Tom ZenkJapan · 1994-1995

Zenk had not worked for All Japan since mid-1989, when withdrawing from a scheduled October tour to sign with WCW damaged his relationship with Giant Baba and referee-intermediary Joe Higuchi. WCW obligations in rival New Japan during 1991 and 1992 added further strain.

The Wrestling Observer nevertheless reported on 11 July 1994 that Zenk appeared to be receiving a medium-level push on his return. Baba asked him to accept losses “this time around,” promising that he would be rebuilt over subsequent tours. Chris Benoit explained the difference between American anxieties about doing jobs and the Japanese emphasis on producing good matches regardless of the winner.

Zenk had worked intensively for All Japan during 1987-89 and accepted the arrangement provided the pay was worthwhile. Learning that Dan Kroffat and Doug Furnas were earning $2,500 per week after five continuous years made him resolve to complete the two contracted tours and then reconsider his future in Japan.

The tour was complicated by a subpoena requiring Zenk to testify in New York during the federal trial of Vince McMahon. Zenk recalled contacting investigator Tony Valenti from Japan in an unsuccessful effort to avoid returning. He flew back mid-tour, testified, and then rejoined the series.

Johnny Ace had helped arrange the booking. Zenk recalled that the promised $3,000 weekly rate never materialized, that All Japan expected him to regain his earlier size, and that he had no intention of doing so. “The dream was over,” he concluded. “After the trial, Baba never felt the same. I had Vince’s stink all over me.”

The foreign contingent included Terry Gordy, Richard Slinger, Steve Williams, The Eagle (Jackie Fulton), Johnny Smith, Abdullah the Butcher, Giant Kimala II, Kurt Beyer and Johnny Ace. Zenk appeared in unusual combinations with and against Stan Hansen and Doug Furnas, and exchanged falls with former Montreal championship partner Dan Kroffat. This was Zenk’s penultimate Japanese tour.

Zenk returned in late September for the Giant Series. The Wrestling Observer described All Japan as the world’s most traditional promotion: its simple, patterned booking echoed the old Sam Muchnick St. Louis office, with leading wrestlers trading clean victories without losing momentum. All Japan largely avoided gimmick matches and screw-job finishes.

Despite limited late-night television, Budokan Hall events sold out weeks in advance, guaranteeing close to $1 million whenever the venue was booked. The promotion’s strength rested on wrestlers such as Kenta Kobashi and Toshiaki Kawada, a deep mid-card, and foreign talent selected by Baba rather than supplied through American promotional alliances.

The visiting roster included Steve Williams, Stan Hansen, Johnny Ace, Dan Spivey, Doug Furnas, Dan Kroffat, Johnny Smith, The Eagle, The Falcon, Dory Funk Jr. and Japanese debutant Chris Candido. Zenk received a steadier push in the upper mid-card and main event.

His final match in Japan was the 22nd Anniversary Memorial Match. Zenk teamed with The Eagle and Johnny Smith against Giant Baba, Jumbo Tsuruta and Dory Funk Jr. - three men central to the company that had given him his Japanese breakthrough.

Tom Zenk was scheduled for the 1995 New Year Giant Series and appeared in the advertised program, but ultimately declined the invitation.

Accordingly, the 22 October 1994 Anniversary Memorial Match remained his final appearance for All Japan Pro-Wrestling and his final match in Japan.