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Sobriety and Wrestling: A Place To Belong

Jon Moxley makes his emotional return after taking away from AEW to fight his addiction.

Sobriety and Wrestling: A Place To Belong

Jon Moxley makes his emotional return after taking away from AEW to fight his addiction.
All Elite Wrestling fans warmly welcome back Jon Moxley, celebrating his courage to grapple with addiction. (Photo by JayLee Media)

TEXT BY KRISTEN ASHLY

SIX YEARS AGO, I decided to stop drinking and using drugs.

I spent 15 years (half of my life) wasting any and all potential I had on numbing my emotions and stuffing my pain. Addiction stole everything from me: education, careers, family, friends, freedom, and my future. June 10, 2016—a little over two months after my 30th birthday—I decided I’d had enough loss for one lifetime, and started to rebuild from the bottom up by sobering up.

In the following two years, I still experienced many setbacks. I was selfish and self-centered. And focusing solely on myself created a hole so big I didn’t feel like I could ask anyone for help. The storm kept raging, but, somehow, I kept sober. In AA, they tell you as long as you have your sobriety, anything is possible.

Jon Moxley makes his emotional return after taking away from AEW to fight his addiction.
Jon Moxley addresses AEW fans in his first appearance after working to get clean and sober. (Photo by JayLee Media)

In August 2018, after spending two years of sobriety completely miserable, I decided I had to be honest with myself and everyone else—even if I didn’t think they needed the truth—and the end result was beautiful. I recouped everything I had lost, plus more. I was starting to see the sun behind the clouds. Working a 12-step program while also being miserably sober was not what I wanted out of life … I needed more.

Around the same time I was getting my act together, I started writing for various wrestling websites. I only became a wrestling fan in 2014, through my family’s insistence. And, ultimately, I only started writing about wrestling after being recruited by a friend. But, with my background in sports journalism, I felt at ease writing about the athletes who put their bodies on the line every day for our entertainment—especially the female wrestlers, who, from day one, had obviously been treated as “less than.”

As you can imagine, almost every addict has a story about “not fitting in,” and I am no different. I’ve never felt like I belonged anywhere; always on the outside looking in at what addicts call “normies”—people who have never felt the cold draft of addiction, the demon on their shoulder waiting for one false move. However, throughout the past four years or so of writing wrestling news and opinion, I have found myself more and more at home among the fans, media members, and wrestlers.

Creating lifelong friendships, a solid support system, a strong circle of friends, mentorships, and even a romantic relationship, I found a place where I felt like I could be myself and let my guard down; something I hadn’t done in years. In every social sphere, you’ll find hate and toxicity. But I found my crowd.

Still, I had trouble reconciling who I was in the past and the struggles I was facing in the present with those around me. I had told a few friends close to me about who I was back then—most of whom were not able to picture that version of Kristen—and everyone was kind and understanding. But I still felt like I was on the outside, looking in at those who had not experienced the hardships I had.

Most of these friends were either always sober, never had an addiction problem, or couldn’t understand the concept. These were friends, but they couldn’t relate. Most people can’t relate, and it’s never been a prerequisite for new friendships. Still, something was missing: representation and complete understanding.

The more I watched shows, covered news, and began to personally interact with wrestlers, the more I realized that sobriety was not a new concept in wrestling. In prior generations of wrestling, addiction was so prevalent it killed off countless bright and talented athletes. It cut short so many promising futures. And those who it didn’t kill still struggled with life-long illnesses … a reality I was always one relapse away from.

The wrestlers of today saw that pain, and many didn’t need to learn the hard way to stay clean. Those I related to most, however, were those who, like me, had to go through hell to see the light.

William Regal, a man so many in wrestling fight to call their mentor, wrote the autobiography Walking a Golden Mile, which details his own struggles with alcoholism, describing experience that so closely related to mine that it was like reading my own story.

Eddie Kingston has publicly said in interviews and during promos that he had to fight away his own demons, which threatened to take away his freedom. Man, did those revelations ring true to my own life!

Nick Gage has been to hell and back, including prison. I have my own history of jail time. Seeing how beloved Gage is, how his strength is celebrated, gave me strength.

In Jon Moxley’s autobiography, Mox, the reigning AEW World champion also detailed a family history that looked familiar. And, without even having to say it, I knew he was a kindred spirit. Last November, Moxley checked himself into rehab for alcoholism.

The public nature of that struggle, the positive reaction from fans, coworkers, and Tony Khan, and the triumphant return gave me hope. I had hope that not only was I not weird or different, but that there was hope for me to stay sober and make something of myself.

If Regal, Kingston, Gage, and Moxley could do it, couldn’t I? Couldn’t I stay sober and do great things?

