In the past, we have created several alternate covers that we’ve released for exclusive digital download. The most popular of these, by far, was the 2021 Lulu Pencil cover, which lionized the #500 wrestler from that year’s PWI “500” ranking. Given Ms. Pencil’s sense of humor, charisma, and loyal fan base, there was quite a bit of interest in a cover bearing her likeness.
This year, in addition to Syuri nabbing the coveted number #1 spot, the “Women’s 150” saw another prominent joshi wrestler come in at 150: that being TJPW superhero, Hyper Misao.
Given our past history of creating alternate covers, there has been a call from social media users (like the one below) asking for an official variant featuring Hyper Misao.
Whether or not you have purchased your copy of our latest “Women’s 150” edition, you can download the alternate cover FOR FREE at the link below. The PDF file follows the exact same specs as our print mag, meaning you can easily affix it to the front or back of your magazine. Our many thanks to PWI Contributing Photographer, Issa Marie, who took the cover photo for this design, and our Art Director, Laura Brubaker, for bringing this cover to life.
YUKI UENO’S FIGHTING SPIRIT: The DDT Universal Champion On Konosuke Takeshita, Cara Noir, And Upcoming Title Defenses
Text & Photos by Issa Marie
“ALL YOU HAVE to do is watch my matches to know exactly who I am.”
So says two-time DDT Pro-Wrestling Universal champion, Yuki Ueno.
The 37KAMIINA standout successfully defended his title against Cara Noir at DDT’s Who’s Gonna TOP? 2022. That match, which we highly recommend every reader to go out of their way to watch, perfectly embodied Ueno’s fighting spirit.
Headed into a first-time showdown with the former PROGRESS Wrestling champion, Ueno’s attitude was one of enthusiasm. “I am excited to be able to have a match with Cara Noir,” he told PWI. “We have some similarities in our styles, and our physiques, but we come from two different worlds, and that adds a greater level of enjoyment when you wrestle someone who is not familiar to you.”
That is very much not the case for his next title defense against Koju Takeda. This current version of Ueno’s former partner is full of Pheromones!
Yuki Ueno will face “Shiningball” Takeda on October 23 at Korakuen Hall. (Make sure to subscribe to WRESTLE UNIVERSE, taking advantage of that two-week free trial, to watch what should be an essential battle.)
When asked what made him unique, Ueno turned the question back around to your truly. What did I think made him so unique? I responded: “Your Fighting Spirit!” Surprised by my answer, with the biggest smile, Ueno agreed.
From his debut match against current KO-D champion, Kazusada Higuchi, in 2016, Ueno has captivated the fans with his spirit—his ability to “turn raw emotions into power” (his words). “Regardless of the size or experience my opponents have, every time I step into the ring, I give it my all,” he said.
And he has done so consistently. Indeed, one need look no further than Ueno’s epic matches against 37KAMIINA ally Konosuke Takeshita or last year’s feud with Daisuke Sasaki. Ueno’s personal favorite bout happens to be the 2021 D-Oh Grand Prix final against Takeshita. “Having the opportunity to wrestle Take, my classmate, in a setting where we both were on equal terms at the time, the A-Block winner going against the B-Block winner was truly special,” he recalled. “I hoped that at the end of Who’s Gonna TOP? 2022, Take and I would stand side-by-side as champions.”
Unfortunately for Ueno, Takeshita was not able to overcome Higuchi in his final DDT match before embarking on another U.S. tour.
There are no immediate plans for the Universal champ to travel abroad. However, if given the opportunity, he wants to defend his title as much as he can. Though he does not have an explicit list of opponents, he would like to take his “Fighting Spirit” to Thailand and England.
「上野優希はどんな選手なのかを知りたいなら私の試合を見てね」
そう言われたのはＤＤＴプロレスのUNIVERSAL王者こと、上野優希選手です。
2022年9月25日で行われたDDTプロレスの「Who’s Gonna TOP 2022」後楽園ホール大会でカーラ・ノワール選手に王座防衛に成功しました。あの闘志溢れる上野選手の姿を是非読者の皆様に見て頂きたいものです。
Ho Ho Lun’s Mission To Show The Beauty Of Wrestling Across Asia
Text & Photos by Issa Marie
HONG KONG NATIVE Ho Ho Lun began wrestling in 2009 … as a hobby! It wasn’t until a visit to the UK, two years later, that he made the decision to make it a career. Unlike most prospective wrestlers, who set their sights on being world champions, Lun knew that his niche was not the wrestling itself, but the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making a great show.
