| The first main event announced for "Open the Historic Gate" on July 25th in Philadelphia is Dragon Kid vs. Masato Yoshino. Both are mainstays of the Open the Brave Gate division and have had clashed numerous times over the title. The Yoshino/Kid battles have excited and captivated audiences for several years. Their first high profile singles match of the Dragon Gate era took place in January of 2006. Kid was making his first defense of the Brave Gate, after unseating Doi at the end of 2005. Blood Generation, particularly Doi, intruded, causing a no contest. Kid was credited with a successful defense, but due to the unsettled nature of the conclusion, both sides agreed to an immediate rematch. This happened two weeks later on February 5th in Hakata Star Lanes. Unfortunately, once again Blood and Kid's fellow Do FIXER mates became involved for another no contest. This time the title became vacated. In March, both participated in the league to decide the next Brave Gate champion. Kid gained a measure of revenge by winning their league match. Yoshino had the last laugh, submitting Kid in the league final three-way match with the Sol Naciente. Yoshino would hold the title for nearly a year, before losing it to current WWE superstar Matt Sydal (Evan Bourne). He regained it in fall of 2007, and began a string of impressive defenses that saw him defeat nearly every Typhoon member. Yoshino and Kid met nearly two years to the date of their prior Brave Gate match, on February 3rd, 2008. Once again in Hakata Star Lanes, this time Yoshino decisively won with the Lightning Spiral. Yoshino went on to lose and regain the title once again over the course of 2008. His first defense was to take place in his hometown of Osaka on the GATE OF DESTINY 2008 pay per view. Once again, Kid was his opponent. In the semi-final position, they stole the show with a 27 minute epic. The bout was widely praised as the match of the night, and a candidate for Dragon Gate match of the year. Yoshino again prevailed, but this time it took his ultimate limit break, a top rope version of the Lightning Spiral. His victory came with a cost, though. The Hurricanrana heavy assault from Kid caused a broken neck. Yoshino missed the remainder of 2008, and was forced to withdraw from KING OF GATE. We’ll be
treated to their latest war on July 25th. Both sides will have a lot
of motivation in Philadelphia. Yoshino has proved he has Kids’ number,
cleanly winning their last 3 meetings. Naturally, he will be out to
continue this streak on a new battleground. The neck injury and lost
KoG opportunity is also surely still in his mind, so he will also be
seeking a measure of revenge. Kid will be looking to cement his status
as one of the aces of Dragon Gate USA by reversing his recent fortunes
vs. Yoshino. Either way, this match will once again be the likely show
stealer. |