And they weren’t the only ones, were they? Kylie Rae, Saraya, Dustin Rhodes, Shawn Michaels, Alicia Fox: all incredibly public with their struggles, all having the ability to inspire me to do more.

It’s hard to be this vulnerable when writing for a very historic publication. Every wound opened both inspires others and draws ire. But writing this has also opened a flood of emotion that I so clearly needed to feel. Healing starts with honesty. Those brutally honest wrestlers have taught me that.

It took a long journey of searching and scratching before I found a place I called home. Six years after getting sober, I still often struggle with fitting in and finding like-minded people outside of an AA meeting. Wrestling, though, gave me that home. Those who share their struggles and celebrate their victories have given me hope and strength that I didn’t think would ever come from a sport.

This is my thank-you letter to every person I have encountered during my career in wrestling who has been kind, understanding, and supportive. More than that, it’s a letter of sincere gratitude to every wrestler who has had the strength to tell their story. Your truths have given me a place to stay when I feel cold and alone.

I laugh as I write this last paragraph, because I know that if this was hand-written, it would be illegible from the sheer amount of tears I’ve spilled writing this. I’m so lucky to have stumbled onto wrestling. I’m so lucky to know where I belong.

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YUKI UENO’S FIGHTING SPIRIT: The DDT Universal Champion On Konosuke Takeshita, Cara Noir, And Upcoming Title Defenses

Yuki Ueno, bloody-faced

YUKI UENO’S FIGHTING SPIRIT: The DDT Universal Champion On Konosuke Takeshita, Cara Noir, And Upcoming Title Defenses

Yuki Ueno, bloody-faced

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.”

Yuki Ueno vs. Cara Noir

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.

Yuki Ueno

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.

Yuki Ueno vs. Daisuke Sasaki

「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。

（https://www.wrestle-universe.com/en/lives/iZzQDYEkGo8has5WpvJLoR）

元PROGRESS王者との初体験に挑んだ上野選手の姿勢は熱意を感じていました。

「カーラ・ノワール選手と試合ができることに凄く楽しみにしています。」とPWIに語った。「ファイトスタイルや体格は似ていますが、住んでいる世界はまったく違う。そんな知らない相手と試合ができるにはあ楽しみが増えますね。」

ですが、次の対戦相手はなんと昔DNA時代でよく組んでいたフェロモン溢れるの竹田“シャイニングボール”光珠選手のと！10月23日後楽園ホールで行われる「God Bless DDT 2022」にて防衛戦で激突することになる。

（現在2週間無料トライアル実施中なので是非ご体験を！）

https://www.wrestle-universe.com/en/lives/2EBniJV7BjD3eh8nDMFe9F

ご自身の魅力は何なのかを問いかけた時にすぐ投げ返された。ふと思った瞬間が経った「闘志。ファイティング・スピリット」ですっと答えた。驚いた半面で満面の笑みで頷いて同意しました。

2016年デビュー戦の樋口選手相手からずっとご自身の闘志でファンの心を掴んでいました。まさに「感情を力に」という能力を持つ上野選手はこう言った「対戦相手はどんな体格や経験に関係なく、リングに上がるとびに全力を尽くします。」

Yuki Ueno vs. Cara Noir

実際、37KAMIINAの盟友である竹下幸之介選手との壮絶な試合や、昨年の佐々木大輔選手との抗争を見れば、上野選手の活躍は一目瞭然でした。

上野選手が個人的に好きな試合は、2021年のD王グランプリ決勝の竹下戦だと言われました。「Aブロックの優勝者がBブロックの優勝者と対戦するという、お互い対等な立場だった設定で同期の竹ちゃんと試合をすることになったのは、本当に特別なことでした。Who’s Gonna TOP? 2022年後楽園大会の最後には、竹と私はチャンピオンとして並んで立つことを望んでいました。」残念ですが、竹下選手と樋口選手のKO-D無差別級王座戦の結果は樋口選手の勝利となって、リング上のチャンピオン並びの姿はまだ先の話になります。

UNIVERSAL王者の上野選手は当面予定はございません。しかし機会があれば、できる限り王座を防衛したいという気持ちはあります。具体的な対戦相手は決まってないが、タイやイギリスで闘志を発揮してみたいだそうです。

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Ho Ho Lun’s Mission To Show The Beauty Of Wrestling Across Asia

Ho Hu Lun at Dragon Gate

Ho Ho Lun’s Mission To Show The Beauty Of Wrestling Across Asia

Ho Hu Lun at Dragon Gate

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.”

Ho Hu Lun at Dragon Gate

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.