As the first non-Japanese Asian-born wrestler to compete around the world, Ho Ho Lun wanted to create opportunities for others like him. “Japan dominates the wrestling market in Asia; However, pro wrestling in Japan was difficult to access due to language barriers,” Lun told PWI. “And you know as well as I do that not all the streaming services are easy to navigate, as the English option is something that has [only recently] been available. So, I thought, why not bring Japanese talent for a tour in Asia to allow the fans to experience it firsthand? I watched Dragon Gate growing up, and I would order the DVDs from the U.S. My DVDs would be of wrestling in Japan, purchased in the U.S., and traveled across the world, just so I could watch.”
While at NXT, Lun took a chance that not many would by choosing to leave the company after receiving an offer to produce shows in Macao. This, along with his current work in Dragon Gate, further solidified his true purpose in the world of pro wrestling.
“I wanted to bring the best live wrestling, world-class wrestling, to Asia, working with the next generation of talent,” he said. “I love wrestling, but my heart and soul are in the foundation of building a great show and enhancing the undiscovered talent of Asia.”
Lun has worked to expand the wrestling markets in China, Malaysia, and, as a consultant, in the Philippines. During Dragon Gate’s Hong Kong tour in 2018, he made the decision to take his talent and vision to Japan, joining the company as a wrestler and one-half of the English commentary team.
Despite his trailblazing efforts, Lun’s approach is a familiar one to many promoters. He said: “My philosophy, to expand and garner a greater interest in pro wrestling, is to pair up a well-known wrestler and an up-and-coming talent.”
Indeed, this is the advice he gives to all the wrestlers and promotions he encounters in his travels. This answer piqued my interest, as I had seen that business model in Singapore at SPW’s Klash of Kings. I wondered: If Ho Ho Lun could establish his own promotion anywhere in the world, where would he do it, and whom would he bring to wrestle? “Singapore,” Lun immediately answered. “Singapore has the most supportive fans, language is not a barrier, and they have some amazing talented wrestlers. Thailand interests me as a future project. And, as to who I would bring? Jacky Funky Kamei and, of course, the Kung Fu Masters.”
In addition to wrestling and providing English commentary, Ho Ho Lun also manages Dragon Gate’s talent bookings in the U.S. If you are interested in having Dragon Gate wrestlers take part in your show, feel free to email him at [email protected] or DM via Twitter @hoholun719.
それこそが、旅先で出会ったプロモーターやレスラーにこのようなアドバイスをしている。私もシンガポールで開催されたSPWの「Klash of Kings」でまったく同じビジネスモデルを見たことがあるからだ。そしてこう思った：もしルン選手は世界のどこかでも自分の団体を立ち上げるとしたらどこでやるのか？どんな選手を呼んでくれるのか？
ON HEELS: Zicky Dice, Silas Mason, Dominik Mysterio
TEXT BY POLLO DEL MAR
SOMETIMES IT’S BEST to recognize you’re fighting a losing battle. Zicky Dice should have remembered this when our paths crossed recently in Connecticut.
On Sept. 22, Best Trivia Ever collected a mixture of today’s brightest talent and legends like Scott Steiner and Scotty 2 Hotty for SLAM 2, an unforgettable night of pro wrestling action in Milford. Seeking revenge for his humiliation at a SLAM event a year prior, Dice had the temerity to direct his anger toward me to begin the show.
The IMPACT Wrestling star’s callous and unwanted disruption turned me from the night’s emcee into an impromptu “general manager” and matchmaker of sorts. The grave error of threatening me if “appropriate opposition” was not offered did not end well for “The Outlandish One.”
Dice fell into a trap far too many do: underestimating the cunning and calculated “Manager Of Champions.” He also failed to recognize just how far my connections extend in the wrestling world.
Some 90 minutes later, when he returned to the ring to menace and intimidate, it was my turn to surprise. You should have seen Zicky’s expression when the music hit and Eddie Kingston came through that crowd!
Tonight @ZickyDice threatened to kick my ass if I didn’t find “appropriate competition” for him at #BTESlam2. Careful what you ask for, Zicky…Now THAT’s outlandish!
— Pollo Del Mar – Instagram.com/PolloDelMarFans (@TheGlamazonPDM) September 23, 2022
Fresh from devastating Sammy Guevara the night prior during an AEW Rampage taping, Kingston was all-too-ready to avenge that disqualification loss. Though I find no joy in siding with fans, I, like everyone in attendance, rejoiced as Eddie thoroughly trounced the former National Wrestling Alliance Television champion.
Yet again, Dice’s big mouth was temporarily silenced—thanks to my new buddy Eddie. Now that is “Outlandish”!
IT’S A THRILL RIDE!
