All great things must come to an end eventually, and on the December 14th finals of NJPW’s World Tag League & Super Junior Tag League tournaments – Minoru Suzuki would make a major announcement. He would announce that at the end of 2022, the long standing Suzuki-gun faction will disband – with it’s members all going their separate ways. This ends the faction after 11 years together.
Minoru Suzuki Announces The End Of Suzuki-gun
Following an easy victory over House of Torture, Suzuki would take a microphone and had the following to say – with the promo translated by NJPW1972.com.
“In 2011, myself, Taichi and TAKA Michinoku started Suzuki-Gun. Lance Archer soon followed, and we ran wild. It’s been 11 years of highs and lows.
Taichi, you really used to be good for nothing, and now look at you. The experience and knowledge you’ve gained has become so important for all of us.
Lance, I first met you in an indie in Shin-Kiba First Ring. Your first time in Japan and I was the first Japanese guy you ever faced. Now and forever you are a brother to me.
Desperado, you aren’t just some thug. You’re one of the aces of the junior heavyweight division in NJPW.
Kanemaru, whether you’re lined up next to us or supporting from behind, there is nobody more dependable than you are in the ring.
DOUKI, there’s a lot of heel shtick about dragging yourself up through dirt floors, being out through hell. He lived it for real. That’s strength.
And Zack. You’re not here today, but I am so glad that I went to England and brought you in to Suzuki-gun. Someday soon, let’s lock up, take an arm, take a leg, and beat the piss out of each other again.
So again, why are you applauding? Since this group was born, you’ve booed us, harassed us, called us shit, told us to die. Sometimes you’ve thrown trash at us, and now look. You really love us.
So it’s time to say it. In 2023, it’s a new voyage for Suzuki-gun. Each member will be taking their own paths. At the end of this year 2022, Suzuki-Gun will disband.’
The End Of An Era
It seems like this could lead to Suzuki retiring from the industry in 2023, with Yoshinobu Kanemaru also looking to move away from the spotlight. While Suzuki is a legend, it’s clear that his body is not what it used to be. It’s incredibly rare we ever see Suzuki take a bump in a match, and some matches on the latest World Tag League tour saw him pinned in a matter of minutes.
This could lead to the formation of a new faction, with many hoping to see Zack Sabre Jr. & Taichi stick together to form a new faction in 2023. Considering the faction has run for 11 years, they have an incredible legacy in Japanese wrestling – and for a faction to run for so long without any betrayals is incredible.
They will be missed, and depending on what comes next – this could be huge for NJPW. Will you miss Suzuki-gun? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VFSdZwbk5k