Ho Hu Lun at Dragon Gate

アジアプロレスの美、それがホー・ホー・ルンの使命。

香港生まれのホー・ホー・ルン選手は元々趣味で2009年にプロレスデビューを果たした！しかし2年後のイギリス遠征でプロレスを仕事にしようと決心したのです。世界王者を目指す大抵のプロレスラーと違って、ルン選手は素晴らしい大会を作るための舞台裏の仕事が自分のニッチェだと理解しました。

Ho Hu Lun at Dragon Gate

ホー・ホー・ルン選手は世界で活躍初日本人じゃないアジア人として彼のようなレスラーにチャンスを与えたいと考えていた。「アジアのプロレス市場は日本が覇権していますが、日本プロレスには言葉の壁がありアクセスしづらいでした。大抵のプロレス配信サービスは利用しづらいし、最近までは英語のオプションが利用可能になっていた。そこで私が提案した：だったら日本のプロレスラーを連れてアジアツアーをやって、ファンのみなさんに直接体験してもらうのはどうでしょうか？私は子供の頃からドラゴンゲートを見てアメリカから輸入することにした。日本プロレスを見るためにアメリカから購入し世界中を回ってやっとお手の元に届いた。

NXT在籍中にマカオでプロレス大会を制作するオファーを受けて退団すると決意しました。そして現在はドラゴンゲートでの活躍はプロレス界に存在意義はさらに確固たるものとなった。

「私は最高なライブプロレスと最高峰なプロレスを新世代の選手と共にアジアの手元に届けたい。私はプロレスが大好きですが、心と魂は素晴らしい大会を作り、アジアの未知なる才能溢れるアジア人選手を高めたい」

Ho Hu Lun at Dragon Gate

ルン選手は中国とマレーシアのプロレス市場の拡大に集中し、フィリピンの市場もコンサルタントとして努めました。ドラゴンゲートの2018年香港ツアーでは心を決めて日本に移住し、選手として加入しながら英語のコメンタリーチームも務めました。

先駆的な努力にもかかわらず、ルン選手のアプローチは多くのプロモーターにとって馴染みのあるやり方を選択する。「プロレスの普及と感心を持たせるために有名な選手と若手選手を試合させることに組み合わせることにした。それが私なりのプロレス哲学です。」

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？

「シンガポール」と即答したルン選手。

「シンガポールには、最も協力的なファンがいて、言葉の壁もないし、才能を持つレスラーもいる。タイは将来的に興味があります。誰を呼ぶとしたら？それが勿論、ジャッキー・ファンキー亀井選手とカンフーマスターズだ」

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ON HEELS: Zicky Dice, Silas Mason, Dominik Mysterio

Pollo Del Mar & Thrillbilly Silas Mason pose

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!

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 & Thrillbilly Silas Mason pose
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.

No judgment here, Dom!

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U.S. FANS WILL BE STANDING WITH THEIR YAMATO SPIRIT

YAMATO executes a lateral press

U.S. FANS WILL BE STANDING WITH THEIR YAMATO SPIRIT

YAMATO connects with a corner dropkick

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.”

YAMATO

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.

YAMATO executes a lateral press

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)

YAMATO vs Shun Skywalker, SPEED STAR final

YAMATO’s YouTube Channel
—-

U.S. FANS WILL BE STANDING WITH THEIR YAMATO SPIRIT

オープン・ザ・ドリームゲート王座最多戴冠回数5回を持ち、フードコーディネーター3級の資格を持ち、そして何よりDRAGONGATEの”エース”であるYAMATO選手はGCW、AAW、Garden State Pro WrestlingとPrestige Wrestlingへの「ゲート」が開かれた!

今回も運良くYAMATO選手と話す機会を頂いて、アメリカ遠征やアメリカでの知名度の低下について語りました。

DRAGONGATE USAがファンをしっかり掴んで認知されていた頃には私が最後にアメリカでDRAGONGATE日本代表として7、8年が経ちました。 そのため、大抵の人がDRAGONGATEになじみがなくなったかDRAGONGATE USAしか覚えていないことも承知しています。”DRAGONGATEとは何か “をファンに思い出してもらうためには、私が一番相応しい方です。

DRAGONGATE USA時代にYAMATO選手は若手世代だったが2022年10月頃は経験値やキャリアを積んで立派なベテランとして再びアメリカに戻っることにします。

ご安心を。専属するユニットHIGH ENDとGOLD CLASSとの対抗戦は日本に離れてもあまり気にするはないだろう。「海外に行くからには大きく考えなければならないので、日本の問題はアメリカに持ってこない。ドラゴン•キッド選手やKagetora選手がいれば何とかなるさ。北米で成し遂げたいことに集中しています。」

それは具体的に何でしょうか？ 10月14日から15日に掛けてAAWプロレスの“ジム・ライナムメモリアルトーナメント”や10月30日のアレックス・シェリー選手とのPrestige Wrestlingヘビー級王座戦についてこう言った：「YAMATOが参戦したらYAMATOが勝つだろう」。

