PWInsider - WWE News, Wrestling News, WWE

 
 

NEW JAPAN STAR ACCUSED OF DOMESTIC ABUSE, FIRES BACK WITH ACCUSATIONS OF HIS OWN

By Paul Crockett on 2015-12-01 13:15:48
Tomoaki Honma, who has enjoyed a career Renaissance with New Japan Pro Wrestling since his inclusion in the 2014 G1 Climax, is under fire due to domestic violence issues.

In a story with Yahoo! Japan, his girlfriend of 18 years Kiyoko Ichiki, who once wrestled in Big Japan with him, has accused Honma of kicking her in the face.

The story began last month when Honma and Ichiki encountered a woman who claimed to have dated the New Japan star four years ago. After getting into an argument when they returned home, Ichiki felt that she was at fault, got on her knees and bowed to Honma for forgiveness. This is a Japanese tradition to express shame. While on her knees, she stated Honma kicked her in the face.

Ichiki stated that domestic violence issues began with Honma four years ago. In what might be the saddest part of the story, she stated she does not know if she will leave him and is only considering it because of the verbal, not physical, abuse.

This is not the first time Honma has been in trouble with New Japan. He was previously let go from the company in 2012 for a ticket selling scandal with alleged underground ties.

In a wild turn of events, Honma spoke with jprime.jp and stated that not only are the allegations untrue, but he stated that Ichiki is the one who has abused him in the past. He also stated he is seeking legal action against her because her claims are damaging his career.

New Japan, in the middle of the World Tag League tour, has not responded to the allegations. Honma is currently teaming with Togi Makabe in the G1 Tag League where they are co-leaders of A-Block with Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin.

On today's show at Hakata Star Lanes in Fukuoka, Honma teamed with Makabe and Jushin "Thunder" Liger in a win over Hirooki Goto, Katsuyori Shibata and Tiger Mask IV.

Needless to say, this story is sad for all parties involved.

Thanks to Matthew Macklin.

If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!