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THE MORE THINGS CHANGE …

Madoka Kikuta connects with a lariat

Dragongate’s Madoka Kikuta Gets Deja Vu, Challenges Shun Skywalker A Second Time

TEXT & PHOTOS BY ISSA MARIE

TWO YEARS TO the date of his last Open the Dream Gate challenge, Madoka Kikuta finds himself in familiar territory as he is, once again, challenging Shun Skywalker—the man he faced that fateful night for Dragongate’s top prize. And the self-proclaimed “Game Master” has not only reminded Kikuta of his inability to finish that match, he has also “demanded” that Kikuta earn the opportunity and privilege to face him.

Skywalker has put the Kikuta through the “SSW Quest,” a series of games designed to break Kituta’s will, prove that he is an unworthy contender, and eliminate the undeserving (in Shun’s estimation) D’Courage powerhouse. As of this writing, the games are still ongoing, but Kikuta has vowed “to not back down or run away, no matter what obstacle Shun puts in front of me.”

As the standout of the 2019 DG rookie class, Kikuta set himself apart from his classmates, partly due to his size. And not only his size, but, as Dragon Dia initially pointed out—and Dragongate’s Jae was gracious enough to translate for us—Kikuta’s “Pixar Mom” build. Shortly after aligning himself with the now-defunct R.E.D. unit, the young grappler (then dubbed “Hip Hop Kikuta”) challenged Skywalker at #DEADorALIVE2021. Skywalker, then the leader of MASQUERADE and the company’s youngest-ever Dream Gate champ, shut down Kikuta in a very short and career-derailing match. 

Kikuta dislocated his shoulder early in the bout and would go on to miss an entire year of in-ring action. He would eventually make his return at #DEADorALIVE2022, teaming with his dojo classmate, Jacky “Funky” Kamei. This followed Kikuta’s rejection of SB KENTo’s offer to join Z-Brats, which had evolved out of the discontinued R.E.D. group.

The old “Hip Hop” was no more. Madoka Kikuta began his urgent quest to reset and restart his career. Dragongate fans all over the world were excited for his return. However, many of those fans were concerned when Kikuta showed a lack of confidence in some matches. It was as if something wasn’t clicking; like there was no “SPARKING (in his) CORE.” Thankfully, it wasn’t long before those missing pieces fell into place.

After months spent reacclimating himself to Dragongate, Kikuta offered a lending hand to D’Courage—the team of Dragon Dia and former Open the Dream Gate champion Yuki Yoshioka—as their enforcer, as he needed to prove that he belonged. And it wasn’t long before he won the Open the Twin Gate championship with Dragon Dia, stepping up to show what he was made of in Shingo Takagi’s return match at #FinalGate2021. More recently, Kikuta won the #ReyDeParejas2023 tournament with Yuki Yoshioka.

In the February 2023 edition of Pro Wrestling Illustrated, I wrote that Dragongate “…is the promotion where units are families, who will love, support, train, and encourage one another.” And the “BEST BOYS,” as I often refer to them, exemplify just that! This is a family made up of three men who want to create a new chapter in Dragongate history. In his own words, Kikuta is “here to kick ass.”

On the path of boosting his confidence and winning titles, Kikuta still felt a void—a feeling that his purpose had yet to be defined. To the surprise to no one paying close attention, a special return match last Christmas set his career path on the trajectory it is today. At #FinalGate2022, Kikuta teamed with YAMATO to face BxB Hulk and the returning Shingo Takagi. “Standing toe to toe with all of the participants in the match gave me confidence and reassurance in my abilities as a pro wrestler,” reflects Kikuta.

Madoka Kikuta originally chose to join Dragongate after seeing Uhaa Nation (now known as Apollo Crews), who became the talk of wrestling fans worldwide through his incredible mix of power and agility. “I was inspired by him,” says Kikuta. And, indeed, the two share similarities in power, strength, and in-ring abilities—the very qualities the rising Dragongate star wants to see fans associate with him.

Kikuta tells us he wants to experience lucha libre first-hand, as many Dragongate stars have. However, his recent overseas tour began with a two-day stop in Singapore, where his opponents learned the power of his mighty hip attack. “If the money is right, I am game to go anywhere and wrestle anyone,” he said.  

So, what’s next for Madoka Kikuta and his D’Courage allies? “We are on a quest to hold all of the titles and be the unit that carries the new generation for DG,” Kikuta told PWI. “Don’t take your eyes off my ass!”

PWI will be present at Aichi Prefectural Gym on May 5, covering the action live. If you are in Japan, make your way to Nagoya to witness Dragongate’s first major event of 2023. If you can’t be there, you can still watch the action via the promotion’s streaming network at dragongate.live.