現在の自信溢れるYAMATO選手ですが、その自身は日本に戻ったら続くのだろうか？

現オープン・ザ・ドリームゲート王者の吉岡勇紀選手は“全知全能の男”に目標として定めていた後も彼はこう言った：「今はまだ答えられない。現在の目標はアメリカのDRAGONGATEファンを増やし、DRAGONGATEとは何かを改めて知ってもらうことです。しかし、オープン・ザ・ドリームゲート王座5回も成し遂げたものとして挑戦する権利があります。アメリカでの試合が上手くいって、良い刺激を受けてやる気満々で帰国できたらまだ達成していない目標に向かって頑張っていきます。」

YAMATO選手を覚えている方はもちろん、知らない方にもDRAGONGATEのエースはこうい言った：「きっと大きな衝撃を与えることが確信しています。そして、YAMATOやDRAGONGATEとは何ぞやということをお見せしたいと思います。」

自分の欲望を受け入れても、感情的になってワガママになっても「YAMATOこそが正義」であり、「全知全能」であることを何度も何度も証明してきたのです。

何より、リング内外の行動は正義のため、尊敬のため、博愛のため、勇気のため、忠誠のため、誠実のためであり、試合の終わりには、すべてのファンがYAMATOスピリットを持ってそこに立っていることでしょう！

YAMATO選手アメリカ遠征一覧表：

GCW

10月8日：対トニーデッペン

10月9日：対マイク・ベイリー

10月22日：対ジョナサン・グレシャム

10月23日：対ブレーク・クリスチャン

10月29日：未定

AAW

10月14日：対ザカリ―・ウェンツ

10月15日：未定

Prestige Wrestling

10月30日：対アレックス・シェリー

おすすめ試合:

YAMATO VS 箕浦康太・デンジャラス・ゲート2021

https://youtu.be/_1RC_te7QLo

YAMATO VS KAI 遺恨決着‼ノーロープ＆ランバージャックマッチ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4R-5MsxmY7s&feature=youtu.be

マスカラ・コントラ・カベジェラ 金網サバイバル・タッグマッチ

YAMATO／KAI vs ドラゴン・キッド／SB KENTo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=mEqUfgbqtjI&feature=youtu.be

SPEED STAR FINALオープン・ザ・ドリームゲート選手権試合

シュン・スカイウォーカー対YAMATO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJ0CHiONvHY

YAMATO選手の YouTubeチャンネル：「多趣味のススメ」
https://youtube.com/channel/UC0saTxYrUYCawiweutZiBhQ

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SB KENTo’s BRAND NEW WORLD

SB KENTo

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. 

BAMSHIRI

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!” 

BAMSHIRI

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.

SB KENTo

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.”

SB KENTo

SB KENToの新たな旅の始まり！

抜群のテクニック、存在感、カリスマ性、そして自信……新人にはほとんど見られない資質である。ドラゴンゲートのSB KENTo選手は、デビュー当時はもう備えていた……

同級生とすぐに差をつけて、SBK選手はすでにオープン・ザ・トライアングルゲート王座、オープン・ザ・ツインゲート王座、そしてデビュー最速戴冠記録でオープン・ザ・ブレイブゲート王座になりました。

残念ながらバミシリの兄とタッグパートナーであるH.Y.O選手から奪還できなかったSBK選手は、自分の時間を持つことを発表した。さらに、”可能性を広げる為”にメキシコとアメリカへの長期遠征を行うという。

限られた日本語だけでもＫENTo選手の考えを理解しました。KENTo選手の可能性を最大限に発揮するためは慣れない環境に挑戦することが必要。 

メキシコへ行く途中で運よくインタビューする機会を頂きました。「現在藤原拓磨選手とラ・エストレージャ選手と共にメキシコの闘龍門CASAで修行中プロレスリングノアの宮脇純太との対戦は見られますか？」

SBK選手は本人らしく謎めいた返答をしました 

「興味ないこともないこともないこともないガハハ」

スカイウォーカー選手と違ってアメリカで対戦したい選手はありませんが、一つ確かなことがあります。推し選手と戦うときに相手よりKENToの名前が会場に響いているでしょう。「別に好かれたいとか思わないけど、 俺のプロレスの虜にさせてやるよSbk！SBK!SBK!」

SB KENTo選手のツアー一発目はAAAで藤原拓磨とクレイジーボイ「International Power」というユニットとともに対戦します。アメリカの一番最初の試合は9月9日でExpect The Unexpected (ETU) Wrestlingで同じドラゴンゲートのラ・エストレージャ選手との対戦があります。

