(NOAH/CYBERFIGHT FESTIVAL) SATOSHI KOJIMA BACKSTAGE PROMO

PRO WRESTLING DX

12th June 2022

KOJIMA: Thank you very much. For the first time in years, I was able to win the championship belt, which is the treasure of the promotion. The Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion, the IWGP Champion and the GHC Heavyweight Champion. When I challenged, I wasn't aware of what is called "The Grand Slam", but I had various people telling me and before I knew it, I became very aware of it. And now that I am over 51 years old, and have had the opportunity to challenge this belt which I have been able to take, it's truly incredible and I am deeply moved. Thank you. 

Q: How was fighting Shiozaki?

KOJIMA: Is this the first time in about twelve years fighting a singles match with him? I think that my age at that time was probably about the same as Shiozaki. So, after about a full round of time, I am very impressed that I was able to wrestle on such a stage again.   

Q: I think it's quite difficult in a career like yours, to get this kind of opportunity and make it anew. 

KOJIMA: It's really, really, really, difficult. What's difficult is that it is really hard to get an opportunity. For the last five or six years, I have been thinking for the last 5 or 6 years that it is really difficult to challenge for the belt. So, it's the same as taking the belt, but I have lived life as a wrestler while being keenly aware of the opportunities of taking on challenges, and I think that time has come now. 

Q: There was also the phrase on social media that, "I am not carrying New Japan with me". I think there have been various conflicts, but did you get the answer after the match?

KOJIMA: Even I was was to say that I was carrying New Japan with me, I am sure that no one thinks that way given my current position, and I don't think so either. As a matter of fact, I am not the wrestler at the forefront of New Japan. But, I definitely don't want to suggest that Noah's level is low because I am not at the forefront of New Japan. However, I definitely do not want to suggest that Noah's level is low because I am not at the forefront of New Japan. I affirm that I fought at Noah's level, Shiozaki's level and that of every other wrestlers levels, nothing is inferior to New Japan. I can only stress that. I really want to say that loudly. 

Q: As champion, you will be responsible for carrying Noah and continue to have matches, but what is your enthusiasm? 

KOJIMA: To be honest, I think it's very pathetic to mention age here, but the reality is very tough. I am not trying to bluff or pretend the part about age. Face to face with being aged fifty-one, I want to purposely expose it, and go on my path as champion. The tough things are tough, the hard things are hard. I want many people to see that. Because I am fifty-one years old, born in 1970, it can't be helped to hide it at this stage. However, you can't cheat age but if you but can put effort into it, then you can still survive. That is why there are people like Mutoh among pro wrestlers. Mutoh made a big announcement today, and that was something I had to consider myself. However, I have just got this belt and I want to go at full speed Thank you.

Q: The first obstacle, Kenoh, appeared in the ring? 

KOJIMA: I think that the fact that there are wrestlers who I have never really wrestled against and had nothing to do with before, means I am getting older. And, already on top and face to face with Kenoh on a big stage like this, I truly think that this is a really happy thing for me. Thank you very much. Lastly, this is a rare opportunity, so please take a lot of commemorative photos. Thank you. Please take a lot. Please take 100 or more. I don't know when this chance will come again. Please take 300 shots all at once. Thank you. 

GO SHIOZAKI

"Satoshi Kojima, who came to pro wrestling Noah, Satoshi Kojima wearing the GHC Heavyweight belt...he was just strong."

Translated from Pro Wrestling DX

Picture credit: Pro Wrestling DX