Being forced to acknowledge one of the all-time great fan favorites galls me to no end. However, when Ricky Steamboat is right, he’s right—and the National Wrestling Alliance’s new “Steamboat Proclamation” is very, very right!
Returning for Season 10 of NWA Powerrr, the former World’s heavyweight champion immediately convinced NWA owner and president William Patrick Corgan to expand title opportunities for everyone in the company. That resulted in, among other things, a single elimination tournament to determine the #1contender to The Great Cyon’s National heavyweight title.
Pollo Del Mar poses with “The Thrillbilly” Silas Mason / Photo by Daniel Moore/Hardway Photo and NWA
The Hall-of-Famer Steamboat hand-selected 12 competitors of varying NWA tenure to compete for a title shot at the November 12 Hard Times 3 pay-per-view in New Orleans. With gentle persuasion, “The Thrillbilly” Silas Mason joined the likes of Jax Dane, “Magic” Jake Dumas, and more!
To the shock of apparently all except me, Silas “upset” former National champion Anthony Mayweather in the opening round. We then went on to face that demon-worshipping Judais in the semi-finals. I ran interference as that devilish garden gnome Father James Mitchell tried some shenanigans, allowing Silas to take “The High Priest Of Punishment” on a Thrill Ride he could not survive!
Soon, “The Thrillbilly” will face Chris Adonis and relative NWA newcomer Dak Draper in three-way finale. Adonis is a two-time National champion and Draper is a former Ring of Honor Top Prospects Tournament winner. However, neither has faced someone like Silas Mason—and certainly not with “The Lovely” Pollo Del Mar at his side.
Stay tuned to NWA’s weekly programming—NWA Powerrr every Tuesday on FiteTV and NWA USA Saturdays on YouTube—to catch this must-see match-up. Silas Mason’s ready to take the entire NWA on a Thrill Ride straight into New Orleans!
DADDY ISSUES
Poor Rey Mysterio! The man simply can’t control his family.
First, daughter Aaliyah seemingly strayed amidst his ongoing feud with Seth Rollins. Now, son Dominik has stabbed him in the back to join The Judgment Day.
Sure, becoming the first father/son team to hold WWE tag gold was cute, but did Rey expect that to satisfy Dom forever? How long could Daddy reasonably expect Dom to ride his coattails, treating him like a child when all he wanted was to his own man? Little Dom finally stepped from his father’s shadow—and all it took was Rhea Ripley’s encouragement.
As the nephew of a legend himself, surely Rey knows the pressures of following an icon’s footsteps. To ever be seen as more than “Rey Mysterio’s son,” Dominik needs to establish himself individually … and could never do that under his father’s thumb.
Now Dominik shows dastardly depth and determination at the sides of Finn Balor, Damian Priest, and Ripley. He’s turned the page, and his back, on the past to forge his own legacy. And it’s clear fans like it no more than Rey does.
A recent Raw audience in California nearly booed Dominik and company of San Jose. Still, the smile on Dom’s face said it all. For perhaps the first time in his young career, he’s eliciting a crowd response entirely his own—and that’s presumably all he ever wanted.
U.S. FANS WILL BE STANDING WITH THEIR YAMATO SPIRIT
Text & Photos by Issa Marie
DRAGON GATE’S ACE, the record-setting five-time former Open the Dream Gate champion, and certified food coordinator, YAMATO will be making his GCW, AAW, Garden State ProWrestling, and Prestige Wrestling debuts, as the“Gates” have now been opened.
Recently, I had the pleasure and privilege to discuss the upcoming tour with YAMATO, who acknowledged that Dragon Gate’s visibility has waned a bit in the States.
“It has been seven or eight years since I last represented [Dragon Gate] in the U.S., back when Dragon Gate U.S.A. had a strong grasp of the fan base and was recognized as a staple of pro wrestling. Due to the years of absence, I am aware that most people are not as familiar with DG, and some only remember DG U.S.A. Therefore, I am the best advocate to remind the fans what Dragon Gate is all about.”
During the days of DG U.S.A., YAMATO was part of the younger generation of wrestlers. In October 2022, he will be returning as an established veteran, personifying the professional progression one can experience wrestling for the company.
Rest assured: The issues between his unit, HIGH END, and GOLD CLASS will not be distractions during his time away from Japan. “Going overseas, I have to think big, so I am leaving all the baggage and issues at home,” said YAMATO. “Dragon Kid and Kagetora can handle whatever there may be left to resolve. I am focused on what I want to accomplish in the U.S.”
And what exactly does that mean? “If YAMATO is in it, YAMATO is winning it,” he said. That includes his upcoming participation in AAW’s Jim Lynam Memorial Tournament, October 14 and 15; and his Prestige Wrestling heavyweight title bout against Alex Shelley on October 30.
