Posted on March 21, 2023March 21, 2023 by Issa Marie

SPECIAL PWI PREVIEW: DDT Goes To Hollywood

Over WrestleMania Weekend, DDT Pro Wrestlers Battle Big Names From Game Changer Wrestling

Here’s What You Can Expect (In The Words Of The DDT Stars, Themselves!)

TEXT BY ISSA MARIE

FOUR YEARS AFTER taking over NYC and its streets, DDT Pro Wrestling does Hollywood in the only way it can. As part of The Collective, Dramatic Dream Team (DDT Pro), is returning to the U.S. to bring back its essence and wild uniqueness to North America. The promotion will present two highly anticipated shows: DDT Goes Hollywood (March 30) and GCW vs. DDT (March 31). And, if President Sanshiro Takagi, has his way, this two-day overseas tour will be the first of many of its kind.

I had prepared a lengthy dissertation as to why you should buy your tickets to the show before they are all gone; but instead, I’ll let the DDT roster coming to Hollywood do the honors themselves:

“It’s been two months since my last visit [to the U.S.’, so I hope to hear ‘welcome back’ chants, okay? MAO is back! I’m going to run wild! Look forward to the DDT style.” – MAO, who will be teaming with his ShunMAO partner, Shunma Katsumata, to take on Chris Brookes and Yoshihiko at DDT Goes Hollywood; then reuniting with his Moonlight Express partner, Mike Bailey, in a match versus the East West Express, Nick Wayne and Jordan Oliver, at GCW vs. DDT.

“I’m very glad to be able to take part in DDT’s Hollywood show! I’ll turn America into a sauna, so please give me your support! I hope you feel my NEPPOWER!” – Shunma Katsumata, who also teams with his frenemy, Chris Brookes, and Mizuki Watase to take on Second Gear Crew at GCW vs. DDT.

“I’ve been dreaming of wrestling in America ever since I was Universal champion! My dream! Wait for me, and please remember my overflowing NEPPOWER! Neppower is my fighting spirit!” – Yuki Ueno, who will be facing Konosuke Takeshita at DDT Goes Hollywood, following their time limit draw at Itabashi Green Hall back in January; and Joey Janela at GCW vs. DDT.

“DDT’s first Hollywood show! Everyone couldn’t come over, so I’ll do my best for the rest who couldn’t make it over to show the joys of DDT! Please enjoy the world of DDT☺️ My long limbs and kicks! And how graceful I am ♡” – Saki Akai, who will be facing Vertvixen at DDT Goes Hollywood and DARK Sheik at GCW vs. DDT.

“I won my very first KO-D openweight championship at the New York show in 2019, so [the U.S.] is a special country to me. This time, I’ll make sure to be at the Hollywood show as Universal champion and make it a success with my high-flying moves and these big buttocks of mine that are disproportionate to my upper half,” – #AndNew DDT Universal champion, Tetsuya Endo, who will be facing Joey Janela at DDT Goes Hollywood; in an effort to avenge his loss during the 2022 D-Oh Tournament, he teams with Jun Akiyama to take on Tony Deppen and Homicide at GCW vs. DDT.

“I hope that American pro wrestling fans can see how intense our wrestling is. Even in my 31st year as a wrestler, I’ll show you that I can still be aggressive,” – Jun Akiyama, who will be teaming with Eddie Kingston at DDT Goes Hollywood, and will be teaming with his BURNING mate, Endo, to take on Tony Deppen and Homicide at GCW vs DDT.

“America will be my first time overseas, so I’m very excited. I’ll tap out whoever my opponent may be. What I hope you remember is … my Cobra Twist and everything about me!” – KANON, who is teaming with DAMNATION T.A.’s Charisma (Daisuke Sasaki) to take on Eddie Kingston and Jun Akiyama at DDT Goes Hollywood.

“SEXY!! OH! SEXY!! SEXY!!!” Pheromones’ Yuki Iino, who along with Danshoku “Dandy” Dieno, will be facing DDT’s Peter Pan, President Sanshiro Takagi, and DDT/AEW star Michael Nakazawa at DDT Goes Hollywood; at GCW vs DDT, the Pheromones will be unleashed when they take on BUSSY (Allie Katch and EFFY).

“I won a young guys’ league in DDT to go to Hollywood. I have to show I’m the number one in the young guys. I learned Shorinji-kempo, which is a Japanese martial art. So, I want you to see my kick and punch.” – Takeshi Masada

If you haven’t done so, get your tickets before they sell out … these are two shows you won’t want to miss!

Posted on March 21, 2023March 21, 2023 by Issa Marie

Act Yasukawa Looks To Hollywood

The Actwres girl’Z Star Brings Her “Evil Actress Spirit” To WrestleMania Weekend

TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHY BY ISSA MARIE

THE “JAPANESE DRUNKEN Samurai” with the “Evil Actress Spirit” is headed to Hollywood, and you do not want to miss out on seeing her!

The former Act Yasukawa, better known for wrestling in STARDOM as a member of Oedo Tai, wants fans to meet ACT (pronounced AKUTO), the current incarnation of Yasukawa representing ACT Wrestling (popularly known as Actwres girl’Z, or AWG). “I am ready for the fans to meet this current and revolutionized version, ACT, who is very different from the past version most fans are familiar with.”

In pro wrestling, fans and analysts continually talk about the importance of an alternative. They reason that it makes sense to provide a product that is more appealing to a different demographic. Yet, when you look at most promotions—specifically in Japan—you will notice that nearly all of them share a similar structure in their training and business models.

And that is why AWG stands out. ACT wants to show the wrestling world the diverse talent that resides in the growing promotion, which, notably, differs from all others in one key way. “All of us are professional actresses,” she said. “Every expression, every move, we put our soul and heart to entertain the audience. The organization is still very new when compared to the other promotions, but there is so much potential and talent in every member. Everyone has what it takes to become a superstar. And, when we do come out to the states as a group, I want the US fans already looking forward to Actwres girl’Z.”

While that group trip hasn’t yet been realized, ACT is looking forward to the new experience of representing AWG over WrestleMania Weekend. “Previously, at Stardom, I traveled and wrestled as a member of Oedo Tai,” she recalls. “But this time, I am on my own, tagging with Aspyn Rose for the first time, as well as being a part of a four-way match against Brooke Havok, Kidd Bandit, and Billie Starkz. I have to prepare for the match, study their movements. I am looking forward to it.”