And don’t forget: Two days earlier, the company’s May 3 live event from Kyoto KBS Hall will stream for free on the Dragongate Network. No registration will be required to watch!

RECOMMENDED VIEWING

Madoka Kikuta vs SB KENTo, First Round of King Of Gate Tournament 2022 (May 11, 2022)

Open the Twin Gate Championship Match, D’Courage (Dragon Dia & Madoka Kikuta) vs Kung Fu Masters (Jason Lee & Jacky “Funky” Kamei (September 19, 2022)

Rey de Parejas 2023 Semi Finals, D’Courage (Madoka Kikuta & Yuki Yoshioka) vs Z-Brats (Shun Skywalker & KAI) (March 3, 2023)

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE: Dragongate’s Madoka Kikuta Gets Deja Vu, Challenges Shun Skywalker A Second Time

TEXT & PHOTOS BY ISSA MARIE

前回の「オープン・ザ・ドリームゲート」挑戦からちょうど2年が経って、菊田円選手は再びドラゴゲートの頂点を立つ機会が廻ってきました。今回も王者・シュン・スカイウォーカー選手に挑戦することになりました。だが自称 “ゲームマスター “のスカイウォーカーは、菊田にあの試合をやり遂げられなかったことを思い出させただけでなく、菊田に自分と対戦する権利を要求してきた。

スカイウォーカーは菊田に「SSWクエスト」という一連のゲームを課しました。その目的は菊田の意志を破って、不甲斐ないことを証明し、D’Courageの強豪選手を排除するための試練となります。一方菊田は「どんな困難が待ち受けていても、必ず逃げない 」と宣言しています。

2019年のデビュー選手の中で、菊田の体格のおかげで同級生とは一線を画していた。そしてドラゴン・ダイヤは「素晴らしすぎる身体を持って、体型はまるで別次元のように見える。*」まで言われました。あの頃はR.E.D.に所属し、DEADorALIVE 2021年でスカイウォーカーに挑戦した若きグラップラー(当時は「ヒップホップ菊田」と名乗っていた)は、その直後だった。当時MASQUERADEのリーダーであり、ドリームゲート史上最年少王者であったスカイウォーカーは短期間で菊田を完封し、キャリアに傷をつけるぐらい試合となった。

(*アメリカン・アニメーションのミスター・インクレディブルという例えでした)

Madoka Kikuta connects with a lariat

菊田は試合開始早々に肩を脱臼し、その後1年間活動を休止することになる。その後、DEADorALIVE 2022年で同級生・ジャッキー “ファンキー “亀井とチームを組み、復帰を果たすことができた。その後菊田はSB KENTo選手のZ-Bratsへの誘いを断った。

かつての「ヒップホップ」はもういない。菊田円選手は、ご自身のキャリアをリセットと再スタートするための緊急ロードを歩みだした。同時に世界中のドラゴンゲートファンが菊田の復帰を待ち望んでいた。しかし、ある試合で菊田が自信をなくなって心配を掛けられた。まるで、”芯 “に火がついていないような、そんな感じだった。ありがたいことに、菊田が復帰してすぐに、その欠落していたピースがうまくはまった。

改めてドラゴゲートに慣れ親しんでいた菊田は、自分の居場所を証明するためにドラゴン・ダイヤ選手と元オープン・ザ・ドリームゲート王者の吉岡勇紀選手のユニット、D’Courageの強豪選手として手を貸すことになった。そしてダイヤと共にオープン・ザ・ツインゲート王座を獲得し、FinalGate 2022年での鷹木信吾選手の復帰戦では、自分の実力を示すためにステップアップしていった。さらに最近では、菊田は吉岡とともにReyDeParejas2023のトーナメントで優勝した。

2023年2月号で、私はドラゴゲートを「…ユニットが家族であり、互いに愛し、互いに支え合い、互いに訓練し、互いに励まし合う団体である」と書きました。ドラゴゲートの歴史に新たな1ページを刻もうとするこの3人の男たちも家族である。菊田自身の言葉を借りれば、「ぶっ飛ばしに来た 」のである。

自信をつけタイトルを獲得していく中で、菊田はまだ自分の目的が定まっていない空しさを感じていた。しかし、昨年のクリスマスに行われた特別な復帰戦をきっかけに、菊田は現在の道を歩むことになる。FinalGate2022では、菊田はYAMATOと組み、BxBハルクと復帰した鷹木真吾と対戦した。菊田は「出場選手全員と肩を並べたことで、プロレスラーとしての自信と安心感を得ることができました」と振り返る。

