(NOAH) "Kiyomiya, take a rest!" The strongest black ship appears in the new era of Noah! Getting to the bottom of Jake Lee's heart.

13th March 2023

Noah.co.jp

We interviewed Jake Lee, who is challenging Kaito Kiyomiya for the GHC Heavyweight Championship at the "Great Voyage in Yokohama" (Yokohama Budokan, Kanagawa) event on Sunday, March 19th. 

Why did he choose Noah after leaving All Japan? And how does he see the champion, Kaito Kiyomiya. 

We heard the truth. 

INTERVIEW

Q: You left All Japan and entered Noah. Does that mean there was a wrestler who you were interested in in Noah? 

JAKE LEE: Of course I am. Most of the heavyweight wrestlers now coming in are like that. They think and devise ways to cover their size, so they are not strong because they are big. I really feel that in that ring. I feel like there are a lot of wrestlers who struggle, suffer, struggle, and then think and act with ingenuity because that is not the only weapon they have, and that's what they're what they are now. It's my way of thinking, but this is what I feel. 

Q: What is your impression of the singles match between Kazuchika Okada (New Japan) and Kaito Kiyomiya at The Tokyo Dome on February 21st? 

JAKE LEE: I thought that most of the people who saw that were looking at the IWGP as the top and the GHC as the bottom. I didn't think so. Looking back at the history up until now, it's just that Kiyomiya, who holds the championship belt, lost to Okada. It's just that, and my honest opinion is that I don't think Noah is under New Japan. It's a wonderful thing to take on challenges, and knowing your weaknesses and still facing them is something that touches many people. I think it's great, but it's just a burden on him now, the belt. That's why I thought, "Put your belt down and take a rest" and then challenge yourself again. Aren't you responsible for the future? With that in mind once no one wants to see such a figure, and I didn't want to see someone like that, it was the case that I challenged with good intentions by asking him to transfer the belt to me. Of course, there will be people who find that disgusting, but from the champions point of view, no, even the wrestlers who aren't champions, there are probably a lot of people who think, "Asshole, what are you talking about?". But, if I hadn't said that, what would have happened? Nothing is born. 

Q: What is your impression of Kaito Kiyomiya himself? 

JAKE LEE: I have really said this from the outset, "He is a wrestler with few smiles". He always has a furrowed brow. I don't know if he's living up to everyone's expectations, but why does he look so stiff and stern? That's my impression. Well, I don't know where I heard the remark, but I just happened to hear that somewhere the smiles increased, but that's about it.

Q: What does the GHC Heavyweight Championship mean to you? 

JAKE LEE: The GHC is a symbol of freedom to me. I can see something within me, and for that reason I've come to take on the challenge. 

Q: Do you have any feelings about the difference in your position between All Japan and Noah?

JAKE LEE: When  was in All Japan, I always had the idea in my head of not letting the company go bankrupt and making it better, but now if anything, thinking about how far I can go occupies an amazing proportion. It's so funny, living the life of Jake Lee now. 

Q: After becoming the GHC Heavyweight Champion, do you have any prospects for the future?

JAKE LEE: I won't say anything in specific. The title match in front of me, is first right? If I don't win this, then if I don't do this, I have no ambition or shit.

Q: I feel confident that you are certain of victory.

JAKE LEE: Really? Maybe I'm just showing it off like that. Well, you can also watch the performance in the ring again. 

Q: Finally, please say a few words. 

JAKE LEE: One word. Kiyomiya, take a rest now, take a rest.

Jake Lee entered Noah in optimal condition, with perfect results and ability. Immediately after appearing in Noah, he launched the handsome unit "GLG" (Good Looking Guys), and his momentum is only increasing. In Noah's fight, which has overcome the milestone of Tokyo Dome and entered a new era, he has already stood opposite Noah's young champion, Kaito Kiyomiya. This battle will be one to determine who will steer the new era? Will the young Noah champion be able to stop the black ship, or will he allow Jake Lee to invade? The battle at the Yokohama Budokan will likely determine the fate of The Ark in the future. 

Translated from Noah.co.jp

Picture credit: Noah.co.jp

NOTES

Black Ship: Refers to the name the Japanese gave the gunboats of Matthew Perry when he sailed into Yokohama Harbor in 1853 to demand Japan open up to the world following 200 years of isolation.