The creation of the new "House Of Torture" sub-unit (EVIL, SHO, Yujiro Takahashi, Dick Togo) represents the latest example of the growing Dick Togo influence in New Japan.
The idea behind the unit (which was pitched by Togo) is to continue EVIL's long term push as a top star by surrounding him with an entourage, which would lead to an eventual split from Bullet Club and subsequent feud with Jay White (who would presumably go babyface). The obvious comparison point would be The Elite's internal war with the Tongan led Bullet Club a few years ago. For now, House Of Torture will team with other Bullet Club members. House Of Torture will have a heavy presence on the G1 Climax tour, with the goal of establishing the sub-unit as a "constant presence" for EVIL's matches.
HoT members have been directed to focus on character work, storytelling, and "heat". This will be a full-on heel cheating unit, with heavy emphasis on outside interference, in the same vein as EVIL's singles bout.
The Roppongi 3K split was debated internally. Gedo was initially opposed, citing among other issues, merchandise sales. Togo was in favor, as were SHO & YOH themselves, who are eager to work singles and had been pushing for a split for a long while. Once the decision was made, Togo pitched SHO for House Of Torture and was responsible for the booking of the turn angle and the layout of the singles match at Wrestle Grand Slam. SHO's matches moving forward will feature layouts similar to EVIL bouts, with a heavy emphasis on "heat". SHO is said to not be completely sold on his new character directives and unit alignment, but is happy with the opportunity for a singles push.
Togo is not winning all of his battles. Togo pitched a short term EVIL title reign, with EVIL defeating Shingo Takagi for the IWGP World title at Wrestle Grand Slam and then losing it back quickly, in order to establish HoT as an immediate main event force, but the idea was shot down by Gedo, who feels the title needs a long, stable reign after all of the quick changes earlier in the year. In addition, Shingo continues to butt heads with Togo on match layouts. Shingo was not happy with many of the ideas for his match vs EVIL at New Japan Cup. Shingo had similar issues with today's match, but perhaps due to having more pull as champion, was able to veto some of the spots.
Regarding the G1 lineups, nothing should've come as much of a surprise for those following the situation. The last remaining puzzle piece was Aaron Henare. There had been some hope Henare would be ready in time, but it was never considered likely and plans were made at least a month ago to proceed with the idea that he wouldn't be available. Using non-NJPW outside talent to fill out the field was fan fueled speculation and never something we heard discussed internally to any serious degree.
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