菊田選手は、パワーと速さを兼ね備えたレスラーとして世界中のプロレスファンの話題となったウーハー・ネイション(現WWEのアポロ・クルーズ)の姿を見て、ドラゴゲートに入団することを決めた。菊田は、「彼に影響された」と言う。パワー、体力、リングでの実力など、ドラゴゲートの新星が求める資質はまさにこの2人にある。

菊田は、多くのドラゴンゲート選手のように、ルチャリブレを直接体験したいと話す。最近の彼はシンガポールでの2日間ツアーの滞在から始まり、対戦相手は菊田の強豪なヒップアタックの威力を知ったのである。「お金が良ければ、どこにでも試合をし、誰とでもプロレスするつもりです 」と彼は言った。

菊田選手とD’Courageの盟友たちのこれからの目的は何だろう?「私たちはすべてのタイトルを保持し、ドラゴンゲートのために新しい世代を運ぶユニットになることを探求しています。」 菊田はPWIに語った。「私のお尻から目を離さないでね!」

PWIは5月5日に愛知県体育館で行われる大会に参加し、その模様を写真で生中継します。もし日本にいるのであれば、名古屋まで足を運んで、2023年のドラゴンゲートの初ビッグマッチを遊びに来てください。また、会場に来られない方も、dragongate.liveの配信サービスで観戦してください。

そして!5月3日に京都KBSホールで行われる大会はDragongate Networkで無料配信されます。視聴は登録不要です!

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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.

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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.

BIG BOSS Shimizu executes a brainbuster variation

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

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

It's Kzy Time!

IT IS KZY TIME …

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

It's Kzy Time!

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.

Big Boss Shimizu & Kzy

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

BIG BOSS Shimizu displays his impressive strength

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。

NATURAL VIBES trio

「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

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

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THE RISE OF SHUN SKYWALKER

Shun vs. Yuki

THE RISE OF SHUN SKYWALKER

Why He Will Conquer The Wrestling World

Shun Skywalker raises his hand

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!”

Shun Skywalker applies a cravat hold.

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.

Shun Skywalker's maniacal laughter

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!

Shun vs. Yuki

“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.”

Shun Skywalker brawls outside the ring

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.”

Shun Skywalker laughs on the entrance ramp

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:

  1. M3Kからトライアングル・ゲート奪還
  2. HIGH ENDの解散宣言
  3. 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。」

Shun Skywalker taunts his opponent

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。」

Shun Skywalker poses backstage

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。」

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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

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

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.

Lee & Kamei vs. Z-Brats

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.)

A deftly applies submission hold

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.

NATURAL VIBES

NATURAL VIBES to Kung Fu Masters

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!

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Shingo Takagi Returns At DRAGONGATE Fan Appreciation Night

Shingo Takagi

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.

Shingo Takagi

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.

Yuki Yoshioka

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!

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DRAGONGATE’s Braveheart: A Candid Conversation With U-T

U-T shows off his tag team title belt

DRAGONGATE’s Braveheart: A Candid Conversation With U-T

U-T is seated at a table, donning casual clothes, with a potted plant beside him

Text & Photos by Issa Marie

IN ALL ASPECTS of life, representation matters!

Imagine being a nine-year-old child attending a pro wrestling event and seeing a wrestler who personifies who you are in size and stature—inspiring a small fan to become the athlete they believed they could never be, due to their body composition.

That child, U-T, remembers seeing Dragon Kid wrestle live for the first time, being mesmerized by his athleticism, his grit, and immediately adoring the man who, most importantly, reminded him of himself.

“Throughout my career, my opponents have always underestimated me, my abilities due to my size,” says U-T. “They see me as the target, the weakest link of a unit that can be bullied, even when I have shown time and time again that is not the case.  My drive, heart, and passion more than compensate for the perceived lack of height and strength.”

U-T throws a dropkick

These sentiments were shared most recently in an online exchange with Shun Skywalker, in which U-T, member of the “Good Vibes Only” unit NATURAL VIBES and one-half of the Ryukyu Dragon Souryu-Ou champions with Kzy, admitted he has envied Skywalker’s physique, strength, and the potential he showed since his debut. However, U-T would never compromise himself—his soul—to achieve any levels of results.

Interestingly, it was a match against Skywalker where things first clicked into place for U-T.  “On December 4, 2018, at Korakuen Hall, Shun and I had a special singles matches,” recalled U-T. “Even though I was the senior wrestler, Shun had been showing that he indeed had ‘Star Power’ and that he would soon be at the top of DRAGONGATE. While everyone expected Shun to beat me, the match ended in a 20-minute time-limit draw.  This match allowed me to show the fans the wrestling style that has defined me since—[that of] a llave technician. The match also gave me confidence as a wrestler, something I was missing at the time.”

