(ALL JAPAN) Tiger Mask Increases Weight and Aims to Move Up to Heavyweight
12th November 1985 (Issue No.118)
This week's installment of our "Our Generation" series features the flag-bearer of the young generation, International Junior Heavyweight Champion Tiger Mask. While he's at the center of the junior battle with Kuniaki Kobayashi and others, he spoke about his true feelings and how he's already set his sights on the heavyweight division.
Q: As you probably already know, it's been over two months since you declared, "Let's create our era." During that time, talk of an all-star match was floated, but ultimately it died down... How do you feel about the current state of the pro wrestling world, Tiger Mask?
TIGER MASK: Tiger Mask: Yes, I also think that the younger generation of wrestlers need to gradually take the lead. But I'm not particularly interested in All-Star matches. It would be nice to fight wrestlers I've never faced before, but at the moment I don't particularly want to see it happen.
Q: Why is that?
TIGER MASK: Hmm. It's not something that can be easily achieved. I still have a lot of other things I need to do. Considering the feelings of my fans, maybe I should do it...
Q: So, what do you think you yourself need to do, Tiger?
TIGER MASK: First, I want to gain more weight. Then, mid-year, I'd like to move up to the heavyweight division and do my best to be able to fight on equal terms with Tsuruta, Tenryu, and Choshu.
Q: What about the Inter Junior Championship?
TIGER MASK: Oh, I completely forgot I had the junior belt (laughs). Just kidding, but I'm not even thinking about junior heavyweight wrestling anymore.
Q: So, would you say the "Tiger Mask era" began when you moved up to the heavyweight division and were able to confidently compete against top wrestlers?
TIGER MASK: I think so. And "our era" will naturally come when Baba and Inoki retire.
Q: Tiger, you're still young, after all. Compared to wrestlers in their 30s, you seem more relaxed. By the way, about Koshinaka...
TIGER MASK:....
Q: What do you think about his departure from All Japan?
TIGER MASK: It's his own decision, so I'm not going to say anything. However, even if he goes to New Japan, I hope he won't forget what he's done in All Japan up until now, and will do his best to put on a good match. And...
Q: And then...?
TIGER MASK: I really wanted to stand in the same ring as him. Even if we were in a singles or even if we teamed up. I watched the Cobra vs Koshinaka fight on video on the bus with everyone. He seemed pretty nervous.
Q: If you and Koshinaka were to fight now, are you confident you could win?
TIGER MASK: Considering my position, I don't think I can afford to lose. I'll definitely win.
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