(NOAH) "Let me be clear" - crowned tag with Eita, Yoshinari Ogawa breaks the silence on the HAYATA & Ridgeway interception (Part 1)

Pro Wrestling DX

7th March 2023

Yoshinari Ogawa won the GHC Junior Tag Championship together with Eita, who had been his natural enemy for a long time. Even without connection, he won the belt, but even with it his usual bad mood remained the same, and he didn't say much. After their first defense, the feeling of distance between himself and Eita has narrowed, but this time they will be challenged by HAYATA and Chris Ridgeway, who colluded in anti-Eita. On the 19th March, they will receive their challenge at the Yokohama Budokan event. 

In the pre matches, Ogawa vs Ridgeway (9th March, Korakuen Hall) and Ogawa vs HAYATA (14th March, Yokohama) will also take place. We asked about Eita's existence as a partner, and how he feels about HAYATA & Ridgeway's interception. 

Interview with Yoshinari Ogawa (Part 1)

Q: First of all, why did you team up with Eita, who in the first place was hostile to you...? 

OGAWA: It was just a co-incidence. Chris (Ridgeway) returned to England, and HAYATA and Susumu (Yuya*) were absent, and that team (PERROS DEL MAL DE JAPON) were disbanded due to NOSAWA'S retirement, and Super Crazy returned to Mexico. Then, when I realized that there was only Eita left, and I was the only one here (STINGER), wasn't there some kind of timing? 

Q: You never acknowledged Eita and teamed up?

OGAWA: Well, of course, in terms of ability (last December), when we had a singles match, I felt like I reconfirmed a powerful part of Eita's ability, and naturally shook hands I guess. 

Q: What was your impression of the match when you actually teamed up? 

OGAWA: I can match anyone's style, so when I work with Eita, I try to match Eita's style, but on the contrary I don't think he can match my style. I think the match with Chris and the match with Eita are completely different. Well, matching Eita is easier isn't it? You don't have to use your brain so much. 

Q: Going forward, will you continue to maintain your stance of almost no tandem moves?

OGAWA: I won the belt even without using tandem moves, and I will defend it even without using it. That's why I'm winning. In the future, if I decide "I can't win like this", maybe we can work together and do something. 

Q: On March 19th at the Yokohama Budokan, it was decided that you will take on the challenge of HAYATA and Ridgeway. It all started when Ridgeway refused your teaming up with Eita...

OGAWA: It was also because he had been back in England for a long time, and it happened during that period, right? That kind of thing (partnering with a hostile opponent) even if you complain about it, it is a common occurrence in this industry.

Q: Singles matches will also be held as pre matches with Ridgeway at Korakuen on March 9th and HAYATA at Yokohama Radiant Hall on March 14th.

OGAWA: Before anything else, it is Chris. If it is HAYATA and Chris, Chris is more troublesome in many ways and as a tag team, it is up to Chris. 

Q: Up until now, you've mostly teamed up and rarely fought. 

OGAWA: Well, it's up to me what kind of a match this will be. Chris will come like usual, and I'm guessing it depends on how it goes.

Q: I have the impressin that Ridgeway has also grown in strength since last year, and left behind a track record. 

OGAWA: Yeah, he's just ripping off my technique (laughs). I saw the match with HAYATA in England, and it seems like my skills were copied quite well...I don't really like people who copy other people's skills. 

Q: I wonder if he was influenced...

OGAWA: Basically, Noah wrestlers have a tendency to use similar techniques together, right? It's like everyone uses similar techniques. If you look at all the matches, you will find a lot of similar techniques and similar match trends. I don't think that is the case with me or Chris, but Chris is a bit of a copycat of my technique (laughs)

Q: How do you want this single to lead to a title match? 

OGAWA: Hmmm, this time I'm looking forward to the title match, or rather, I want to enjoy my first singles match with Chris. After being hit with the belt, I don't know what kind of feelings there are...

Q: It's like determining to what extent...

OGAWA: No, I can't afford that. Because I think if you think like that, you will be easily beaten. 

Q: You want to settle down and fight to the fullest?

OGAWA: Yes, there may be some emotional parts, but in the end, I think it's going to be a question of which is better, technique or technology. Well, I think Eita and HAYATA'S singles match and mine and Chris's will be completely different. Well, a match like Chris and mine, might not make sense to people who aren't pro wrestlers. 

Q: I see...what about the match against HAYATA at Yokohama Radiant Halls?

OGAWA: Where was it HAYATA was injured and was absent for?

Q: Left elbow

OGAWA: Then let me be clear from the start. That is where I'm aiming. 

Q: You are daring to say that?

OGAWA: Since this is a service for HAYATA, I will reveal my secret hand. I am not going to aim for your legs. I will definitely aim for your arm.

Q: Even if you focus on the title match, you will take the advantage by hurting the left elbow thoroughly

OGAWA: It's not meant for the title match, but I think that it will eventually lead to it. On the contrary, I don't think Eita can make that kind of announcement.

...to be continued in Part 2

Translated from Pro Wrestling DX

Picture credit: Pro Wrestling DX

Notes

Yuya: Yuya Susumu. He appears to have returned to FREEDOMS.