YAMATO’s confidence is well-earned. But will it continue in his eventual return to Japan? “That is tough to answer right now,” said YAMATO, even after the current Open the Dream Gate champion, Yuki Yoshioka, let the world know he has his sights set on the “Almighty.” “My aim is to increase the spectrum of DG fans [in the U.S.] and show them what Dragon Gate is all about. However, as a five-time Open the Dream Gate champion, I have the right to challenge on prestige alone. If all goes well in the U.S., and I return motivated and inspired, I will go after the goals I have yet to accomplish.” During YAMATO’s Homecoming Show in Iwate, the Open the Dream Gate Championship Match was decided for Gate of Destiny–YAMATO vs Yuki Yoshioka.
For the fans that may remember him—and for those that do not know him—the “Ace” has some words. “I am confident that I can make a huge impact, and I will show you what YAMATO and Dragon Gate are all about,” he said.
Whether he is embracing his darkest desires or full of emotion admitting he has not always behaved as he should, YAMATO has proven time and time again why “He Is Justice,” and that being “Omniscient & Omnipotent” comes with his territory.
Above all, everything he does in and out of the ring is for the rectitude, for the respect, for benevolence, for the courage, for the loyalty, for the honesty, and at the end of the show, every single fan will be standing there with their YAMATO Spirit!
YAMATO’s U.S. Schedule (as of September):
GCW
October 8 vs. Tony Deppen
October 9 vs. Mike Bailey
October 22 vs. Jonathan Gresham
October 23 vs. Blake Christian
October 29 TBD
AAW
October 14 vs. Zachary Wentz
October 15 TBD
Prestige Wrestling
October 30 vs. Alex Shelley
RECOMMENDED VIEWING:
YAMATO vs Minoura Kota, Dangerous Gate 2021
YAMATO vs KAI No Ropes Match
Tag Team Cagematch (YAMATO & KAI vs SB KENTo & Dragon Kid)
WHEN WE LOOK back at the last calendar year, Diamante’s dominance in the ring cannot go unnoticed: key victories over Shun Skywalker and Dragon Kid; unmasking Dragon Dia and becoming one-half of the toughest, pound-for-pound, Twin Gate champions with the aforementioned Skywalker; and, crucially, being the only opponent Yuki Yoshioka beat with a reversal instead of using his signature frog splash (we’ll put a pin in that one for the moment).
Days shy of their continued series of epic battles between Z-Brats and NATURAL VIBES, Chapter 3, I recently had an opportunity to speak with Diamante. This is part one of our conversation.
The “Mexican Power” decided to embark on his dream of wrestling and making his name known in Japan when the opportunity presented itself in 2019. “I love Japan! I fell in love with the country, the people, the culture during my first trip in 2012 as part of NJPW/CMLL FantasticaMania Tour,” said Diamante. “However, it was Dragon Gate’s strength, agility, the courage, and skill of the wrestlers I encountered in Mexico that solidified it for me. This is the place I want to be … the company I want to wrestle for.”
Even though he had an opportunity to return to Mexico, Diamante decided to stay in Japan. “I was already home,” he said. “I was with my family, and I have no plans of leaving any time soon. I have goals and dreams I have yet to accomplish, and I want to attain them in Dragon Gate.”
And one of those goals is to recover the Twin Gate title with his “Calamity Of The Skies” partner, Shun Skywalker. “Shun and I are the strongest tag team,” he said. “When we regained our championships, we want to defend them all over the world. At Dangerous Gate, I want Jacky (Funky Kamei) and Jason (Lee) to retain, so that we can take back what is ours from them. Shun and I gave them that win to appease the ‘crying’ children of the Kung Fu Kids.”
And what about the other members of NATURAL VIBES? “Z-Brats has no true rivals,” bragged Diamante. “NATURAL VIBES is a unit made up of kids (Jacky, Jason), an old selfish man (Kzy), a Strong Machine that spends more time broken than being functional, and Big Boss and U-T, who we have beaten and humiliated time and time again. At Ota-Ku, it will be the beginning of their end.”
Even though his current sights are on NATURAL VIBES, Diamante has not forgotten about the man who betrayed him and tossed him away, the current Open the Dream Gate champion, Yuki Yoshioka. “Infer,” he began, referring to Yoshioka’s former “Dia Inferno” moniker. “After everything I did for you … I took care of you, I put my mask on the line for you, I did everything I had to do to protect your mask. And what did you do? You unmasked yourself and walked away from me—from us—without saying a word.”
