(ALL JAPAN) Young Wrestler Interview: Tiger Mask vs Riki Choshu
Weekly Pro (Issue No 132)
"There are plenty of opponents in the heavyweight division I want to fight. To build up my strength from here on out, I need to face every single one of them."
This week’s "I Want to Fight Him" features Tiger Mask, a young star of All Japan Pro Wrestling.
Having played a key role in the "3T" era, Tiger is now burning with the ambition to move up to the heavyweight division.
It is fair to say that he has now fully transcended the Tiger Mask of the manga world and is forging his own path.
So, who is the opponent Tiger Mask wants to face most right now...?
Tiger: Huh?! I can only pick one person? Hmm... that’s a tough choice. In my case, I’m thinking about moving up to the heavyweight division, and there are plenty of guys there I’d like to face. I want to fight Choshu-san, Yatsu-san, and Kabuki-san, as well as Fuyuki-san now that he’s back in the country. Plus, I need to settle the score with Kobayashi... honestly, it’s impossible to pick just one name (laughs).
Q: In that case, let’s go through them one by one. First up: Choshu-san.
TIGER: I’ve only ever faced him in tag team matches so far, but he is truly incredible. Even the slightest physical contact sent a sharp jolt through me. That underlying power of his is extraordinary. Once I’m able to consistently perform at a high level in the heavyweight division, I definitely want to try competing in singles matches.
Q: So, is Yatsu next on the list...?
TIGER: I’ve been amazed by the momentum he’s built up since around last year’s Real World Tag League. He’s a major figure as we continue our all-out confrontation.
Q: I suppose Kabuki is next...
TIGER: The last match ended with a somewhat disappointing result for me, but his ring generalship is truly impressive. He has real intensity, and above all, every single move is sharp and crisp. There are plenty of things I’d like to learn from Kabuki.
Q: It was a shame that just as you’d returned to Japan and were hitting your stride, you suffered a fracture, causing the match against Fuyuki on January 28th to be called off.
TIGER: Fuyuki-san has transformed completely since returning from the States. I want to face him in the ring and absorb exactly what he brought back with him from America.
Q: Regarding the showdown with Kobayashi, I think the key issue is just how long Tiger intends to hold onto the Junior title...
TIGER: That is certainly true. My feeling that I eventually have to settle the score with Kobayashi hasn't changed. However, I’ll likely end up relinquishing the belt once the timing is right.
Q: Earlier in this segment, Cobra named you as someone he wants to face...
TIGER: I do have a desire to fight him. I imagine Cobra is conscious of me, too, given that we’re both masked wrestlers. I certainly feel a sense of rivalry with him.
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