when you were revived.
That state of selflessness.
And don't forget it.
If you relapse into desires, ailments will return to your body.
I understand, master.
Looking for Calamari?
Um, no, well...
There's a little park straight ahead on the left.
That's where he always trains.
Thank you.
Sis!
We've been dating a while,
but I guess I really didn't know much about Koji.
He probably took that attitude with you.
because Kan-ichi showed up.
You say Kan-ichi, but he's a squid!
But he's Kan-ichi, right?
I saw Kan-ichi today.
Miyako...
Well, I only saw him from a distance.
But he hasn't changed a bit.
It's like I feel all warm just by looking at him.
I guess your heart's already decided.
What're you talking about?
You've always been like that.
You want advice, but deep down you already know the answer.
My job is just to listen.
I haven't decided anything.
No, you already know the answer,
so don't be taking any detours.
You're saying I should go out with a squid?
That's your answer?
Sis!
I didn't say anything.
But that's unthinkable.
Calamari was banned from wrestling.
How would he be able to support me?
Besides, Koji is the Super Japan champion.
So you want me to play the devil's advocate?
Come on, I just want your sincere opinion.
Some people say marriage and love are two separate things,
but I don't think that's true.
There's nothing more natural than to be with the person you love.
It's when we start getting swayed by things other than our true feeling.
That we start descending into despair.
Speaking from personal experience, anyway.
You know, Miyako...
Whether he's a human or a squid, he's still Kan-ichi...
The Building of the Japan Pro Wrestling Federation
Impressive.
I'm talking about this building.
Pardon, are you a visitor?
Kamohashi,
that's an awfully cold way to greet an old friend, don't you think?
Wow, you're going shopping! That's wonderful!
Hey, look!
We got all these petitions signed to get 'em to let you fight.
I appreciate it.
We're all on your side, you know.
Hey! Have some sardines to fuel up!
Thank you so much.
These are fresh.
I'll get some more for you, too.
Why did you disappear like that?
You never bothered to call me!
Why'd you leave me all alone?
I said I'd always be by your side.
Sorry...
You're such a jerk!
We've gotten petitions from all over, demanding we let Calamari fight.
Not to mention over 200 calls a day.
My, my...
He's been turning down offers from martial arts organizations,
saying he's dedicating his life to pro wrestling.
We look like the bad guys now.
I want Calamari to fight as much as the next person.
But he won't agree to our condition.
You're talking about getting Calamari to throw the fight?
It's not as if we're still in an era of good guys and bad guys.
Besides, Taguchi wants to fight him, too.
We've got a legacy to protect.
I have no intention of selling a farce of a show
where a man loses to some giant squid.
You don't know that Taguchi will lose.
His chances aren't good.
He may look like a squid now,
but they say he used to be Kan-ichi Iwata.
It might be a good match.
As long as they're pro wrestlers, they must commit to the show.
There's one thing I vowed when I became the president.
Godozan's legacy, right?
Indeed.
It was Godozan's wrestling
that lifted the spirits of the struggling Japanese people after the war.
His karate punches were the fair wind behind Japan's rapid economic growth.
Yet today there's no life in Japan, no life in pro wrestling.
The threat of nuclear weapons and terrorism,
and all the chaos in today's society can be embodied by Calamari.
By showing our own ace defeating that giant squid,
we can help alleviate the people's anxiety.
It's a cause worth working for.
I'll see to it that pro wrestling will blossom
into the king of popular culture, like it was during Godozan's time.
Godozan wouldn't have wanted that brand of pro wrestling.
Huh?
If he were alive today, he wouldn't have wanted it to be that way.
It's a matter of interpretation...
Listen to me.
Be they men or squid, they're still professional wrestlers.
So long as the man and the squid give their absolute best in the ring,
the viewers will respond,
and there'll be an exchange of energy between the fighters and the fans.
They cease to be human or squid.
What Godozan would want isn't some substitute for the evil West,
but rather, world peace and a society without prejudice.
Calamari a Reincarnation of Kan-ichi lwata!
