Taiji Ishimori interview about X-Division defence on 6th January at Korakuen and GHC Junior Tag Challenge in Osaka on the 27th January

Noah.co.jp
3rd January 2017

In his first match of 2018, Taiji Ishimori will be challenged by Andrew Everett from IMPACT Wrestling for his third defence of the X-Division Championship at Korakuen Hall, on the 27th January in Osaka he will challenge YO-HEY & HAYATA, who took the belts on the 26th August 2017 at Korakuen. In 2017 Ishimori was active in America and Japan, what kind of matches is he expecting for 2018?

Q: On January 6th you have a title match at Korakuen Hall, which will be the first of 2018?

Ishimori: Yes, the first match of 2018 is the defence of the X-Division. The first match is the same as last year. Last year I started losing, this year I hope to make a good start to the year by winning.

Q: What is your impression of your opponent, Andrew Everett?

Ishimori: He is a wrestler from IMPACT, and a good one who came to Japan for the Lucha World Cup and won best bout, so together we can make it an interesting match like I am doing on the other side (IMPACT Wrestling)

Q: This will be the first time you will have defended the X-Division championship in a Noah ring

Ishimori: Yes, as it is not a hexagonal ring I have the advantage.

Q: On the 27th January in Osaka, you will challenge for the GHC Junior Tag?

Ishimori: Hi69 has been aiming for this for a long time, and we want revenge for losing the titles. In January I want to end the tour with the GHC Junior Tag titles which starts with a championship and ends with one. It will be a difficult tour, but I relish the difficulties and would like to face the fight.

Q: Do you have a message?

Ishimori: Come and watch Taiji Ishimori's title battle, the first one of 2018, please come and see it live. Thank you.

Link to original article (in Japanese)