 He entered Michinoku Pro Wrestling and won a tournament for the vacant FMW Independent World Junior Heavyweight Championship, upsetting New Japan Pro Wrestling star El Samurai in the final - his first great solo victory.He made an alliance with Dick Togo, styling himself as Togo's disciple and joining him in the Far East Connection stable.As Togo and Michinoku Pro owner The Great Sasuke bickered over problems that had once caused Togo to leave the promotion before, the team left the promotion for Pro Wrestling Zero-One

In 2001, Hidaka entered Pro Wrestling Zero1 and began to battle the active junior heavyweight roster.