12日後に同Z-Bratsメンバーのシュン・スカイウォーカー選手とアンドリューエヴァレット選手とジャック・エバンス選手にタッグマッチがあります。

「俺とシュンの凄さを体感するだろう。 それは忘れられないと思うし、 また観たくなるだろうね。 俺たちは日本のスーパースターだから！ガハハ」

9月18日にSB KENTo選手は Major League Wrestling (MLW) 団体の初登場は対デイビー・リチャーズ選手とのNational Openweight 王座戦。 

本記事が作成したときに次のビッグマッチは10月末のPrestige Wrestlingもあり、11月のWest Coast Pro’s King of the Indiesトーナメントに参戦すること現在他の日程は未発表。

最後にPWIの読者にメッセージがありますか？

「俺自身の可能性を最大限に広げる。 俺の試合楽しみにしとけ。 SBKの物語はこれからだ。」

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IT’S LIST SEASON AT PWI

PWI 500 Heavyweight Talent Junior Heavyweight Talent Open Division Contenders Contenders Women's 150 Women's Title Contenders Women's Division Talent Women's Promotion Talent Tag Team 100 Tag Title Contenders Trios/"Freebird" Pairings

IT’S LIST SEASON AT PWI

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.

PWI 500 Heavyweight Talent Junior Heavyweight Talent Open Division Contenders Contenders Women's 150 Women's Title Contenders Women's Division Talent Women's Promotion Talent Tag Team 100 Tag Title Contenders Trios/"Freebird" Pairings

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.”

Subscribe to the print edition of Pro Wrestling Illustrated today.

Want this year’s #PWI500 as soon as it drops? Subscribe to our new, dynamic digital edition at pwi.zinioapps.com

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CRAZY & BEAUTIFUL: Dragon Gate Star Shun Skywalker Begins Ambitious Tour Of The U.S.

Shun Skywalker laughs in battle

CRAZY & BEAUTIFUL: Dragon Gate Star Shun Skywalker Begins Ambitious Tour Of The U.S.

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 head shot

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.”

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.

Shun Skywalker laughs

“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.

Shun Skywalker applies a corner choke

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.”

Shun Skywalker laughs

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)

Shun Skywalker vs Kzy (Kobe World Festival 2021)

Shun Skywalker vs YAMATO (Speed Star Final 2022)

Shun Skywalker, Dragon Gate’s Mischievous Harlequin

「ドラゴン」ゲートが開かれた！そしてアメリカを中心に世界中のファンがシュン・スカイウォーカー選手のかつてない衝撃と強さに圧倒されるだろう。北米ツアーを吐けて8月下旬に元オープン・ザ・ドリームゲート王者に話す機会があった。初めて生で自身のプロレスを見るファンの心に残したい印象は何かと尋ねると、スカイウォーカーはこう答えた。

「シュン・スカイウォーカーは美しく狂っている男だ」

スカイウォーカー選手の行動にとって美はすべて。マスクとコスチュームの模様から、足取りの速さ、リングに上がる直線の丁寧なお辞儀まで。リング状の動き、打撃、狂気に満ち溢れた笑いそしてまるで計算された言葉遣いは最も美しい美術品といえるでしょう。

ご自身はクレイジーと言いながら、スカイウォーカー選手は冷酷と頑強でもあり。ドラゴンゲート最高峰の選手の象徴だろう。

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。

「アメリカではたくさんのタイトルベルトに興味を持っているが、現時点では言わない。」

確実に分かっているのは最初のターゲットはリード選手、そして彼を持つMiddleweight王座であること。

そしてその次の目的地はBlack Label ProのTubo Graps 24トーナメント。3番目の出場者でありますが、もしかしたら想像もつかないドリームマッチが現実になる可能性もある。

ジャングル叫女と対戦する可能性についてスカイウォーカー選手は「もしこのトーナメントの結果でこの試合が実現となるのであれば、準備ができている。最終的にどの団体にも関わらず、一番強い選手と戦いたい。挑戦してくれる者なら誰でもいい。」

スカイウォーカー選手はファンの好きなプロモーションを呼んで欲しいぐらい圧倒的なインパクトを残したいと思っている。

10月8日、9日と22日にGCW出場が決定したが、やっぱり気になる点がある。スカイウォーカー選手は果たしてハードコアやデスマッチルールの試合は見られるか？多分ないでしょう。「ハードコアやデスマッチレスラーを尊敬している。ですが、私の体は最強の武器であり、凶器なんて必要ない。私で十分だ。」

彼の試合を見たら納得するでしょう。ドリームマッチの可能性溢れるツアーの前に聞かざるを得ない。

―シュン・スカイウォーカー選手自身に対戦したい選手は？

「色んな選手もありますが、やっぱりケニーオメガ、ロッキーロメロ、サミー・ゲバラ、アーロン・ソロ、ローライダー、上村優也と戦いたい」スカイウォーカー選手は素晴らしい試合、良い思い出、経験値を積んで、誰より強くなりたい。そうするとファンの心にシュン・スカイウォーカー選手だけが残れるようになる。