Calamari and Taguchi to Square Off On Oct. 22
In the town where the Calamari Wrestler resides at a temple,
they're celebrating as if Calamari has already won.
To celebrate the fight, our squid's on sale for 100 yen each!
Calamari ate our radish to get stronger.
Come get 'em!
Looks like this match will have an unexpected economic impact here.
The Calamari's just cool. I'd love a figurine.
They should come as prizes, like when you buy seafood sausages.
We're in Tokyo at Super Japan's training facility.
Champion Koji Taguchi is training for his match with the Calamari Wrestler.
We're going to try to get a few comments from him.
Let's find out how he's feeling.
No press are allowed inside.
No, he won't be doing interviews!
Please, just let us get a few moments to talk to him!
Sorry, I don't make the decisions.
There appears to be some covert training going on inside.
C'mon, get serious!
A squid's got ten arms, man!
Use your hands and feet and gimme everything you got!
Ow, ow...!
Who the hell are you?
None of your business.
Hey, this is Calamari's promoter!
Hey, hey!
Awake now?
Who're you?
Sir, he's Calamari's promoter. He's here to spy on us.
I'm your trainer now.
Huh?
At this rate you'll never beat Calamari.
What the hell did you say?
Come with me to Hunza. Then you can win.
What're you talking about?
Better hurry. Only three hours 'til departure.
I'm not going!
Calamari- Taguchi Fight is Blasphemous
Soiling the Game of Pro Wrestling
This is just an insult to the public, to the fans.
Squid should be fighting other squid.
Even if he's an ex-human, I mean, he's a squid... right?
Can this get any more ridiculous?
It's like a cartoon!
This stuff isn't supposed to fly in the real world!
This is just... squalid!
There's been some controversy about this upcoming match.
As a wrestler, how do you feel?
Some fighters even gained fame after battling bulls and bears,
so why not squid?
I'll be cheering them on Looking forward to it, really.
Who do you think will win?
That's a tough one.
I mean, a squid!
I don't think punches or joint locks are gonna work.
Maybe just slam him to the ground.
One thing I can say for sure is,
it's gonna be an amazing fight like you've never seen.
Takayama Supports Calamari- Taguchi Fight
I'm so glad Takayama said that!
He's never been a man to judge based on prejudices or preconceptions.
Anyway, here, look at this.
Ready?
Here we go.
Yay, congratulations!
You're amazing.
Your dream about beating the illness and fighting again,
you made it come true.
Wish I could've been more help to you.
Not at all!
You're the one that I, um...
if it weren't for you...
I'll go make some salad.
Naughty boy!
Hey, cut it out, hey...
Still falling off the bed after all these years?
What happened?
I'll call the ambulance!
What're you doing?
I don't want to put antibiotics in my body.
But we have to stop the pain!
The temple! Call the temple...
So you've succumbed to temptation.
It's my fault.
You did nothing wrong. Now leave the rest to us.
Let's take him to the bell.
We can't get in touch with Master Senzan!
We'll conduct the treatment ourselves.
Yes.
Hurry, hurry!
We will now begin the rite to expel desire
from the 365 points of Kan-ichi Iwata's body.
Begin!
One!
Two!
Three!
Four!
Kan-ichi!
Will you perish as a mere desire-ridden terrestrial,
or will you endure the rite of 365 points
and sublimate yourself as a creature of the ocean?
I'll do it.
It's impossible!
Go home, Miyako!
I want to become a squid again.
and enter the ring one more time!
Please!
From the beginning, then.
One!
Two!
Three!
Sir, the tickets sold out in just 15 minutes!
This is the fastest ever.
The premium ringside seats are going for 800,000 in auctions!
Taguchi better be coming back.
Um, of course.
He told his team he'll be back for the match no matter what.
So you came running back?
I'd just be in the way if I stayed over there.
Even as we speak, Kan-ichi's battling over there.
You can't be turning your eyes away.
This is when you have to be by his side, right to the end.
Sis...
Hang in there.
Thanks.
232!
233!
Sir, we can't continue this!
At this rate, he'll die!
Is this it, Calamari Wrestler?
Is this as high as you can climb?
