(NOAH) Yoshinari Ogawa, who retired in 2024, gave an interview following New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Ryohei Oiwa’s victory in the G1 Climax.
Pro Wrestling DX 18th August 2026 Oiwa competed in Noah for about a year, starting in September 2023. Through this unusual "domestic excursion", he learned a great deal from Ogawa. After returning to New Japan, he was mentored by Zack Sabre Jnr, further honing the techniques he had acquired in "Ogawa's classroom." Then, this summer, he conquered the G1 Climax. Beyond the impact of the arrival of a new star, the quality of his matches (which showcased the fruits of his technical mastery), also drew significant attention. We spoke with Ogawa-san (now a coach at Noah) to hear the thoughts of the "mentor", regarding this long-awaited achievement by his prized pupil. Q: Oiwa has won the G1. OGAWA: I'm happy for him, I watched his matches. Q: You coached Oiwa for about a year, starting in September 2023, during his excursion to Noah. OGAWA: Even after returning to New Japan, he'd still come to the Noah dojo once or twice a month. Q: Oiwa said, ...