To Diamante, who previously took the mask of Big Boss when Boss wrestled as Bokutimo Dragon, Yoshioka’s voluntary unmasking was a show of disrespect and lack of pride. The mask is, after all, everything to masked wrestlers.
Since Yoshioka became a topic of conversation, I had to ask: Does “El Original” plan on challenging the promotion’s top singles champion anytime soon? Diamante smiled that beautiful smile of his. “I am working on becoming the best version of myself,” he began. “And, when I grab the microphone and ask for that opportunity, knowing I will win.”
Stay tuned for part two of this interview, in which we’ll share a small look into the man behind the mask!
DIAMANTE: “El Original” Estoy en Casa, aquí en Japón (Pt 1)
La dominancia de Diamante en este año es algo que no puede pasar por desapercibido: victorias decisivas sobre Shun Skywalker y Dragón Kid; el haber desenmascarado a Dragón Dia; junto a Skywalker, formar parte del equipo, Kilo por Kilo, más fuertes y peligroso, ganando el campeonato de Twin Gate; y el único oponente el cual Yuki Yoshioka le ganó sin usar su sello personal (hablaremos de esto un poco más adelante).
Unos días antes de otra lucha épica entre Z-Brats y NATURAL VIBES, Tercer Capítulo, conversé con Diamante – esta es la primera parte de nuestra plática.
El “Poder Mexicano,” al darse la oportunidad de hacer un sueño en realidad, no dudó en mudarse permanentemente a Japón. “Me enamoré del país, la cultura, los fanáticos durante mi primera visita en el 2012, en la gira enter NJPW y CMLL, FantásticaManía. Siempre quise destacarme aquí; pero fue la fuerza, agilidad, coraje, y la destreza de los luchadores de Dragón Gate lo que solidificó mi decisión de luchar en y para esta compañía.”
En vez de regresar a México durante la pandemia, Diamante quizo quedarse en Japón. “Estaba en casa, con quienes consideró mi familia, y no tengo planes de irme. Tengo metas y sueños que cumplir; y quiero alcanzarlos en Dragón Gate.”
Y una de esas metas es recuperar el campeonato de Twin Gate junto a su ex rival y ahora pareja, Shun Skywalker, que juntos son conocidos como “La Calamidad de Los Cielos,” mientras que ellos se identifican como “Los Cazadores.” “Shun y yo somos el equipo más fuerte” dijo Diamante. “Cuando recuperemos nuestros campeonatos, queremos defenderlos por todo el mundo. En Dangerous Gate, queremos que Jacky (Funky Kamei) y Jasón (Lee) retengan los cinturones para quitárselos. Shun y yo le regalamos esos campeonatos para calmar a los niños chillones de Kung Fu.”
¿Y qué piensas del resto de los integrantes de NATURAL VIBES? “Z-Brats, no tenemos rivales. Ellos están compuestos de unos niños (Jacky y Jasón), un viejo egoísta (Kzy), una “Máquina Fuerte” que se la pasa la mayoría de tiempo descompuesta, y Big Boss y U-T, a quienes le hemos ganado y humillado un sin número de veces. En Ota-Ku, será el principio de su final.”
El estar enfocado en NATURAL VIBES no significa que Diamante se haya olvidado de la persona que lo traicionó y lo hecho a un lado, el campeón de Open de Dream, Yuki Yoshioka. “Infer (como siempre le decía)…después de todo lo que hice por ti, te cuidé, arriesgué mi máscara para preservar la tuya, tu identidad…y como me pagaste? Desenmascarándote y dejándome (dejando a R.E.D.) sin decir una palabra.”
La máscara de un luchador es lo más sagrado. Y Diamante, quien, en lucha de apuestas en Dragón Gate, les ganó las máscaras a Bokutimo Dragón y Dragón Dia, ve las acciones de Yoshioka (desenmascararse) como una falta de respeto, de honor…
Ya que Yoshioka es tema de conversación, tenía que preguntar – “El Original,¿” tiene planes de retarlo por el campeonato en un futuro no muy lejanos? Diamante sonrió, esa sonrisa coqueta que enamora, antes de contestar. “Estoy preparándome, evolucionando a ser la mejor versión de mí. El día que tomé el micrófono y lo rete, lo haré sabiendo que soy el que será el ganador.”
Estén pendientes de la segunda parte de esta entrevista donde conoceremos un poquito, a el hombre detrás de la máscara.