Everything that is alive must die at some point.
Death visits everyone, equally.
I've already died once.
But even when the body expires, the spirit lives on forever.
That's why I want to live once more.
I don't mind dying again.
I'm now free from all thoughts, no regrets whatsoever.
Oh God, please turn Kan-ichi into a squid again.
I see it!
Miyako!
Kanagawa Ultra Arena
Sir, Calamari just got in the locker room.
A bit late.
It stunk so bad in there.
I'd bet.
Not the squid, it's the sweaty monks that came with him!
What in hell were they doing?
It's the driver picking up Taguchi.
Hello... So he got in?
Step on it and rush him here.
Let me speak to Taguchi ...He can't?
Why not?
Whatever, just hurry over!
How's Taguchi?
Apparently he's fine,
but he's not able to take the phone.
What does that mean?
Good evening, everyone.
We're at the Kanagawa Ultra Arena for the IMGP championship match
where the champion Koji Taguchi will face the Calamari Wrestler.
Our commentator is Tarzan Yamamoto,
and our guest is Toradan Nanbu from the Dengeki Network.
Thank you for coming.
- Oh, yeah! - Yo!
So Tarzan, we should be seeing a fight for the ages.
It's a historical event. It really should be something.
Toradan, what do you expect out of this match?
It may turn out to be... a squid.
Thank you, very enlightening.
We'll be hearing more from them later on,
but now let's check out the third match of the card,
where Satsuma is taking on Maeno.
It seems the rumor was true.
Calamari,
you mustn't lose your poise when you see Senzan in Taguchi's corner.
Yes, sir.
Do not blame him, for surely Senzan had his own reasons.
Excuse me.
We need you on standby.
Did Taguchi arrive?
Yes, just now.
However...
It's now time for the official IMGP championship match!
First, the challenger, the Calamari Wrestler!
Your complexion's looking pretty good!
Quit crying, it hasn't even started!
And now, the IMGP champion, Koji Taguchi!
Keep your poise.
We've just been notified
that Taguchi has just completed training in Hunza, Pakistan
and was reborn as an octopus.
So what you see before your eyes is, in fact, Koji Taguchi.
No mistake, this is Taguchi!
Just call him the Octopus Wrestler.
You think so? Octopus Wrestler?
The fight for the IMGP championship has begun.
Octopus throws Calamari to the ground.
Calamari comes back with some kicks to the knee.
Octopus is reeling a bit.
They grapple, and Calamari wraps behind.
He takes Octopus down!
Was Octopus knocked unconscious?
Looks like he's fine. Octopus gets up.
Calamari with a rolling kick.
He lands the rolling kick!
Calamari's in his first official match.
They grapple once again.
It's a test of strength. Calamari gets the upper hand!
Calamari's got him on the ground. Octopus reaches for the ropes.
It's like Calamari's inherited the fighting spirit of Inoki.
Good point, Inoki was squid-like, wasn't he?
But really, this is going to be a fight to the death.
Calamari unleashes a flurry of knuckle punches to the temple.
Octopus is taking some serious damage here.
Is Calamari going for the kill already?
He follows up with some kicks to the knee.
Octopus is cornered in.
Calamari's got this match under control.
He knocks him down. What'll he do next?
Calamari wraps up Octopus in an octopus hold and squeezes!
Octopus goes into spasms!
A Calamari and Octopus double-decker. What a gourmet seafood special!
Oh, but Octopus counters!
Wow, he's got Calamari in a reverse mackerel hold!
What gamesmanship from Octopus, formerly known as Koji Taguchi!
Calamari gets up, throws him on the ropes and takes him down!
Octopus is in pain.
They're grappling, and Calamari's got his arm.
He's working on that arm.
The crowd's getting fired up.
Now it's the Octopus' turn. He's delivering vicious chops.
Three in a row!
He's being very careful here.
Octopus has Calamari in a tight grip! He's clamping down like a vice!
An amazing display of strength!
And now Calamari's complexion is turning from white to skin color.
Will this be it for Calamari? Can he take this any longer?
Will this decide it?
