(ALL JAPAN) The Great Kabuki recalls the time when Baba wanted to adopt Mitsuharu Misawa (excerpt from "Supreme Triple Crown Champion")

"When Baba-san decided to make Misawa the second Tiger Mask, he used to joke, 'He’s actually my secret son.' But there was even talk of him legally adopting Misawa! (laughs) 

I remember it happening at a gymnasium in Yamagata. Baba-san asked me, 'I’m thinking of adopting Misawa. What do you think?' 

I just said, 'Sounds good to me!' (laughs). 

Baba-san replied, 'Right? I think he’d be a great choice.' 

The conversation ended there, and as I walked out of the locker room... who should I run into but Misawa himself! I said, 'Hey, Misawa! Baba-san was talking about adopting you!' and he just went, 'Wait, what?!?' (laughs).
I have no idea what happened after that, though! (laughs)"