Indeed, with the latter four-way, Relentless Wrestling is starting off WrestleMania Weekend by giving us joshi fans a dream match we did not know we needed in our lives!

Speaking of dream matches, ACT is no stranger to them. When asked to name hers, she could not settle on a single bout. “I have to say, it was Yuzuki Aikawa, August 19, 2012, Stardom 5STAR Grand Prix [tournament] match,” she said. “Or versus Kairi Hojo (KAIRI), on January 26, 2014, the Wonder of Stardom championship belt match. I cannot decide, because both bouts gave me a special impression that I will never forget.”

For the fans that will be introduced to her via her many appearances during WrestleMania Week, ACT has a personal message: “Hello everyone, I’m ACT from Actwres girl’Z. I am the ‘Japanese Drunken Samurai,’ by loving the Japanese culture and its sake, as I am called the ‘Evil Actress Spirit.’ Please enjoy meeting my different personalities, in and out of the ring. If you enjoy meeting me and my pro wrestling, I would also like you to know Actwres girl’Z through me. Thank you very much!”

WrestleMania Week Schedule:

March 29

Pandemonium: Pro Wrestling
5:00 – 7:30 pm PDT
Don Quixote Event Center

Relentless Wrestling
9:00 – 11:00 pm PDT
Don Quixote Event Center

March 31

WrestleCon (appearance/signing)
9:00 am – 2:00 pm & 3:00 – 5:00 pm PDT
Millennium Biltmore Hotel

April 1

WrestleCon (appearance/signing)
9:00 am – 2:00 pm PDT
Millennium Biltmore Hotel

April 2

WrestleCon (appearance/signing)

9:00 am – 2:00 pm PDT
Millennium Biltmore Hotel

Merchandise for Sale

Red USA-Exclusive T-shirts
Black USA-Exclusive T-shirts
4 different Act portraits
Two Shots (Cheki)
Act Yasukawa Lapel Pins
Actwres girl’Z Lapel Pins
Act Yasukawa Stickers
Additional Actwres girl’Z portraits

Posted on March 6, 2023 by Issa Marie

DRAGONGATE HEADS TO SINGAPORE

#DGinSingapore Will See Dragongate Wrestlers vs. Singapore All Stars

TEXT BY ISSA MARIE

THE GODFATHER OF South Asian pro wrestling, Ho Ho Lun, is bringing Dragongate back to Singapore after a lengthy absence—continuing in his quest to show the beauty of pro wrestling across Asia!

This latest outing comes on the heels of an action-packed #ChampionGate2023 weekend, where we saw Jason Lee be crowned Open the Brave Gate champion in a must-watch match against Minorita, Shun Skywalker leverage his experience to escape with the win over Killer (Strong) Machine J, and D’Courage lose after an impressive #ReydeParejas2023 Tournament showing. Now, a team of Dragongate’s best is headed to Singapore to face the 2023 “Singapore All Stars,” in collaboration with Ring of Rebirth on March 10 and 11.

When asked which match, from a fan perspective, he was looking forward to the most, Lun did not hesitate in response. “Of course, the main event match of night one, the Horrors (Dr. Gore and Da Butcherman) vs. YAMATO and Dragon Kid,” he said. “It’s going to be a great match!”

And if you have been paying close attention on social media, you know this battle will be the talk of the town, from facial makeover threats to scalping. With the (questionable) “Super Baby Face” YAMATO’s evil self now resurfacing, to the point where there is no way to tell which version of YAMATO we are getting, this match is poised to steal the show.

Lun also wants fans to keep an eye out for the rematch four years in the making, pitting BIG BOSS Shimizu “The Statement” Andruew Tang. Shimizu has the height and strength advantage on paper, but never count out Tang out. Could this contest lead to a potential challenge from the Singaporean grappler for the Open the Twin Gate championship? Shimizu’s recent whirlwind tour of the U.S., which saw him mount three defenses of that title in seven days, certainly gives an edge of freshness to his opponent here.

Elsewhere on the card, Susumu Mochizuki is set to face DJ KAL. In addition, Erfie, Ahmad Arif, Showtime, Jullian, Crypto Bro LK, Jacky Ng (with Caramel Prata), and Big T will be in action throughout the weekend.

Lun, not one to be left out, is teaming with D’Courage’s Yuki Yoshioka and Madoka Kikuta to face Aiden Rex, BIG DAVE, and The Eurasian in a six-man tag. Six-man bouts have become a signature of Dragongate, continuing to make the company stand apart from all other promotions worldwide.

While night one will offer local fans a taste of six-man action, the Singapore live crowd will be treated to a proper Dragongate trios match on night two, when the aforementioned Yoshioka and Kikuta team up with Susumu Mochizuki to take on YAMATO, Dragon Kid, and BIG BOSS Shimizu.

If you live in Singapore or are happen to be traveling to Singapore in the coming days, head over to the Eurasian Community House on March 10 and 11 to watch some amazing pro wrestling. Tickets can be purchased via Peatix or by contacting the wrestlers (Lun included!) directly.

For those who cannot attend, the shows will be made available on the Dragongate Network at a later date, so please ensure you are subscribed.

Posted on February 10, 2023February 10, 2023 by Issa Marie

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH PHILLY

BIG BOSS Shimizu executes a brainbuster variation

Dragongate’s BIG BOSS Shimuzu Tours The U.S.

TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHY BY ISSA MARIE

NATURAL VIBES POWERHOUSE, BIG BOSS Shimizu, is on his first U.S. tour. Dragongate’s chameleon, due to his ability to transform and embody every personality he has been given since his debut, is hoping to show the new fans who are getting to meet him for the first time what he is all about. “I am hopeful that the fans will be able to feel my passion and see my strength through my pro wrestling,” Shimizu said last Saturday at MLW’s #SuperFight.

That passion was felt on February 3 at #GardenStateV, in his match against Robert Martyr, and, more notably, on February 4, at the historic 2300 (ECW) Arena. At the latter show, when NATURAL VIBES’ music was cut in the earlier part of their entrance, Kzy (singing acapella) and Boss got the crowd in sync to start the party.

Growing up a fan of WCW and ECW, BOSS was more than excited to face the Full Blooded Italians (FBI) in defense of the Open the Twin Gate championship that night. “Sharing the ring with Little Guido is a dream come true,” said Shimizu.