ALTERNATE COVER #1: ROMAN IS THE ONE (DECEMBER 2022)
Alternate Cover #1: June 2022 PWI
As announced on Busted Open Radio, Roman Reigns is again the #1 wrestler in the #PWI500. The 32nd annual “500” list is featured in our latest issue, available now for print preorder at pwi-online.com
In acknowledgment of Reigns’ second time topping our historic annual ranking, we have created a variant, digital exclusive cover in the same format as our print magazine. You can download the Roman Reigns PWI “500” alternate cover, free of charge, at the link below.
SB KENTo’s BRAND NEW WORLD: Dragon Gate Prodigy Prepares To Impress Fans In U.S. & Mexico
Text & Photos by Issa Marie
IT’S A BRAND NEW WORLD FOR SB KENTo!
AMAZING TECHNIQUE, AN impressive body of work, presence, charisma, and confidence—these are qualities rarely found in rookies. Early on, Dragon Gate’s SB KENTo had all of them … and so much more.
Immediately setting himself apart from his classmates, SBK rose through the ranks by becoming Open the Triangle Gate, Open the Twin Gate, and the youngest ever Open the Brave Gate champion.
After failing to recapture the (Brave Gate) title that had become synonymous with him for most of 2021 from his BAMSHIRI brother and tag team partner, H.Y.O, SBK announced that he was taking time for himself. Further, he would be going on an extended excursion to Mexico and the U.S. in order “to expand [his] horizons.”
Even with my limited Japanese, I knew KENTo had realized that to become the best and strongest version of himself, he needed a change—a new and unfamiliar environment to challenge himself.
When H.Y.O. told him that he would pack his bag immediately and go with him, KENTo said he needed to do this on his own. He would carry the BAMSHIRI flag worldwide while H.Y.O continued to hold the fort in Japan.
As he was making his way to Mexico, I had an opportunity to catch up with SBK remotely. So, I had to ask: Will we see a potential match (with or against) Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Junta Miyawaki, who is currently in Mexico training at Toryumon Casa with Takuma Fujiwara and La Estrella? KENTo and Junta have a recent history, stemming back to April’s N Innovation event.
In true form, SBK was enigmatic in his response.
“There might be a chance … or not? Or am I just messing with you? Gahaha!”
While the Dragon Gate standout does not have a list of opponents he wishes to face in North America, one thing is for certain: When the fans see him wrestle against their favorites, it will ultimately be KENTo’s name that they will be chanting. “It’s not like I want you to like me or anything,” he admits. “But you’ll be hooked by my style of wrestling. SBK! SBK! SBK!”
SB KENTo began his Mexican excursion by debuting in AAA alongside Takuma Fujiwara and Crazy Boy, in the newly formed stable International Power. His U.S. journey begins on September 9 at Expect The Unexpected (ETU) Wrestling in a Dragon Gate Spotlight Match against La Estrella.
Eight days later, SBK teams with Z-Brats stablemate, Shun Skywalker, to face Andrew Everett and Jack Evans. At the end of that match, SBK wants the fans to “truly understand how amazing Shun and I are. You’ll never forget it, even if you try, and you’ll want to see even more.” He adds, with a menacing laugh, “That’s because we’re Japanese superstars!”
On September 18, SB KENTo makes his Major League Wrestling (MLW) debut, wrestling Davey Richards for the National Openweight championship.
At the time of this writing, SBK’s next big scheduled appearance is at the end of October, when he will make his Prestige Wrestling debut at “Wake The Dead.” And, in November, he will take part in West Coast Pro’s King of the Indies. At the moment, the rest of his U.S. and Mexico dates are yet to be announced.
Does SB KENTo have anything else to say to PWI readers? You bet he does. “I’m going to show everyone how high my potential is,” he said. “You better look forward to my matches. SBK’s story begins here.”
RECOMMENDED VIEWING:
Kobe World 2022 Battle Royal
6-Man Tag Match:Kzy, Keisuke Okuda, Kota Minoura vs Dia Inferno, SB KENTo, Kaito Ishida
KING of GATE 2021 – Dragon Kid vs SB KENTo
UN MUNDO NUEVO PARA SB KENTo!
TÉCNICA INCREÍBLE, cúmulo de obra impresionante, presencia, carisma, confidencia – cualidades raramente vistas en novatos. Desde sus inicios en Dragón Gate, SB KENTo demostró tenerlas…y mucho más! Sobrepasando as sus compañeros, SBK ascendió inmediatamente ganando el título de Open the Triangle Gate, Open the Twin Gate, y convirtiéndose en el Open the Brave Gate más joven en la historia de la compañía.
Después de no poder re capturar el campeonato (Brave Gate) sinónimo con el por la mayor parte del 2021, SBK anunció después de la lucha en contra su hermano BAMISHIRI y pareja, H.Y.O, que necesitaba un tiempo para reflexionar…y que haría una larga excursión en México y los Estados Unidos para “ampliar sus horizontes.”