Stop it or you won't taste any good.
Will this bring a sudden end to this classic battle?
Throw in the towel!
Kan-chi! You've done enough! Please, that's enough!
Kan-ichi, you've already worked hard enough! Please, just rest now!
Calamari manages to break free!
He delivers a backdrop with a twist!
He follows that with a double underhook suplex!
And from the second rope,
he connects on a body slam, right to the head!
Calamari's just merciless right now!
Now he's grabbing his legs, and... oh my goodness!
Calamari has Octopus in a giant swing! Unbelievable!
What a move, the giant swing!
How many times will he spin?
Ladies and gentleman, we are not underwater! This is really happening!
Ink! Now he's inking him!
He connects on the Medulla Oblongata Cutter!
Does an octopus have a medulla oblongata?
One, two, three!
Hooray!
Yessss!
Miyako! Miyako!
What were your thoughts when you saw the Octopus?
Miyako! Miyako!
How did it feel to finally fight an official match?
Miyako! Miyako!
Kan-ichi! I love you, Kan-ichi!
Pro wrestling... It's back!
"Calamari vs. Octopus" Noodle
This thing's going to be a hit.
Squid ink soup and plenty of octopus meat.
Twice the taste in each bowl!
Say, our latest commercial's about to air.
Is that right?
A refreshing drink for the luscious cephalopod!
Sorry I'm late.
Some teenage girls were hounding me.
Not easy being popular.
They were taking pictures of me.
How'd they see through my disguise?
Am I that obvious?
Hello there.
Can I get you something to drink?
I'll have some Dom Perignon.
Sure, I'll be right back.
After shopping, can you come to the realtor with me?
The realtor?
I want my mother to move in.
I want to find her a place with an ocean view.
She makes dried fish, remember?
Figured she'd be feel more comfortable near the ocean.
Say, when did your father pass away?
Mother told me he died when I was about one.
Don't even know his face, his name.
Mother used to be a geisha when she was young, and he was a regular.
I see.
I'm sure he would've been proud of you right now.
Who knows?
All I've known is growing up with my mother.
I can't even imagine what it's like to have a father.
I guess some people have really similar fates...
What?
Um...
We're fine. Our order's all here.
You're the Calamari Wrestler, right?
Well, yes.
May I have an autograph?
I'd be happy to, if you really want my scribbling.
Thank you so much!
I want an autograph, too! Please!
Where should we go next?
Man, give me a break.
Oh no, not yet. I'm going to hog you all to myself.
Don't get too full of yourself, Calamari Wrestler.
The strongest fighter in the world is me, the Squilla Boxer!
Kan-ichi!
Are you OK?
- Calamari Wrestler Ambushed - Calamari Crushed
Mighty Squilla Boxer Makes a Splash
Squilla Signs With Q-1
World's First Inter-species Animal Championship Match
I was really surprised by the last match, frankly.
Human or squid, I guess amazing fights have a way of speaking to us.
They transcend nations, they transcend race.
Well, I think Calamari might be the underdog this time
but I'm expecting an even better fight than the last.
Calamari and Octopus, aren't these just great?
And of course you'd want to see the Squilla too, right?
So I had my buddy make me a sample.
Can't wait 'til this hits the market!
Frankly, I'm really a fan of Calamari.
See, I grew up near the coast where the squid was excellent.
So naturally I'm drawn to Calamari.
I just can't help it, you know.
But one thing is, this is his first match against a Crustacean, right?
I think he might have a pretty hard time with Squilla's punches.
In any case, I'm sure it'll be a... tasty fight!
No doubt in my mind.
Man, I'm getting excited just thinking about it!
I said no! I won't repeat it!
Like I said, today's a private session. There's nothing here to see.
Just go home. No, please just go home!
Hey, hey, ever done it with an octopus?
It's awesome value, I'm tellin' you. We're talking eight hands!
With suction cups sucking on you, too.
Pervert!
Hey, c'mon! Let's do some sucky sucky...
What the hell you lookin' at?
You look pathetic for a star.
I ain't no star anymore.
I'll never beat Iwata.