As he was getting ready for the match, we had to keep the conversation short, but I managed to ask the important questions: Since arriving in the U.S., Shimizu has enjoyed Popeye’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich the most; he believes the that the finals for Dragongate’s #ReydeParejas2023 will be NATURAL VIBES’ Jacky Funky Kamei & Jason Lee vs The Strong Machines, J & F.

In closing, Shimizu has a message for you and other PWI readers: “Since it is my first time wrestling in the U.S., I will ensure every one of my matches is memorable and enjoyable for the fans! Thank you for your support during my first U.S. tour and I look forward to meeting you all at the venues.”

U.S. Tour Schedule

02-09 New Texas Pro Wrestling (Seminar & Match)
02-18 WrestleRave (Texas)
02-25 MEW (Alabama)
02-26 ETU (New Jersey)

RECOMMENDED VIEWING:

BIG BOSS Shimizu vs KAI, Open the Dream Gate Title Match, March 6, 2022

Highlights BIG BOSS Shimizu vs BxB Hulk, Z-Brats vs NATURAL VIBES Singles Match, October 10, 2022

Posted on January 31, 2023January 31, 2023 by Jason McVeigh

Lights … Camera … Pandemonium!

Masha Slamovich vs. Johnny Hollywood (John Morrison/Hennigan) at Pandemonium Pro Wrestling

Pandemonium Pro Wrestling’s Exciting Evolution

TEXT BY JASON McVEIGH

“IT’S PANDEMONIUM!” THESE were the iconic words often uttered by the late, great Gorilla Monsoon when things on WWF television kicked up a notch. And while Gorilla, sadly, isn’t with us any longer, “Pandemonium” can still be found in the wrestling business. In particular, we see it on the West Coast, where a new promotion has adopted the moniker as a catch-all description for the action it offers.

Pandemonium Pro Wrestling is a Los Angeles-based wrestling promotion that debuted in 2021. In recent months, it has gotten increasingly serious about offering a product that captures the cinematic elements of Hollywood blockbuster films and merges them with professional wrestling. If you think of Lucha Underground and Wrestling Society X, then you are on the right track.

An earlier episode of Pandemonium TV. While still showcasing the stars of the L.A. independent scene, Pandemonium Pro Wrestling has since become more ambitious on the production side of things, taking inspiration from some interesting places.

The growing company features competitors from all over the world, from West Coast sensations like Kidd Bandit and the promotion’s current Gen Z champion, Wicked Wickett, to notable talent from major companies such as AEW’s Fuego Del Sol, IMPACT Wrestling’s Alan Angels, NJPW’s Yuya Uemura, and even former WWE Intercontinental champion John Hennigan (performing here as “Johnny Hollywood.”

The mission and vision, as laid out by the promotion itself, is for Pandemonium Pro Wrestling to showcase the talent of Los Angeles and the surrounding counties and place them into an environment with the cinematic feel of a Marvel film.

“Professional wrestling is one of the highest forms of performance art in the world,” noted PPW director/editor/wrestler, Kidd Bandit. “We wanted a company that departs from the sports-based presentation of pro wrestling and focuses on its parallels with a stage-play spectacle.”

Blink and you’ll miss!

Catch the main event clash between @TheRealMorrison and the Pandemonium dotTV Champion @kiddbanditpro coming soon to @indiewrestling! pic.twitter.com/wevKY36J12
— Pandemonium: Pro Wrestling (@ProPandemonium) December 18, 2022

This more theatrical approach can even be seen in the job titles given to the key people behind PPW. In addition to Bandit, the company lists Asan Washington as its CEO and Executive Producer and camera operator Hoby Lasko as its Cinematographer.

“We put a lot of emphasis on the larger-than-life personalities, the cinematography of the action, and the narrative of the stories,” said Bandit. And it’s this focus on production and visual elements that may help the promotion stand apart from the pack on a crowded indie scene.

Holiday in Hollywood marked the IWTV debut of PPW, and it was featured as our “Spotlight Card” in the January 30 edition of the PWI Weekly. The event, filmed on December 4, 2022, at the Jaxx Theatre in the heart of Hollywood, was a blend of everything that makes Pandemonium Pro Wrestling one of the hottest tickets in Tinseltown. From the high-impact fast-paced action of the opening lucha bout between Serpentico and Wicked Wickett to the impressive showcase of NJPW’s Young Lions, The DKC and Yuya Uemura, Holiday in Hollywood had a little something for most wrestling tastes.

The main event of that show was The Hollywood Classic: a hyper-competitive ten-person gauntlet match for the “Ticket To Hollywood” contract. Ishmael Vaughn won the contest, earning a future shot at either the dotTV championship or the Gen Z championship at any time.

The Hollywood Classic starring Sandra Moone (@SandraMoonepie)

She and 9 other stars compete in this grueling gauntlet match to win the coveted “Ticket To Hollywood” Championship Contract! pic.twitter.com/w1XoEqCcmB
— Pandemonium: Pro Wrestling (@ProPandemonium) December 19, 2022

With a broadcast deal that sees the product showcased on IWTV, Pandemonium Pro Wrestling is rolling ahead toward another big show on March 29.

“Our next event is called ‘dotTV Vol. 4: Best Damn Thing,'” revealed Kidd Bandit. “It will be headlined by the Rumble Riot Match for the Pandemonium Pro championship, as well as a dotTV title bout between Johnny Hollywood and Masha Slamovich. And the whole thing will be available for viewing on IWTV VOD.”

To paraphrase Horace Greeley, if you are looking for something a little different in the wrestling sphere right now, go West, young person! Because, in Hollywood, it’s Pandemonium out there.

Posted on January 31, 2023January 31, 2023 by Issa Marie

IT IS KZY TIME … And The U.S. Is About To Go Crazy!

IT IS KZY TIME …

AND THE U.S. IS ABOUT TO GO CRAZY!

TEXT & PHOTOS BY ISSA MARIE

DURING THE MONTH of February, the leader of Dragongate’s NATURAL VIBES, Kzy, and the unit’s powerhouse, BIG BOSS Shimizu, will be wrestling throughout the U.S.—East to West Coast and some in between!

When I was still in Japan, I had the opportunity to speak with Kzy just days ahead of the tour announcement. He is the man in charge of Dragongate’s most beloved faction, NATURAL VIBES, known for its feel-good energy, music, and, most importantly, being the blueprint for what a cohesive unit should be.