Estuve presente cuando SBK hizo esa declaración, y aún, con mi limitado conocimiento del idioma, supe que el cayo en cuenta de que para poder llegar a ser la mejor versión de el mismo, necesitaba un cambio de ambiente en el cual podría evolucionar lejos de lo que es conocido. Al escuchar esos comentarios, H.Y.O se apuntó para la gira y nos dejo saber que empacaría sus maletas inmediatamente para acompañar a SBK, a lo cual KENTo respondió que necesitaba hacer esto el sólo. SBK llevaría en alto la bandera de BAMISHIRI por el mundo, H.Y.O. haciendo lo mismo en Japón.
Camino a México, tuve la oportunidad de conversar con SBK, e inmediatamente le pregunte si lo veríamos luchar (con o en contra) con Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Miyawaki Junta, quien junto a Takuma Fujiwara y La Estrella están viviendo y entrenando en Toryumon Casa (México)? KENTo y Junta tienen establecieron una pequeña rivalidad en Abril, cuando se enfrentaron en el evento de N Innovation de Pro Wrestling NOAH.
SBK siendo SBK respondió de manera enigmática – “se dará esa oportunidad…tal vez si…tal vez no? O estoy jugando contigo? Gahaha!” Aunque el destacado luchador de Dragón Gate no tiene una lista de oponentes/luchas las cuales le gustaría tener en México y en los Estados Unidos, cuando los fanáticos lo vean luchar en contra de sus favoritos, el nombre que gritarán, los aplausos que darán, serán para SB KENTo – “No es que quiero que les guste (como persona), pero durante y al final de la lucha estarán fascinados con mi estilo de lucha. SBK! SBK! SBK!”
SB KENTo empezó su excursión en México, debutando en AAA junto a Takuma Fujiwara y Crazy Boy, formando el estable Poder Internacional. Debutará en los Estados Unidos el 9 de Septiembre en Expect The Unexpected (ETU) Wrestling, contra La Estrella en una lucha que destacará el talento de Dragón Gate. El 17 de Septiembre, SBK se reúne con Shun Skywalker, compañero de Z-Brats (Los Mocosos), en una lucha en contra de Andrew Everett and Jack Evans. Cuando termine esta lucha, SBK espera que los fanáticos “puedan realmente ver y entender lo increíble que somos (Shun y yo). No podrán olvidarnos, aunque traten, y querrán ver más de nosotros.” Con una risa maniaca agrego “Porque somos súper estrellas de Japón.”
El 18 de Septiembre, SBK, retará a Davey Richards por el título de National Openweight en su debut para Major League Wrestling (MLW). Sus próxima luchas (notables) en los Estados Unidos serán a final de Octubre para Prestige Wrestling tomando parte de la cartelera de “Wake The Dead (Despertar a los Muertos).” En Noviembre, será parte de el torneó, King of the Indies (Rey de las Independiente) en West Coast Pro Wrestling. El resto de su itinerario en México y los Estados Unidos no ha sido anunciado. Para terminar, le pregunté a SB KENTo si tenía un mensaje para los lectores de Pro Wrestling Illustrated…sin duda respondió – “Les voy a enseñar que tan alto es mi potencial. Deben estar deseosos de ver mis luchas. Esta etapa de mi historia empieza ahora.”
HERE’S A HELPFUL INFOGRAPHIC WITH EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW.
We get a lot of questions about the #PWI500, #Womens150, and #TagTeam100 (fka #TagTeam50) and the potential overlap between each. Here’s an infographic explaining who you’ll find on each list, plus the release dates for this year’s editions.
And here’s a short blog by our Editor-in-Chief, Kevin McElvaney, explaining those overall categories a little further, focusing in particular on gendered divisions and the challenges those present in creating an honest, yet equitable ranking based on in-ring achievement (kayfabe).
HOT TIP: The 2022 “500” ships to active subscribers this month. But now is a great time to get on board for next year! Just $35 gets you nine issues, including the “Women’s 150,” “Tag Team 100,” “Achievement Awards,” and next year’s PWI “500.”
CRAZY & BEAUTIFUL: Dragon Gate Star Shun Skywalker Begins Ambitious Tour Of The U.S.
Shun Skywalker
Text & Photos by Issa Marie
THE (DRAGON) GATES have been opened. And fans worldwide—most notably in the United States—will be awed by the “unprecedented impact and strength” of Shun Skywalker during his upcoming tour. I had an opportunity to sit down and speak with the former Open the Dream Gate champion in late-August ahead of his upcoming U.S. tour. When I asked Skywalker what was the first impression he wanted to leave in the minds of the fans seeing him wrestle live for the first time, he said:
“Shun Skywalker is a crazy and beautiful guy.”
