(NOAH) Post match interviews

Weekly Pro 3rd October 2000

(Issue No. 997)

JUN AKIYAMA

Q: Did you repay yesterdays debt? 

AKIYAMA: Well, (Kikuchi-san) is a senior, and he came all the way from the bottom, so it would be rude not to give him credit (yesterday). 

Q: What about the tag with Takayama?

AKIYAMA: We can do it multiple times, I don't think it is a problem. 

Q: What did you say to Omori after the match?

AKIYAMA: He said he'd do whatever he wanted. I didn't speak to him directly, and I don't know what Takayama said, but I am sure that he had heard about my thoughts, and since he said he'd do whatever he wanted, I think he should just do what he wants. I did say to him (in the ring) that he should think it through. 

Q: What's next?

AKIYAMA: Ultimately, it would be better if the old men team and executives all showed up. If we were doing things as usual, they'd have no choice but to come out. Given the reality, they need to come out quickly. The customers are waiting, after all.

Q: Is this the end of your relationship with Kobashi? 

AKIYAMA: It's not that things have calmed down or anything, but it's not fun for the viewers if the same people keep doing the same thing, and it's not fun for us either. (Regarding the cards) I don't have anything to say directly to the president, but the main card changed yesterday too. Since this is how it's going to be, if you are just going to do things normally, then I think its best to put the most interesting part at the top. That's the balance, right? 

YOSHIHIRO TAKAYAMA

Q: Did you repay yesterday's debt?

TAKAYAMA: There was nothing to repay. I just wanted to see how hard Green Boy and the old timers could try. You can see that today. No matter how hard Kikuchi tries, it's no use. Kobashi, this is not the time fir you to team with weaklings.  

Q: What did Omori say after the match?

TAKAYAMA: I told him that since he was on hiatus, I was doing what I wanted. But, if you ask me, doing what you want is what pro wrestling is all about. I'm not saying I don't like being cheated on. I'll be happy if he cheats on me, whether it's two, three, or even ten times.

Q: In order to get to the top you team with a good convenient wrestler? 

TAKAYAMA: Thinking you'll spend the rest of your life with one guy is such a naïve way of thinking that you'll never reach the top. Think about it and clear your head. If he joins them, he'll be Misawa and Kobashi's lapdog again, and if he can't understand that, then he is disqualified as my partner. I'm not planning on breaking up with Omori or anything, but you can't see that looking at the current situation. With Noah, the so-called Four Heavenly Kings have ended up on top, and nothing's changed. If that's the case, then Akiyama, and I too, need someone with the power to crush them. If you don't understand the situation, you're no good.

KENTA KOBASHI 

KOBASHI: I think Kikuchi has come back better than before, so the contest is just beginning. Today's result was disappointing, but I could see Kikuchi's resolve. He had a big opponent so it was hard to get any effect, but even a simple elbow was very effective. Will we continue to tag? Yes. 

Q: What is your impression of Akiyama and Takayama? 

KOBASHI: Not better than yesterday. Not good. 

Q: What about Omori's actions at the end of the match?

KOBASHI: I don't know either. I don't know why he appeared. 

Q: What about forming a tag team? 

KOBASHI: It's still too early to say what will happen in the future. 

Q: Are you willing to team up? 

KOBASHI: I don't mind if he feels that way, but I don't know how he feels. Kikuchi is joining in the fight, and of course I want to work with Riki as well. Kikuchi was pretty beaten up yesterday, but there was a resemblance to when he fought Tsuruta*, so I feel like he still has a lot more to offer. I hope he does his best.  

Notes

Tsuruta: Jumbo Tsuruta. Who seemed irritated by the sight of Kikuchi.  

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