NATURAL VIBES (Good Vibes Only): Dragongate

“We stay true to who we are,” explains Kzy. “We respect each other, support each other. There are no betrayals. We are made up of ‘Good Vibes Only.’”

Since re-establishing NATURAL VIBES, Kzy has focused his efforts on coaching and mentoring the next generation of talent in Dragongate. “When the first iteration of NATURAL VIBES was established, I had Susumu (Mochizuki) and Genki (Horiguchi) to help develop me as a top player,” he said. “After their departure from the unit, I assumed their former roles in order to pay it forward to the younger generation of wrestlers that make up NATURAL VIBES, Chapter 3: Jacky, Jason, and (Strong Machine) J.”

In my interviews with Jacky Funky Kamei, Jason Lee, and Strong Machine J (SMJ), each effusively praised the group’s leader, with SMJ acknowledging it was Kzy who gave him the opportunity and the platform to be the truest version of himself. Without such a supportive captain, NATURAL VIBES simply would not be what it is today.

Given the choice, I wondered whether Kzy preferred being the undisputed “Top Guy” in Dragongate or being a leader among his peers. He doesn’t see the two as being mutually exclusive. “As a leader, I always strive to be in the limelight,” he admitted. “But helping the younger wrestlers become the next generational group to lead the promotion ignites the fire and grit within [me] to continue to fight harder to achieve my results. Helping them elevates me.”

While that may be true, those who have followed Kzy’s career have wondered when it will finally be his time to reign as Open the Dream Gate champion. That includes the NATURAL VIBES leader himself. “Seeing all the younger wrestlers thrive and become champion, from the lens of the promotion, I am very happy to see,” Kzy told PWI. “However, personally, it is frustrating [to not become champion]. In Dragongate, timing is everything. And when the time is right, I will be ready to take advantage of it.”

Perhaps his journey overseas will enable the veteran wrestler to become closer to undeniable. And what should U.S. fans expect from Kzy? “In every state and venue I will be wrestling at, it is going to be fun,” he said. It is going to be loud, it is going to be exciting!”

Dragongate fans will nod their heads in agreement. They have learned to expect nothing less from “Mr. All Gas No Breaks, Mr. Full Throttle!”

Take it from the man himself: “That is why it is always Kzy Time.”

If you have never seen Kzy wrestle before, you are in for a treat!

At the end of this article, we will provide you with some recommended matches to watch via YouTube. However, the one that solidified everything for Kzy is available exclusively on the DRAGONGATE Network (dragongate.live). This is Open the Dream Gate challenge against PAC on February 10, 2019.

Even though Kzy was not victorious in the end, he proved that he could go toe to toe with a world-class wrestler, giving him the confidence in his ability that he can stand with the best on the planet

U.S. Tour Schedule for Kzy & BIG BOSS Shimizu

Kzy

02-03 GSPW (New Jersey)

02-04 MLW (Philadelphia)

02-17 Prestige (Portland)

02-18 BLP (Chicago)

02-25 MEW (Alabama)

02-26 ETU (New Jersey)

Shimizu

02-03 GSPW (New Jersey)

02-04 MLW (Philadelphia)

02-18 WrestleRave (Texas)

02-25 MEW (Alabama)

02-26 ETU (New Jersey)

RECOMMENDED VIEWING:

Kzy vs. Shun Skywalker, 12-16-2022

Kzy vs. Shun Skywalker, Kobe Pro Wrestling Festival 2021, 07-31-2021

Kzy vs. Kota Minoura, King of Gate 2021, 06-03-2021

IT IS KZY TIME …

AND THE U.S. IS ABOUT TO GO CRAZY!

TEXT & PHOTOS BY ISSA MARIE

2月ではNATURAL VIBESのリーダーであるKzy選手とBIG BOSS清水選手が渡米することになりました！

アメリカンツアーが発表前に運よくKzy選手と話す機会がありました。彼がドラゴンゲートの最愛であるユニットNATURAL VIBESのリーダーです。改めて紹介しますが、NATURAL VIBESはエネルギーと音楽で知られている中、彼らの結束力がユニットのあるべき姿でもあります。

「私達は私達に誠実であり続ける。お互いに尊重し、支え合っている。裏切りなんてしない。私達はいつもGood Vibes Onlyで構成されている」

NATURAL VIBESを再結成して以来Kzy選手は次世代選手の指導や育成に力を注いでいます。「NATURAL VIBESが立ち上げた当初は望月ススムさんと堀口元気さんにトッププレイヤーとして育ててくれました。彼らがユニットを離脱した後、NATURAL VIBES第３章を構成する若い世界のジャッキー、ジェイソン、とストロングマシーンJに恩返しするために、彼ら（望月と堀口）の役割を引き継ぎました。」

ジャッキーとジェイソン選手、そしてストロング・マシーンJ選手のインタビューでは、それぞれがリーダーを絶賛し、J選手は真の自分であるための機会を与えてくれたのはKzy選手であると認めている。NATURAL VIBESはこんな協力的なリーダーがいなければ、今のような姿にはならなかっただろう。

Kzy選手は誰もが認めているトッププレイヤーになることと、仲間中のリーダーであることのどちらが好きなのだろうかと想像してみた。しかしKzy選手はこの二択が相反しないものだと考えている。「リーダーとして常に脚光を浴びようと努力をしている。ですが若い世代を団体のトップで走るように手助けをすることで自分の結果を出せるための火種にもなります。彼らの手助けはご自身も高めてくれる」

しかしKzy選手のキャリアを追っかける者はきっと「いつになったらオープン・ザ・ドリーム・ゲート王者になれるのだろう・・」と思うでしょう。Kzy選手自身も同感でした。「若い選手が成長し王者になるのを見るのは団体の目からとてもうれしいことです。なのに（王者になれなかったのを）ちょっと悔しいです。ドラゴンゲートでは、タイミングがすべて。タイミングが合えばそれを利用する準備を出来つつある。」

もしかして海外遠征ではその第一歩になるのだろうか。アメリカのファンはKzy選手に何を期待するでしょうか？「どんな州でもどんな会場でもきっと楽しいでしょう。とてもうるさくなるし盛り上がることは間違いないでしょう！」ドラゴンゲートファンはミスター宴人全開ときっと賛成するでしょう。

