(NOAH) GHC Heavyweight title match signing ceremony: To Otani's message, Sugiura says "I can't lose", Jake "defeat a monster, to become a monster"

15th June 2023

Pro Wrestling DX

SUGIURA: I am Takashi Sugiura. First of all, I would like to thank Jake Lee for his nomination. I have a lot of respect for Jake Lee, both as a champion and as a pro wrestler, and I have a lot of respect for him. In Nagoya, I want to challenge Jake carrying various things and various peoples thoughts, and my own. Thank you.

JAKE: I'm Jake Lee. Thank you very much for accepting my nomination. I watched the video, family love and the bond with Otani. It's a video that really truly touches your heart, and the people who saw it are probably thinking that they will do their best, and I also will do my best after watching it. And you must be thinking, "Please win Sugiura", and that is why there is something that touches your heart even more, because its my job not to make that real.

Q: What are your impressions of each other after the pre-matches? 

SUGIURA: Well, since he's the champion, it figures that he's thought a lot about having matches in Noah, but I haven't finished bringing it all out in the pre matches yet. I'm worried about whether he'll be able to handle it if I give it my all in the match the day after tomorrow. 

JAKE: In any case, he's strong, and rather than that, surprisingly he's 53 years old. I never thought about when I am that age, but I can't help but think about it*. Myself 19 years later? I wonder if I can maintain my condition and create such a body. I can't imagine it. So, I sometimes wonder whether this person is really a monster wearing human skin. That's my impression. Although I am trilled to think that if I fight this monster and win, then I will become an even more amazing monster. If that can be realized in Nagoya, then I feel that there is no need for words anymore. 

Q: In the pre matches, Sugiura choked you (Jake) with a front neck lock, and Jake KOed you with a front high kick (Sugiura), but what will be the key point of the match?

SUGIURA: It's not a skill. I have come this far with it.

JAKE: It will be the same, but you must be prepared.

Q: Nakajima and Marufuji, the two people who have supported Noah in recent years have both lost so far, but what about the situation?

SUGIURA: The third, right? Me? No, I'm sure there is still more. I don't think of myself as the last resort. I'll just end it here.

Q: What about the GLG army led by Jake? 

SUGIURA: They are doing their best as a unit...what do you want to hear?

Q: I don't really have a particular intention...

SUGIURA: GLG? I think they are okay. Everyone is delightful and cool.

Q: Do you have a sense of rivalry?

SUGIURA: What is it with you? If it's GLG, can I be a Good Looking Gorilla? Is that okay? Then I'm a Good Looking Gorilla.

Q: Jake will you fight as an individual, regardless of unit? 

JAKE: From the beginning, if I say that I'm going to do this, then the teams policy and direction will be so. So what is it? There is no such thing of being swayed by the team or because this is what the team is about. If I say this, then this, then that, then ah. Of course I'll listen to what you have to say, but I'm the boss, and now I'm the one with the belt. I think this promotion also needs someone to steer it like that, and that is what I'm going to do.

Q: There was a message from Otani-san? 

SUGIURA: I really appreciate it, and thank you for taking the trouble to message me, even though I think that the treatment and rehabilitation is really difficult. At the same time, I can't lose, and I think that I have to fight a match that I'm not embarrassed about because Otani is watching. 

Q: During your All Japan era, you took part in Otani's charity, but what about his message?

JAKE: Apart from that, this is how it is. Otani has nothing to do with this match, it's just a match between me and Takashi Sugiura. Someone's thoughts, someone's words, if you ask me it doesn't matter. In the end, there are only two people in the ring. 

Q: The Misawa Memorial is currently in all swing at Noah, but what do you feel about the challenge this June? 

SUGIURA: Coincidence or inevitable? In my mind, it's inevitable.

Q: You showed your jiu-jitsu skills in the pre matches, but are you using it consciously?

JAKE: There is no victory if I don't use it.

Notes

Jake wondering about Sugi's age reminds me of a young KENTA saying about Sugiura who was in his forties, that he wondered where he would be at that age.

Translated from Pro Wrestling DX

Picture credit: Pro Wrestling DX