しかし、アメリカツアーでは大きな野望を持っているが、日本ではまだやり残したことがある。「日本に帰ったら、NATURAL VIBESを解散させKzyを引退させてやる。」とZ-Bratsのライバルユニットとリーダーのことに対してそう言った。

時に異常なアプローチをとるが、スカイウォーカー選手はドラゴンゲートの柱であり、守護者でもある。ドラゴンゲートの未来、そしてこれから団体を背負っていく若手選手の重要性に声高に主張している

自分の意欲を理解できるように、わざわざ有料コラムを公開することまでしたスカイウォーカー選手はプロレス界を征服する使命がある。それより、時代遅れの選手に引き止められた選手とドラゴンゲート自身を開放しようとしている。

シュン・スカイウォーカー選手は、ドラゴンゲートのタイトルの価値を高めるために、現チャンピオンからベルトを奪還することを目標としている。「彼らは強くない。パワーもテクニックも情熱も感情も足りない。」と言った。

生で彼の試合を見たことがない方のために、スカイウォーカー選手からメッセージがある。「私の試合を生で見れば、今まで見たことのない強さを見させてやる。経験したことのない恐怖を感じさせてやる。つまらない人生に疲れた人、今まで感じたことのない体験をしたい人は、ぜひ生で僕のプロレスを見に来てください！」と。

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Why Kamille Must Defeat Taya Valkyrie At NWA 74

Kamille at Crockett Cup 2022

Why Kamille Must Defeat Taya Valkyrie at NWA 74

Kamille holds the NWA World Women's championship
Photo by Hiban Huerta/NWA

By Paul E. Pratt

“TO BE THE best, you’ve got to beat the best.”

These are words one might expect from a challenger looking to fulfill championship destiny. Coming from Kamille, though, they hint at a National Wrestling Alliance Women’s World champion with something to prove.

“Even though I’ve beaten some incredible people, I think I need to step it up a notch,” admits Kamille.

Strange to hear from a woman who, during 400-plus days as the NWA Women’s World champion, holds wins over some of wrestling’s best. Yet, somehow, “The Brickhouse” is frequently overlooked in conversations about the sport’s preeminent competitors—conversations that unquestionably do include many she’s beaten during her reign.

It speaks to how slow the wrestling world at large is to embrace the powerhouse, perhaps simply due to lack of awareness. That could all change when Kamille defends “The Burke” against “La Wera Loca” Taya Valkyrie on night one of the two-day NWA 74 anniversary extravaganza in St. Louis.

“That’s a marquee match-up people are going to pay to see,” declared Kamille, in what seemed unintentional understatement. An ample number of fans might consider the August 27 pay-per-view bout a “Dream Match.”

“This clash of giants is something the wrestling world will be talking about for a long time,” agreed Valkyrie, calling a chance at the NWA Women’s championship “massive.”

“‘The Burke’ has been held by legends and trailblazers, and I want to be part of that legacy,” Valkyrie told PWI. “Kamille’s a total badass, but she knows there’s a target on her back. At NWA 74, I will cement myself in the record books when a new champion is crowned.”

Though stakes are undoubtedly high for the challenger, they’re arguably higher for the champ. Whereas Valkyrie seeks to etch her name in history, Kamille needs to “cement” her place in the now.

Even after excessive needling, the NWA champ declines to speculate why others—Jade Cargill, for example, whose dominance as AEW TBS champion she praises—receive greater attention and accolades. She dismisses questions about her weekly Pro Wrestling Illustrated ratings (“I don’t pay much attention to rankings. They’re obviously flawed.”), outright refusing to consider the upcoming PWI “Women’s 150.”

Kamille at Crockett Cup 2022
Photo by Hiban Huerta/NWA

Though she’s unlikely to ever admit it, the perceived snub must rattle a competitor of Kamille’s caliber. Accustomed to the facts-driven worlds of other athletics, the one-time member of the Legends Football League found pro wrestling to be an entirely different … well, ballgame.

“My whole life, I’ve played sports—and I’ve been very successful,” noted the former Division I softball standout. “In sports, you become recognized by the things you do, your stats. I never had to ‘put myself over’ to get recognition.”

While “to be the best, you have to beat the best” is wrestling cliche, “perception is 99-percent of reality” when it comes to audiences (and perhaps media). It does not benefit a competitor like Kamille, who prefers that success speak for itself.

“You have to start the trend, and that’s not who I am,” said Kamille of being her own hype woman.