だって本人「いつも常にKzyタイム！」

Kzy選手初見の方はきっといい時間を過ごすでしょう！下記にはおすすめ試合はありますが、一番おすすめする試合はdragongate.liveで見られる。これが2019年2月10日PAC選手とオープン・ザ・ドリーム・ゲート選手権試合でした。

残念でしたがKzy選手が敗れてしまった。なのに世界級のトップクラスレスラーと互角に渡り合えることを証明できたし、自信を持たせるようになりました。

スケジュール：

Kzy

2月3日 GSPW、ニュージャージー州

2月4日MLW、フィラデルフィア

2月17日Prestige、ポートランド

2月18日BLP、シカゴ

2月25日MEW、アラバマ州

2月26日ETU、ニュージャージー州　

BIGBOSS清水

2月3日 GSPW、ニュージャージー州

2月4日MLW、フィラデルフィア

2月18日WrestleRave、テキサス州

2月25日MEW、アラバマ州

2月26日ETU、ニュージャージー州

THE RISE OF SHUN SKYWALKER

Why He Will Conquer The Wrestling World

TEXT & PHOTOS BY ISSA MARIE

LAST TIME WE spoke with Dragongate’s self-proclaimed savior, Shun Skywalker, he was headed to Mexico and the U.S., to show his ruthless strength and prove why he personifies the level of talent DG has to offer. And, in the two months since his return, Skywalker has been on a tear:

1. Took the Triangle Gate title from M3K
2. Championed the disbandment of HIGH END
3. Challenged for the Dream Gate Championship.

But what about his quest to end Kzy and NATURAL VIBES?

“We will, how do you say it …” he says, searching for the right words.

Put a pin in it?

“Yes, put a pin on that,” agreed Skywalker. He then added, with a maniacal laugh, “for now!”

At this moment, Skywalker is applying some of the lessons he learned during his recent North American tour.

“While there are many great wrestlers in Dragongate, in America, I found many wrestlers with different talent, attributes, styles, wrestling psychology … something I had not seen or experienced before,” he revealed. “I also returned to Mexico to train, gain new experience, work with the promotions I was not able to work with during the global pandemic, and wrestle luchadores I have wanted to work with, like Dragon Lee, Komander, Jack Evans, Aeroboy, and Ciclon Ramirez Jr.”

Though he locked up with numerous wrestlers—and briefly wore the MLW World middleweight title—Skywalker was able to single out a favorite battle. “My match in GCW against Nick Wayne,” he said, citing the teenage prodigy currently under a developmental-like deal with AEW. “His ideas and style embody what pro wrestling is. He has a great and promising future. And I am excited to see what the future holds for him … and what our next match will be like.”

Originally, Skywalker indicates he had no immediate plans to return to the U.S. However, on November 24, he was announced as the second entrant in the 2023 edition of the celebrated Battle of Los Angeles tournament. The announcement prompted us to reach out to him for a follow-up.

During his 2019/2020 excursion, Shun Skywalker had expressed his desire to wrestle at Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (home of the BOLA tourney) and face the likes of Bandido, Mike Bailey, A-Kid, and Lucky Kid. Unfortunately, the pandemic derailed any possibility of making those match-ups a reality. When Skywalker returned to Japan, he captured the prestigious Open the Dream Gate championship; however, the proverbial Gates were still closed worldwide. Now, there’s nothing stopping him from continuing to show the world his style of wrestling; that he is, in his mind, the greatest wrestler on the planet; and why PWG wants Shun Skywalker.

“My first-round match is against Aramis, but I am also looking forward to the prospect of wrestling Konosuke Takeshita, Daniel Garcia, Lio Rush, Komander, and my teacher, friend, brother, and rival, Bandido,” Skywalker said. “Three years ago, when wrestling shows were suspended, I spent most of my time in Mexico training with Bandido. He has beaten me twice, has made his mark in the world, is an AEW-contracted wrestler. But I do not think he is better than me. I have gained the power and the experience I did not have at the time we faced each other … and have evolved as a beautiful idol with a crazy spirit.”

Skywalker, confident in his own abilities, has vowed that he will win the 2023 Battle of Los Angeles tournament. But he’s also got other things on his wild mind. On Christmas Day, he interrupted Ben-K and Yuki Yoshioka as they thanked one another for the great match they’d just had—a gesture of goodwill that Skywalker did not appreciate!

“Certainly, Ben-K vs Yuki Yoshioka was a good match,” he acknowledged. “In pro wrestling, there needs to be respect between opponents. However, wrestlers do not need to make commercialized praise and shows of affection. When I heard their declarations in the ring, I grabbed a microphone and spoke my mind.”

In his view, the current Dream Gate champ is simply not the best man for the job. “Yuki Yoshioka should not hold the title that shined the brightest when it was mine,” he said. “I do not want the Dream Gate championship [belt] that he has…I detest the title ‘HE’ holds and I have no interest in carrying that unnecessary baggage. But, I do not want someone who is weak, has devalued the title, and whose stupid fans just love his cheap impressions. So, I issued the challenge.”

And we do not have to wait long to see that match! Dragongate General Manager, Ryo Saito (SaiRyo), made the title bout official for the company’s January 12 Korakuen Hall show. Taking place just days after Skywalker’s PWG jaunt, the DG show will be streaming live via dragongate.live with English commentary.

Make sure you subscribe! Because, the day before that match, Shun Skywalker and the rest of Z-Brats will be involved in a unit-disbandment match against HIGH END (YAMATO and Dragon Kid), with the assistance of Takashi Yoshida and Problem Dragon.

“In Dragongate, broken or incomplete units are unnecessary,” said Skywalker. “In the hierarchy of units, HIGH END does not belong or deserve the place they continue to hold. SaiRyo, as a former wrestler, and now GM, has betrayed the unit code and has used his power and position to allow for the emotional nepotism they represent. If the GM is not apt to do his job, then Shun Skywalker will take over. I will enforce my laws and police all the undeserving talent in Dragongate.”

Though he may be a little autocratic, Skywalker still knows where his bread is buttered. Thus, he has a message for fans who watched him on his most recent excursion. “I know you enjoyed my matches,” he said. “I understood when you said, ‘I love Shun, I want Shun, I need Shun in my life.’ I know you want me back and want me booked at those shows again. Do not forget to remind the promoters to do so.”