I'll be second fiddle for the rest of my life.
Is that how you really feel? You don't want revenge?
No way an octopus can beat a squid.
I'm short two tentacles to begin with.
Then turn into a crab or sea urchin or something.
Wasn't your dream to defeat Iwata?
I saw the Squilla Boxer sparring today.
How was it?
Iwata's probably taking this lightly, figuring that ambush was a lucky shot.
But that punch is lethal.
Iwata's going to go in complacent and get murdered in there.
Is that what you want?
To see him killed before you get a chance to beat him?
How could you decide that without consulting me?
Look, I understand that's the only date available.
But the feng shui's horrible at Tokyo Dome.
Let's do it at the Ultra Super Deluxe Arena.
At least give me that.
Otherwise I'm not fighting.
Are you really fighting him?
It's the "Squid vs. Squilla in the New Year's Eve Seafood Smackdown"
He's no different than humans, getting spoiled by fame.
But I wonder if merchandising sales might go down if Calamari loses...
The Octopus is still selling fine.
That's true.
Good morning, sir!
Who's that?
You want some?
The Squilla's punch is twice as fast as that egg.
That blow you took from him wasn't even half his strength.
You won't last a second in the ring.
You finished?
Wanna see?
He took down three guys in two seconds.
Look, no distance is safe.
His reach is long and he's faster than a blink,
he can cover any ground.
There's no contest.
His punch is like a gun. As destructive as a shotgun, really.
How do you intend to fight an opponent with a shotgun?
Difficult, indeed.
Get behind his back. That's his blind spot.
He'll knock me out before I get there.
There's one possible way.
Working hard? I brought some sandwiches. Come and get them!
Thanks!
C'mon, a little more!
Good!
Gimme one more, hang in there!
Thanks as always!
Man, I'm starving.
Koji, thanks for everything.
Kan-ichi didn't have anyone to talk to about wrestling,
so it's comforting just having you around.
Don't get me wrong.
I'm just making sure he stays healthy so I can beat him.
Hey.
Looks like you've gotten better at curbing your desires.
I've been in this condition long enough.
So what brings you here?
You need money or something?
Quite the opposite.
I figure you won't survive New Year's Eve,
so I thought I'd bring an obituary gift. Sad to see your end so soon.
Cut the crap!
Honey!
So the Squilla's your idea, huh?
Remember this.
He'll be the one that's going to face an early end!
Oh?
Faster, faster!
This takes me back.
Training with you were my favorite times.
I hated it.
Every time we'd spar, you'd be stronger than the last.
Since I hated to lose, you were a pain in the ass.
Oh yeah?
Well, thanks to you, I'm a better fighter for it.
Don't you lose, Kan-ichi Iwata.
Of course not. Didn't make this comeback for nothing.
Here at the Ultra Super Deluxe Arena, fans have already started gathering.
in anticipation of tomorrow's match between Calamari and Squilla.
Who're you rooting for tomorrow?
Calamari Wrestler, all the way!
And you?
Go Calamari, kill the Squilla!
Calamari! Calamari!
All they want to see is blood.
They want to see bones shattering, hear us scream...
They just want to see someone die. Each and every one of them!
Maybe some are like that, but it's not everyone.
It's strange.
If the fans expect it, I almost feel like I have to give it to them.
Don't be stupid.
All I want is for you to come back to me safely.
We still have so many places to go together.
I love you.
I want to have your children.
Miyako...
The Ultra Super Deluxe Arena
Who will be standing at the end? Calamari Wrestler or Squilla Boxer?
Calamari and Squilla will face off in this Inter-Species Championship,
just moments from now to determine the best fighter on the planet.
Our commentator today is Go Yoshida, and I'm Kaido for your play-by-play.
How about the last match?
That fight with the Octopus has to go down in history as a classic.
Yes, it was really something.
But today's match is the first inter-species fight for animals.
It's going to be an unpredictable battle.
It's got the electricity of that Inoki vs. Ali match.
You can feel the thirst for blood in the air.
It's completely packed!
Not only in here,
the TV ratings should be off the charts tonight.
This is going to get wild!
