(NOAH) Ohara's "jabe hell" reverse preview to Daga, the champion of "3 minute notice"

2nd February 2024

Pro Wrestling DX

OHARA: I just want results and the belt. I believe that by defeating Daga, the strongest champion currently, who has defeated HAYATA, Eita and Kondo (Shuji), I can bring about a change in the current Noah Juniors, and change the balance of power. Daga seems to be very particular about matches lasting three minutes, but I don't have any intention of having matches that are good and fast, like CUP RAMEN*. He certainly does have a lot of explosive power, and I really felt this in three minutes when fighting him in the pre matches, but if I can ride out that momentum, then I definitely think I have a chance of winning. He's like, yeah, Ultraman? Only strong for 3 minutes? It feels that way. Survive the 3 minutes, put him into jabe hell and tame the beast Daga, and become the Beast Tamer on February 4th in Sendai. Then I would like to go hunting.

DAGA: Let me tell you one thing: I'll give him three minutes. Considering my track record so far, there's definitely no one who can definitely defeat me within 3 minutes, so for now I'll just say that I'll give you that.

Q: What is your impression of Ohara? 

DAGA: Nothing really surprising. It's not a big deal, I know that Ohara is a great wrestler. He has good technique, he's been in Mexico, and I know he can handle a lot of different styles. But I'm a strong wrestler. I can handle any style. Technical, striking, aerial. So, considering my own ability to handle anything, I don't think he's all that impressive. 

Q: Isn't Daga completely looking down on you? 

OHARA: I want to tell him not to worry. On February 4th, he will experience a very memorable match in Sendai, and I think he can go back to Mexico with a good souvenir or good memories. 

Q: Ohara has warned you of "jabe hell," but what are your plans for dealing with it?

DAGA: Even though he says "jabe technique hell", I'm not worried at all. I'm from Mexico, so I've had plenty of experience with jabe, and jabe is like eating breakfast to me. It's not that big of a deal, so I'm hardly worried. 

Q: This year marks the 20th anniversary of your debut?

OHARA: In my case, I made my debut in Mexico and came here. I am completely different from the usual Japanese wrestlers, who went to Mexico for some training after their debut. I am a Japanese luchador, born in  Mexico, and so I am extremely aware of him. So my jabe, my lucha libre, that is something that sets me apart from other Japanese, and it is so different, it is completely different. I'm proud to be Mexican and also a luchador, so I want to express that. Its my 20th anniversary, I have been in Noah, fighting in the ring for eleven years. I want to show him the pride that I have accumulated in Noah over those eleven years, I want to show my pride in Noah's ring to him, as well as a Noah junior. I don't want to make him look good. 

Q: How far would you like to take the GHC Junior belt? 

DAGA: I think I'm definitely the strongest junior wrestler right now, and I think I'm the strongest wrestler in Noah who can't be beaten by anyone. I intend to continue to defend this belt and reign as the absolute junior champion, and if there is no one here in Japan who can take it away from me, I will travel around the world and go to other countries, and accept challenges from other wrestlers who might be able to.

 

Note: "Jabe" comes from "Key" in Lucha Libre and is a term roughly meaning a joint or a submission technique.

CUP RAMEN: Instant noodles, i.e. Cup Noodles.

Translated from Pro Wrestling DX

Picture credit: Pro Wrestling DX