シュン・スカイウォーカーの夜明け

TEXT & PHOTOS BY ISSA MARIE

前回の取材では「ドラゴンゲートの救世主」を自称するシュン•スカイウォーカー選手が、自身の冷酷な強さやドラゴンゲートの最高峰な選手であることの証明のために北アメリカ大陸へ向かったところまで。そして彼はこの2ヶ月の間に以下の功績を残した:

M3Kからトライアングル・ゲート奪還
HIGH ENDの解散宣言
オープン・ザ・ドリーム・ゲート挑戦表明

ですがKzyやNVの駆逐はどうなっていますか？

「どう表現すればいいでしょうか?」と探りながら考えてるスカイウォーカー選手。

あとにする？

笑いながら「あとにしよう。そう、今の話をね」

現在のスカイウォーカー選手は北米ツアーでの経験を日本に活かしている。「ドラゴンゲートは素育らしい選手がたくさんいるが、アメリカのいくつかの選手は今まで僕が考えたことのない能力、特徴、スタイルやプロレス哲学を持っていた。また2年ぶりにメキシコへ帰って、たくさん経験に積んでコロナ禍で出場できなかった団体に出場して、ずっと戦いたかったドラゴン・リー、コマンデル、ジャック・エヴァンス、アエロボーイ、シクロンラミレスJr.というルチャドールとも肌を突き合わせることができました。」

多くの選手と試合をし、MLW世界ミドルウェイト王座も一時期獲った中、一番楽しかった試合を尋ねると彼はすぐ答えられました。

「GCWでのニック・ウェイン戦です。」

AEW所属の若手鬼才選手だ。

「彼の考えやスタイルこそがブロレスだ。将来もとても期待できるし、楽しみにしています…彼との次の対戦も。」

元々スカイウォーカー選手はアメリカに戻る予定はなかったが11月24日PWG 「Battle of Los Angeles 2023年」に出場することになりました。その発表で今回の記事に至りました。

彼は2019-2020年の遠征中にPWGでバンディード、マイク・ベイリー、A-Kidやラッキー・キッドといった選手と対戦したいとの意向を示していた。しかし残念ながら、パンデミックによってそれらは叶えられなかった。ドラゴンゲートに帰還してオープン・ザ・ドリーム・ゲート王座を取ったが水際はまだ緩和されなかった。

現在は彼のプロレスを示し続けることを止められるものは何もない。

「世界最高レスラー」はPWGがシュン・スカイウォーカーを欲しがる理由についても語った。

「一回戦の相手はアラミス選手ですが、竹下幸之介、ダニエル・ガルシア、リオラッシュ、コマンダーそして先生であり、友人、兄弟、ライバルであるバンディードも楽しみです。3年前にコロナの影響で大会ができなくなった時ほとんどの時間メキシコでバンディードとトレーニングしました。その後、彼は世界に名を講かせて今はAEW所属となりました。ただそれは、彼が僕より強い事を表す事象ではない。彼はシングルマッチで2度僕を葬っているが、それは5年近く前の話。前回と比べて力、経験を増して…今は常人にはない魂を持つ美しい才能へと進化しました。」

スカイウォーカー選手はご自身の能力に自身を持って今年のBOLAを優勝することに宣言した。クリスマスの日にBen-Kと吉岡勇紀がお互いに素晴らしい試合を感謝しあっているところに割り込んできた。スカイウォーカー選手にとって気に食わない行動だった。

「確かにBen-Kと吉岡勇紀は素晴らしい試合だった。プロレスでは、お互いにリスペクトが必要だ。だが、こんなくだらない褒め言葉や愛情表現なんていらない。あれを聴いたら思わずマイクを持って本心を言った。」

「一緒にメキシコ遠征でトレーニング相手であり元同士でもある吉岡選手はそれだけで済ませない。」彼にとって、現ドリームゲート王者である吉岡選手は最適な人物ではないことを公言した。「吉岡は、私が持っている時に最も輝いていたタイトルを持つべき選手ではない。ドリームゲート王座がこんな…余計な荷物(吉岡選手)を背負わせるなんて興味がない。しかし弱くて、タイトルの価値を下げて、愚かなファンが安っぽい印象が好きになった王者は気に食わないので挑戦しました。」

ですがあまり長く待つ必要はない！ドラゴンゲートゼネラルマネージャーである斎藤了さんは1月12日の後楽園ホール大会でのタイトルマッチを正式にご決定した。スカイウォーカーのPWG遠征の数日後に行われる大会は、英語の解説付きでdragongate.liveで配信される。

今のうちに加入ください！

しかも、その試合の前日に、スカイウォーカー選手とZ-Brats、HIGH-ENDのYAMATOとドラゴンキッドが吉田選手と問題龍選手の協力を得て、ユニット解散マッチが見れます！

「ドラゴンゲートには、ガラクタや不完全なユニットは不要だ」とスカイウォーカー選手は言い放った。「HIGH-ENDは、数あるユニットの中でも不要な存在です。元レスラーであるGM斎藤了は、ユニットと認められる要件を設けず、権力を利用して彼らが楽徴する縁故主義を広めているのです。斎藤了が妥当なGMでなければ、このシュン・スカイウォーカーが引き継ぎます。僕なりの法を整備しドラゴンゲートの不相応な選手含め全てを牛耳ってもいい。」

少し独裁的ですが、スカイウォーカー選手は欲しいものを手に入れる方法を知っている。遠征でファンになった方々に一言メッセージを送ります!

「試合は楽しいだろう。”シュンが好き、シュンが欲しい、人生にシュンが必要だ”きっと早く戻ってきて欲しいのでしょう。早くブッキングしてほしいでしょう。だったらプロモーターに伝えておいてね。」

Posted on December 15, 2022 by Issa Marie

From NATURAL VIBES To Kung Fu Masters

Lee & Kamei pose with the Open the Twin Gate tag team title belts

From NATURAL VIBES To Kung Fu Masters

The Two Faces Of Jason Lee & Jacky Funky Kamei

TEXT & PHOTOS BY ISSA MARIE

IN PRO WRESTLING, one needs to develop a character or persona that resonates with an audience. This is no easy task to accomplish merely once—just ask any wrestler who has cycled through multiple gimmicks over the course of a career.

Imagine, then, a tag team ably portraying multiple characters within the same wrestling company … at the same time.

