Austin Region, Tokyo Subregion, First Round: (1) Steve Austin vs. (32) Masahiro Chono
By Mia Tucker
Looking at the poll I don't see the location swaying many people. It seems as if Austin is on a collision course against Inoki, and if that match happens in Tokyo then it might be a bracket buster. Actually, it should be a bracket buster. But I think for now Stone Cold is the right choice. Chono was one the "three musketeers" who were considered to be NJPW's top stars during the late 80's and early 90's. And when the NWO went big in the States, Chono capitalized and brought the faction to Japan, becoming the faction's leader. Chono was a big star during that decade, but it's arguable that Austin was the industry's top star overall. History will remember the success of Stone Cold being the reason why the WWE is the sole mainstream pro wrestling company in America. And it's hard to measure up to influence like that.
For now, Austin is the right choice.