“I’m not saying any names, I’m not giving that tea, but there are plenty of people who put themselves out there like they’re the greatest of all-time—and they’re clearly not,” she continued. “But people buy into it, start believing just because the person says they are so much.”

Rather than proclaim greatness on Twitter, Kamille points to her track record. And, to be blunt, her stats as NWA champ rival any.

Kamille bested current AEW Women’s World champion Thunder Rosa for a shot at the NWA World Women’s title, defeating Serena Deeb for the strap June 6, 2021. She’s since defended against Chelsea Green, “Legit” Leyla Hirsch, Melina, Kylie Rae, KiLynn King, Kiera Hogan, Taryn Terrell and more. And that’s just within the NWA.

“I’m not just sitting on my hands, waiting for matches to fall into my lap through NWA,” Kamille asserted. “I want to go out, work on my game, make a name by going all over the U.S.—and, soon, out of the country—and get the NWA name out there, too.”

Outside NWA, she’s overcome Deonna Purazzo in XPW, Allysin Kay, Shalonce Royal, Layla Lennox, Laynie Luck, Christie Jaynes, and more. While impressive, this list scarcely scratches the surface.Last December, Kamille defeated now-ROH Women’s champion Mercedez Martinez under Battleground Pro Wrestling’s banner. Game Changer Wrestling’s Allie Katch came up short at Capital Championship Wrestling in March. At “The Gathering III,” Rachael Ellering became her most recent conquest.

“Even though it’s 2022, it’s still the NWA,” Kamille stated, alluding to the company’s history of traveling World champions. She’s carrying on a long tradition while adding her own legacy to the historical record.

Kamille holds Chelsea Green in the Torture Rack
Kamille shakes Chelsea Green like a rag-doll at Crockett Cup 2022. (Photo by Hiban Huerta/NWA)

Though she’ll likely never confess it, Valkyrie presents potentially Kamille’s greatest opportunity yet. Defeating the AAA Reina de Reinas, MLW Women’s Featherweight, and one-half of the IMPACT Knockouts tag team champions on NWA’s biggest night could be a tide-turning statement.

It would veritably force inclusion in discussions about today’s top stars. Unlike Deeb, Martinez, and Thunder Rosa, who had not yet reached the height of their current successes, Valkyrie is red-hot now … a fact nobody, particularly Kamille, can deny.

“Since leaving NXT, she’s been winning titles everywhere she goes,” said Kamille. “People are really behind Taya, both as a wrestler and a person. Facing her on pay-per-view is a blessing, the perfect opportunity to get people’s attention.”

It certainly is, especially for a champion looking to earn respect rather than demand attention. For Kamille, it is another step toward that goal.

“I’ve got to beat people like Taya Valkyrie, maybe go out and beat Jade,” she suggested with a laugh.

“I have to beat Deonna Purazzo, which I already have, but I need to beat her on more of a grand stage,” she concluded. “Then, rather than tell them, I’ll show everyone what I’m made of—and that starts at NWA 74.”

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REMEMBERING SUMMERSLAM 1992

REMEMBERING SUMMERSLAM 1992
WWF’s Historic Wembley Stadium Event, 30 Years Later

Inside Wrestling's coverage of SummerSlam 1992

THE YEAR WAS 1992. Batman Returns was pulling people into movie theaters, Grunge superstars like Nirvana and Pearl Jam were all over the music charts. And, on The Simpsons, Homer’s half-brother Herb had just invented a machine that translated “baby-talk” and restored his fortune in the process.

In the wrestling world, the WWF was enjoying notably less success than some of its counterparts in the sports and entertainment industries. After the rip-roaring “Rock ‘n’ Wrestling” era and the boom of the late-’80s, things had begun to slow down for the industry leader in the 1990s. With Hulk Hogan focusing time and energy on movie projects, the WWF lost its biggest star—at least, on a full-time basis—and the Ultimate Warrior, although popular, hadn’t been able to fill that void. Worse was to come, however, and the WWF would be forced to change the way it did business as a result.

Part of the attraction of the WWF in the 1980s was its colorful characters with their larger-than-life physiques. Of course, those physiques didn’t always come naturally. And the promotion, and Vince McMahon, soon became embroiled in a controversy regarding the alleged distribution of steroids to WWF performers. Enough has been reported about this subject elsewhere that it doesn’t need repeating here. But, in a nutshell, the WWF soon made the decision to (mostly) move away from wrestlers bulging with muscles and instead focus on “smaller,” more athletic performers like Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels. While this move may have improved the quality of the wrestling happening in the ring, it did little to improve things at the box office. WWF business saw a notable decline throughout 1992.

With SummerSlam scheduled for the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland, WWF brass began to wonder what they could do to generate some interest for their summer pay-per-view—and at least make it appear that things weren’t all bad. As it turned out, things actually weren’t all that bad, at least not in every aspect of their business. In fact, one area of business was booming: the product’s popularity in the United Kingdom. The WWF began to wonder if that might be the answer to its SummerSlam problem.