… And beautiful he is! まさしく美しい！
Beauty is central to everything Shun Skywalker does (and is): the combination of patterns and intricate details of his mask and wrestling gear; the swiftness of each stride as he walks to the ring; the elegance of his bow just before he enters the ring; the precision and lethality of every movement, every strike, every aspect of his offense and defense in the ring; his maniacal laugh; and the calculated way he says what he thinks is the most beautiful work of art. Though he describes himself as crazy, he’s also “ruthless, tough, hard, strong; the symbol that personifies the level of talent you will find in Dragon Gate.”
Shun Skywalker kicks off his tour by teaming up with fellow Z-Brats member, SB KENTo, at DEADLOCK Pro Wrestling’s Victory Lap on September 17. They’re set to face the duo of Andrew Everett & Jack Evans. In the second stop, Skywalker challenges “The Young GOAT” Myron Reed for Major League Wrestling’s World middleweight title.
“In the U.S., I am interested in many titles,” added Skywalker. “But I will not say which at this time.”
What we do know is that Skywalker has his sights on the best, and Reed is the first singles target (and the first champion) on his agenda.
As the third entrant for Black Label Pro’s Turbo Graps 24, Skywalker’s third stop might yield a dream match—one we perhaps didn’t even know we needed!
When asked about the possibility of facing the tournament’s number-one entrant, Jungle Kyona, the Dragon Gate star did not flinch. “If the tournament results set the stage for this match, I will be prepared for the match,” Skywalker said. “Ultimately, I want to face the best, toughest, and strongest opponents from any company. Anyone that steps up to the challenge.”
Skywalker wants to leave an impact so profound that the fans will beg their favorite promotions to bring him back … or bring him into the fold for the first time.
With Game Changer Wrestling appearances set for October 8, 9, and 22, observers have wondered: Will we see a hardcore or deathmatch side of Shun Skywalker? Not likely. “I respect the hardcore and deathmatch wrestlers,” he said. “However, my body is the strongest and deadliest weapon. I do not require the use of outside articles. I am enough.”
Indeed, if you have caught even a small glimpse of his matches, you know Shun Skywalker is enough. The opportunities for out-of-this-world, unique match-ups are there, so I had to ask: Whom would Shun Skywalker like to wrestler while in the U.S.? His list did not disappoint.
“Kenny Omega, Rocky Romero, Sammy Guevara, Aaron Solo, Low Rider, Yuya Uemura, just to name a few,” he said. Shywalker is looking to have great matches, make great memories, gain more experience, become stronger, increase his power to set himself apart from all others, so that only Shun Skywalker is on the mind (and hearts) of the fans.
Never shy about speaking his mind—even going so far as to make a paywalled column public to ensure all the fans understood his drive—Skywalker is on a mission to conquer the wrestling world the only way he can. Most importantly, he seeks to free Dragon Gate, and the wrestlers he believes are being hoarded by outdated leaders (such as Kzy), from the shackles that he believes are holding everyone back.
Shun Skywalker has his sights set on elevating the worth of Dragon Gate’s titles by taking them back from the current champions, who are not (in his mind) the finest competitors. He said, “They are not strong, they lack power, technique, passion, and emotion.”
For the uninitiated, who have never seen him compete in the flesh, Skywalker has a message: “If you see my matches live, you will see a strength you have never seen. You will feel a level of fear you have never experienced. Those who are tired of their monotonous lives and want to experience what they have never felt before need to come and watch me wrestle live!”
RECOMMENDED VIEWING:
Shun Skywalker & Diamante vs D’Courage (DEAD or ALIVE 2022)
スカイウォーカー選手の北米ツアーは同じくZ-BratsメンバーであるSB KENTo 選手と共に9月17日DEADLOCK Pro Wrestling Victory Lap大会から始まる。彼らはアンドリュー・エヴァレット選手とジャック・エバンス選手とのタッグマッチで対戦することになる。その次はMajor League Wrestling で現Middleweight王者“Young GOAT”ことマイロン・リード選手との対戦。
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SINCE THE TITLE’S INCEPTION in 2017, 28-year-old Rhio has defended the PROGRESS Women’s championship more than any champion has during one reign. Successfully defeating a dozen-plus challengers, including Lana Austin, Kanji, Nina Samuels, Delmi Exo, and Session Moth Martina, is… Read more: RHIO Talks U.K. Dominance, AEW All In and WrestleMania Weekend
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