Let's check in with the Calamari and the Squilla.
and see how both sides are doing in the locker room.
First, for the Calamari side, Ms. Torigoe?
Yes.
How does the Calamari Wrestler look in there right now?
I'm here in front of the Calamari Wrestler's locker room.
Excuse me.
Looks like he's finished warm ups and is meditating right now.
I see, so he's preparing by raising his concentration level.
Meanwhile, how is the Squilla. Boxer preparing, Mr. Fukui?
Yes, Fukui here.
I'm in front of the Squilla Boxer's locker room now.
Apparently he's warming up inside at the moment.
Let's take a look inside and see how he's doing.
Excuse me.
Mr. Squilla, do you have a moment?
Mr. Fukui!
Excuse me.
A telegram from Monhon Temple, sir.
It's starting! It's starting!
Be quiet, now.
Sorry, sir.
We're unable to attend due to New Year's duties here.
All of us here have faith that you will triumph today.
Now, live in the moment.
Don't worry, I'll take care of your widowed wife after this.
Go to hell!
Squilla takes a quick shot, already showing his ferocity.
That's illegal, though.
But Calamari didn't dodge it. Did he see it?
I don't think he did. Squilla's giving him a warning.
Right.
Wait, there's blood emerging from where Squilla grazed his head!
You alright?
Squilla's showing off his nimble footwork.
Very reminiscent of Muhammad Ali.
And what the...?
Strange, Calamari's just disappeared.
I wonder where he went.
What a bizarre development.
He emerges from underneath and gets rear position!
But Squilla connects on a right hook and then another!
A flurry of punches! And he isn't stopping!
This is just utterly one-sided!
He's a total goner.
Squilla's just toying with him like he's a plaything!
It's a Calamari pinball!
Hey, break it up!
C'mon, dance! Dance for me!
I'm scared, I'm scared!
Iwata...
Kan-Ichi!
What happened?
His fear of Squilla made him degenerate into a human.
Stop! This match is already over!
Out of the way!
Taguchi...
Stop the fight! It's too dangerous!
Wait, the real fight's about to begin.
I have no use for losers.
You're not even Calamari now. You're nothing but sashimi!
Kan-ichi, please don't!
Let's do it.
Hit your head in the wrong spot?
I love pro wrestling, man! I just love it.
I love that I get to fight someone like you.
Kan-ichi, don't do it, please!
And now the fight between Iwata and Squilla begins!
He blocks the punch, wraps and goes for the cobra twist!
Squilla counters with a throw!
Iwata comes back with some kicks.
Oh, and he's got him in an ankle twist hold!
Once, twice, three times in a row!
Squilla looks to be in a lot of pain.
Is it a counter?
There it goes, a beautiful headstand! A complete recovery by Iwata!
A vicious uppercut from Squilla! Iwata goes down!
Kan-ichi!
Iwata! Iwata!
Iwata gets up!
He rises as if possessed by the crowd's spirit!
One more blow and he's gone.
He rips his arm out!
He tosses it aside! He's cooking up something!
Now he grabs the left arm.
What astounding strength!
Holy cow! He connects on a megaton meteor kick!
That man looks awfully familiar...
It can't be...
Godozan!
It's difficult to rationalize,
but a man that appears to be Godozan has emerged out of the Squilla!
But Godozan should have died 40 years ago with an intestinal obstruction!
Isn't that Senzan, that guy who used to be Calamari's promoter?
Hey!
Excuse us.
"Godozan, real name Mitsuteru Senzan"
Godozan's real name is Senzan!
What?
Kan-ichi, Koji...
I am your real father!
The crowd here at the Ultra Super Deluxe Arena is stunned,
as it comes to terms with this bizarre Bermuda Triangle scenario,
in which squid, octopus and squilla in fact all belong to one family!
Listen to the crowd cheering!
This is possibly the greatest match in the 50 years of pro wrestling!
We're standing at the threshold of a new era in pro wrestling!
With Iwata and Taguchi inheriting Godozan's blood,
pro wrestling in Japan will live on forever!
Directed by Minoru Kawasaki