SKY, the satellite television service, had arrived in the U.K. in 1989, and, with its arrival, brought previously unseen programming such as the aforementioned Simpsons to British audiences. Another early hit for the service was WWF wrestling, which became the most widely viewable wrestling product in the U.K. in many years. Indeed, the colorful and showy American brand of wrestling was a far cry from the often-drab stylings of the traditional British offerings. U.K. viewers couldn’t get enough.

Throughout 1990 and 1991, the WWF picked up steam and grew its presence in the British Isles, to the point where kids were turning up to school with WWF trading cards and stickers to swap with their friends. The fact that the WWF product had cooled down in the U.S. meant nothing across the Atlantic Ocean. To British viewers, the WWF was a new and vibrant form of entertainment. Whenever the company put on house shows across the pond, British fans turned out in droves.

Emboldened by this (and worried about poor ticket sales stateside), the WWF made the decision to move SummerSlam 1992 to London, England. Never one to aim small, however, Vince McMahon wanted to book the company’s first PPV outside of North America in a grand location. After briefly looking at arenas, the conclusion was drawn that maybe the promotion had the potential to fill a stadium. In the end, the most famous (and biggest) venue in England was chosen: Wembley Stadium.

Home to historic events like the 1966 World Cup final and the Live Aid concert in 1985, Wembley was an iconic venue that would provide an excellent visual presentation. Still, filling the vast stadium was an ambitious task. Much to WWF’s delight, however, their gamble paid off. Tickets sold like proverbial hot cross buns, with fans traveling from all over the U.K. and Europe to get a taste of big-time American pro wrestling.

Held on Saturday, August 29 (and airing on tape delay two days later) before a massive, reported crowd of 80,355 people, SummerSlam 1992 would pull in $3,650,000 through ticket sales and merchandise. This was a hugely successful day for the WWF … and a far cry from anything it was doing in the U.S. at the time. Even the notoriously fickle British weather cooperated, and the rain stayed away from the open-air venue for the duration of the show.

Alongside cool visuals like the Legion of Doom riding motorcycles to the ring for their match against Money Inc., and The Undertaker traveling atop a hearse to face off with Kamala, fans were treated to such clashes as The Ultimate Warrior vs. Randy Savage for the WWF championship and an underrated match-up between Shawn Michaels and Rick Martel. But the match everyone had truly come to see was Intercontinental champion Bret Hart defending his title against his real-life brother-in-law, “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith. Given the popularity of Smith in his native Britain, the WWF made the sensible decision to allow the Intercontinental match to go on last—an unheard-of prospect at a time when the main WWF belt was also being defended on the same show.

British Bulldog and Lennox Lewis at SummerSlam 1992
Davey Boy Smith, a local lad made good, greets a capacity crowd at Wembley Stadium in August 1992. For this special main event, Smith was accompanied to the ring by world-renowned pugilist Lennox Lewis, who would secure his own place in the history books that year by becoming WBC heavyweight champion. (Photo by M. Morris)

In a battle that would go on to be named PWI Match of the Year for 1992, Hart and Smith put on a clinic that had the 80,000+ in attendance hanging on every move. After 25 minutes, it was local lad Smith who got the win and sent the crowd in Wembley into a frenzy. His celebration brought to a close one of the most unique events the WWF had ever promoted.

“I had the opportunity to sit in the crowd, and I remember how big it was and how passionate it was,” Stephanie McMahon told Sports Illustrated in 2021. “I remember it was raining, and I remember how the rain stopped as soon as the first match started. I also remember how over the British Bulldog was with the crowd. It was a beautiful ride of emotions, a spectacle, and I loved being there.”

British Bulldog attempts a pinfall on Bret Hart at SummerSlam 1992.
Smith cradles Bret Hart with a crucifix pin, but the attempt at a fall is unsuccessful. Ultimately, a different pinning combination would net Smith the match and the WWF Intercontinental championship belt. (Photo by M. Morris)

I, too, have fond memories of this event. The VHS tape of SummerSlam 1992 was released on September 24 of that year, which happened to be my seventh birthday. I still remember the excitement I felt when my parents handed me the tape of the show that British wrestling fans had been buzzing about. SummerSlam 1992 was the first wrestling VHS tape I ever owned, and I must have watched it a half-dozen times that first week. While it’s not my favorite wrestling event of all time, it is still one of the most special to me. As SummerSlam 1992 celebrates its 30th anniversary, you’ll have to excuse me if, before I watch Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar throw down at a stadium in Nashville, I go and pop in that old VHS tape and watch Crush and Repo Man throw down in London.