Indeed, it is a major challenge to embody two different characters and the relationships those characters have—completely distinct and unique—and yet, DRAGONGATE’s Jason Lee and Jacky Funky Kamei have managed to do just that!

Both members of the NATURAL VIBES unit, Lee and Kamei make for an awesome pair. Lee introduces himself as the “pro wrestler from Hong Kong that represents DG, able to master everything he does.” While Kamei is the self-described “funky energetic Jackie Chan lookalike with a deadly POW!”

Given their respective namesakes (Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan) and connections to the culture and land, the two tandem specialists decided to create a Hong Kong-centric unit of their own. (Note: DG is based in Kobe, home to a large Chinatown area named Nankinmachi.)

Realizing that a two-wrestler unit would not be able to survive long in DG’s competitive landscape, invitations were extended to Hong Kong native Ho Ho Lun and his friend Super Shenlong III.

When asked if it’s ever confusing to alternate between their original personas and newer personas, Lee is nonplussed. “Honestly, no,” he told PWI. “Kung Fu Masters (KFM) is more a comedy unit, something I do not mind doing. However, the Jason Lee you see wrestle as part of NV (Natural Vibes), the technically sound, high-speed athlete with an infusion of kung fu, is who I am.”

So, if he must pick one version of Jason Lee, which does he prefer? “NV Jason Lee, definitely!”

For the record, KFM’s Jason and Jacky are more than just a comedy act. At Kobe World Festival 2022, they dethroned Open the Twin Gate champions Shun Skywalker & Diamante—pound-for-pound, one of the promotion’s biggest, most dominant, and most agile duos. Interestingly, the so-called comedy unit seems to have made its members more confident in their abilities.

“KFM has given me the ability to expand my range when speaking on the microphone, show that a wrestler with a small body, big heart, who will never give up, is not limited in the ring,” said Kamei. “My style remains the same for the most part … displays of strength, with the ability to cover every inch of the ring, and strike from any angle.”

And, while both Kamei and Lee have desires to win singles titles in a not-too-distant future, they both prefer tag team wrestling. “With a great partner,” adds Lee. “Like I’ve had with Kota Minoura, and now Jacky.”

“In a tag team, you have the ability to develop and create powerful team moves,” Kamei said. “Which requires a combination of strength and skills.”

Moreover, Lee & Kamei have plans to conquer the world as a team … and regain the Twin Gate title they lost to D’Courage in Tokyo. “I truly believe the outcome [of the match] would have been different, had they faced the NV team,” said Lee. “KFM, the unit that is specific to Kobe … We were at a disadvantage by not having the energy, power, and the spirit of the community with us.”
And having been there in September to witness the loss, this author cannot disagree with Lee’s assessment.

With that, we leave you with Lee & Kamei’s parting words for readers of our ongoing DRAGONGATE Series:

“I hope to have more fans learn about and watch DG. And, when I wrestle again in the U.S. and Mexico, new fans and current fans come to watch and support during the tours.” – Jason Lee

“Please everyone watch and support DG and my FUNKY wrestling! POW POW!” – Jacky Funky Kamei

RECOMMENDED VIEWING:

Jacky Funky Kamei vs SB KENTo, October 17, 2021

Jason Lee vs Shun Skywalker, April 25, 2022

Jason Lee & Jacky Funk Kamei vs. Diamante & Shun Skywalker, July 30, 2022

Kung Fu Masters vs. Genki Horiguchi & Teelan Shisa, November 19, 2022

NATURAL VIBESからカンフー・マスターズへ

ジェイソン・リーとジャッキーファンキーカメイの両面

プロレスでは、観客の心を掴むようなキャラクターが必要です。これは、一度だけではなかなか難しいものです。キャリア中にたくさんのキャラクターを巡回した選手に聞いてみたらいかがでしょうか？

だとしたら、改めて想像して見て下さい。同団体で複数のキャラクターを同時に演じ分けるタッグチームはどうでしょうか？

二人の異なるキャラクターと彼らが持つ関係性を具現化するのかかなり大きなチャレンジですが、DRAGONGATEのジェイソン・リーとジャッキーファンキーカメイなら問題なし！

ジェイソン・リーは「何事も極めるDRAGONGATE代表の香港人プロレスラー」。そしてジャッキーファンキーカメイ選手は「必殺のPOWを持つファンキーでエネルギッシュなジャッキー・チェンそっくりさん」です。

ブルース・リーやジャッキー・チェンを尊敬し、香港の文化や土地にゆかりのある2人は香港中心としたユニットを結成することにしました。

DRAGONGATEの競争の中で二人のユニットでは長く生き残れないため、香港出身のホーホー・ルン選手と彼の仲間・三代目超神龍に招待を送りました。

両ユニットのペルソナに戸惑うことはないかと聞かれたら、平然としてリー選手はこう言われた：「正直言って、ないですね。カンフーはコミカルなユニットで気にせずやっていることだ。ですが、（ナチュラル）のジェイソン・リーはハイスピードで技術的に才能溢れるカンフーを持つ彼は私そのままです。」

もしカンフーやナチュラルのジェイソン・リーを選ぶとしたら、リー選手は「間違いない、ナチュラルのジェイソン・リーです！」と答えられました。

ただ、カンフーのジェイソンとジャッキーはただのコミカルユニットではない。KOBEプロレスフェスティバル2022年では、オープン・ザ・ツインゲート王者のシュン・スカイウォーカー選手とディアマンテ選手に勝利しました。面白いことに、コミカルユニットとは言っても、メンバーの自信に繋がりました。

カメイ選手は「カンフーのおかげでマイクアピールの幅を広げることになって、小さな体で大きな心を持つ選手はリング上では限界がないことを示すことができました。スタイルとしては変わらない。強さをアピールとリング上のあらゆる方角で攻めることができる選手です。」

カメイ選手やリー選手も早くシングルタイトルを取りたいと思っているが、タッグチームの方が好きなようです。リー選手は「素晴らしいパートナーと一緒に。箕浦康太選手のようにジャッキー選手との」

カメイ選手は「タッグチームでは、強力なチーム技を開発する機会はありますが、それには能力やスキルが必要だ。」

なによりリー選手とカメイ選手はチームとしててっぺんを取る、そして東京でD’Courageが取ったツインゲート王座を奪還すること。リー選手は「ナチュラルだったら結果は違っていただろう。神戸限定のカンフーだったらエネルギーやパワーそしてコミュニティー精神を持っていないことで不利な立場で試合を挑んだ」

9月に現地で敗戦を観戦した筆者はリー選手の評価に異論はなかった。

最後に二人からのコメントです：

ジェイソン・リー：
たくさんのファンにDRAGONGATEを知ってもらい、見て欲しいです。またアメリカやメキシコに再びプロレスができたら、新しいファンや今のファンがツアーに身に来たり応援してくれたりすること。

ジャッキーファンキーカメイ：

みなさん是非DRAGONGATEと私のファンキーレスリングを見てくださいね！POW POW!

