(NOAH) Yoshinari Ogawa, "I have some regrets". Fans in uproar as he makes a surprise appearance on Noah commentary, also mentions the reason for not holding a retirement ceremony.

1st September 2024

ABEMA TIMES

Noah legend, Yoshinari Ogawa, who suddenly announced his retirement on August 13th last month, made a surprise remote guest appearance on the ABEMA'S broadcast of the N-1 VICTORY 2024, which was held on September 1st, where he revealed the reason for his retirement and his future plans. 

Ogawa, the "lone technician", had had a long career from 39 years since 1985, from All Japan to Noah, but has decided to retire due a neck injury which has made it difficult to continue. At his own request, he has maintained a policy of not holding a retirement press conference or a ceremony, and his retirement announcement was only announced by Noah, which is very typical of his taciturn character. Ogawa, who made an unexpected appearance without an advance announcement for the third match of the day, revealed the reason for his retirement by saying, "The doctor stopped me from wrestling because of my neck, and that's it". He also said honestly, "I wanted to wrestle a little longer, and I do have some regrets, but I was thinking about matches, and my age". When asked about not having a retirement ceremony at all he said, "I want to see the matches between Ulka (Sasaki) and Ryohei (Oiwa)..." and hinted at his intention to focus on the matches of his current students. 

Fans responded to Ogawa's surprise appearance with comments like "Ogawa-san!" and "Thank you Ogawa-san!" to express their appreciation for his long standing achievements, and his future plans. Ogawa said, "I'll stay with Noah and do things like coaching, and if there is a demand for commentary in the future, please call me". This drew a series of comments from fans that flew such as, "Really, he's going to coach? I'm so happy, and "Today is your debut as a commentator". Ogawa also spoke highly of Oiwa, who he taught while he (Ogawa) was still active saying, "I've been teaching him for about a year, but technically he's the same as (Kaito) Kiyomiya, and all that's left is experience". 

Ogawa made his debut for All Japan in 1985, and participating in the launch of Noah in 2000*, and has been active at the forefront ever since. In 2002, he became the first junior heavyweight wrestler to win Noah's highest title, the GHC Heavyweight title, and has since achieved many other great feats. He is known as one of the most skilled wrestlers in Japanese wrestling, and has also made significant contributions to the industry as a trainer. The "Ogawa students", who have learned professional wrestling from Ogawa, are active professional wrestling promotions not only in Japan, but all over the world.

Notes

ABEMA said this was in 2002!  

Translated from ABEMA TIMES

Picture credit: ABEMA TIMES