Posted on December 6, 2022December 15, 2022 by Issa Marie

Shingo Takagi Returns At DRAGONGATE Fan Appreciation Night

DRAGONGATE Fan Appreciation Night (Shingo Takagi Returns!)

PWI’s Ringside Report (12.06.22)

TEXT & PHOTOS BY ISSA MARIE

THE FIRST OF hopefully many DRAGONGATE Fan Appreciation Nights gave us a glimpse of what’s to come on the road to FinalGate2022, offered an impressive rookie debut, solidified the greatness of Masaaki Mochizuki, and gave us the return of NJPW’s Shingo Takagi after a four-year absence from the company. In other words: FAN SERVICE at its best!

If you have not watched the show, do yourself a favor and go do so! It is FREE! No sign-up required; all you have to do is type dragongate.live on your web browser and select the “English Commentary” option for the 12.6 show. It does not get any easier than that.

The night began with a fast-paced tag team match between Kaito Nagano (who debuted three months ago, yet is wrestling like he has been doing it for much longer) and Dragon Dia vs. the Z-Brats team of ISHIN and Diamante. I am still waiting for that ‘Mante/Nagano singles match, DG!

In the second match of the night, rookie Yoshiki Kato had his debut match against Madoka Kikuta. Talk about a show of strength between these two … the future looks so so bright for Kato!

Strong Machine J displayed more and more of that aggressiveness he’s shown since April. The second-generation wrestler showed he is not always full of “Good Vibes Only” in the six-man tag team match pitting NATURAL VIBES (SMJ, Jacky Funky Kamei, and one-half of the newly crowned Open the Twin Gate champions, Kzy) against the M3K team of Kanda Yasushi, Mochizuki Jr., and Susumu Mochizuki.

One-third of DDT’s KO-D 6-Man tag champs, Naruki Doi, teamed with Shuji Kondo and Eita to take on Gold Class – (Minorita, Ben-K, and Kota Minoura). This match was a great reminder that the former Takumi Hayakawa is a fighter and that we are closer and closer to seeing Eita on the path to great things. Eita did signal to Doi and Kondo that the three of them would make a great team to challenge for the Triangle Gate (trios) title.

Speaking of that prestigious trios title … in a surprising turn of events, Takashi Yoshida pinned one-third of the Triangle Gate champions, KAI, during the eight-man tag between High End and co. (YAMATO, Dragon Kid, Takashi Yoshida, and Problem Dragon) and the Z-Brats team of BxB Hulk, Shun Skywalker, KAI, and H.Y.O.

The win was overshadowed when a piece of all-too-familiar entrance music started to play as BxB Hulk was about to put away YAMATO with a First Flash. Hulk was visibly shaken and became emotional when Shingo Takagi walked out. The “Rampage Dragon” made his intentions known, as the match has been set for Final Gate! Shingo Takagi and BxB Hulk will face YAMATO and Madoka Kikuta in the “Shingo Takagi is Back! Special Tag Team Match.”

The night ended with Yuki Yoshioka defeating the “Iron Man” himself, Masaaki Mochizuki, for a fourth successful defense of the Open the Dream Gate championship.

Still, at 52 years old, “Mocchy” pulled all the stops and once again solidified why he is one of the best, hands down. And Yoshioka keeps showing glimpses of the inferno that burns within. You want and need to watch this match! You’ll thank yourself for it.

The second Fan Appreciation broadcast is scheduled for December 11 from Nagoya. This show will again broadcast for free at dragongate.live. No sign-up is required!

Over WrestleMania Weekend, DDT Pro Wrestlers Battle Big Names From Game Changer Wrestling

Here’s What You Can Expect (In The Words Of The DDT Stars, Themselves!)

The Actwres girl’Z Star Brings Her “Evil Actress Spirit” To WrestleMania Weekend

RECOMMENDED VIEWING:

BIG BOSS Shimizu vs KAI, Open the Dream Gate Title Match, March 6, 2022

Highlights BIG BOSS Shimizu vs BxB Hulk, Z-Brats vs NATURAL VIBES Singles Match, October 10, 2022

Pandemonium Pro Wrestling’s Exciting Evolution

IT IS KZY TIME …

AND THE U.S. IS ABOUT TO GO CRAZY!

RECOMMENDED VIEWING:

Kzy vs. Shun Skywalker, 12-16-2022

Kzy vs. Shun Skywalker, Kobe Pro Wrestling Festival 2021, 07-31-2021

Kzy vs. Kota Minoura, King of Gate 2021, 06-03-2021

IT IS KZY TIME …

AND THE U.S. IS ABOUT TO GO CRAZY!

おすすめ試合:

2022年12月16日Kzy対シュン・スカイウォーカー

神戸プロレス祭り2021年、2021年7月31日、Kzy対シュン・スカイウォーカー

King of Gate 2021年、2021年6月3日

Kzy対箕浦康太

F****D UP WRESTLING AND A HAPPY BOY:DDT Pro’s MAO and Shunma Katsumata Come To Prestige Wrestling

THE RISE OF SHUN SKYWALKER

Why He Will Conquer The Wrestling World

TEXT & PHOTOS BY ISSA MARIE

From NATURAL VIBES To Kung Fu Masters

The Two Faces Of Jason Lee & Jacky Funky Kamei

TEXT & PHOTOS BY ISSA MARIE

RECOMMENDED VIEWING:

DRAGONGATE Fan Appreciation Night (Shingo Takagi Returns!)

PWI’s Ringside Report (12.06.22)

TEXT & PHOTOS BY ISSA MARIE

VINTAGE MAG PACKS

FD UP WRESTLING AND A HAPPY BOY:
DDT Pro’s MAO and Shunma Katsumata Come To Prestige Wrestling