U-T uses a llave-style hold

And, now that the rivalry between Z-Brats and Natural Vibes has reached an end—at least for the time being—U-T will shift his focus back to the Open the Brave Gate championship.

“Before I can challenge, I need to achieve some results,” he said. “Get the wins that will set me on the path to the title.” U-T last challenged for the belt, which is DRAGONGATE’s equivalent to a junior heavyweight title, on December 19, 2021, in Nagoya (U-T’s and SB KENTo’s hometown). That was a hard-hitting match, which showed us a ruthless side of DG’s “Braveheart.”

U-T is passion personified.

He has earned his place in DRAGONGATE, regardless of other’s opinions that he cannot be “saved” (according to Shun Skywalker and H.Y.O).

Dragongate's U-T shows off his tag team title belt

U-T has proven that his style of wrestling can stand on its own against any opponent.

To the fans, whether you are new to DRAGONGATE or you have been with the company for the long haul, U-T wants you to know that. “I will always give everything that I am, everything that I have in every match I wrestle,” he said. “Thank you very much, and I look forward to your continued cooperation!”

RECOMMEND VIEWING

Z-Brats vs NATURAL VIBES 4 Singles Match Series, October 7, 2022

NATURAL VIBES (Susumu Yokosuka & U-T) vs MASQUERADE (Shun Skywalker & Jason Lee), April 9, 2021

Open the Brave Gate Contender Battle Royal, Ultimo Dragon’s 35th Anniversary Celebration, July 30, 2022

His singles bouts with SB KENTo (December 19, 2021), Shun Skywalker (December 4, 2018), and Yuki Yoshioka January 16 and April 16, 2019) are MUST-WATCH matches … and are all available at dragongate.live!


ドラゴンゲートの「ブレイブハート」:U-T選手との対談

写真・文:ISSA MARIE

U-T attempts a pinfall

人生のあらゆる場面において代表は大切だ!

目を閉じて創造して見て下さい。「あなたは9歳の子供で初めての生プロレス観戦しに行きます。自分と同じく小さめのプロレスラーがいた。」体質的に無理だと思っていた小さなファンが可能性を示された。

その子供はU-T選手。初めてドラゴン・キッド選手を生で見た記憶は未だに覚えている。彼の運土神経や度胸、そしてなにより自分に似ている小さめな体質に惹かれています。

「キャリアにおいて対戦相手は常に私の体格や能力をなめられている。そうではないことを示しても、彼らがいじめられる弱者として目標にすることが多い。私の意欲や心そして情熱はいわゆる身長や強さのハンディキャップを常に上回っている。」

常に「Good Vibes Only」であるNATURAL VIBESのメンバやKzy選手と共に琉球ドラゴンプロレスリングの双琉王王者であるU-T選手は最近その心情ではシュン・スカイウォーカー選手とSNSで語りました。スカイウォーカー選手の体格や強さ、そしてデビュー当時から見せていたポテンシャルを羨ましく思っていたことを認めている。しかしU-T選手はどんな結果であっても自分自身の魂を売るつもりはない。

面白いことに、スカイウォーカー選手との対戦で始めてU-T選手にうまくいっていた。「2018年12月4日の後楽園ホールでは、シュンと私がスペシャルシングルズマッチをやっていた。僕が先輩レスラーでもシュンはスターパワーがあり、すぐにドラゴンゲートの頂点に立つことを証明した。シュンが僕を倒す予想する中、20分引き分けに終わりました。この試合を通してファンの皆さんに僕のプロレススタイルに見せることができました。ジャベ系テクニシャンレスラーであることを。また当時に私に欠けていた自身も与えてくれた。

そしてZ-BratsとNATURAL VIBESの抗争

が一旦決着をした今、U-T選手は再びオープン・ザ・ブレイブ・ゲート王座に目を向ける。

「挑戦する前に結果を残さないと。勝利を納めたらベルトへの道はきっと開かれる。」

ジュニアヘビー級の同類である「オープン・ザ・ブレイブ・ゲート王座」に最後で挑戦したのは2021年12月19日名古屋でSB KENTo選手との対戦でした。ドラゴンゲートの「ブレイブハート」とも言われるU-T選手は非常な一面でハードな試合を戦いました。

U-T選手は情熱そのもの!

誰が救われない身とは言っても(シュン・スカイウォーカーやH.Y.O)ドラゴンゲートでの居場所は変わらない。U-T選手はどんな相手であろうが、誰にも負けないぐらい素晴らしいプロレスを持っていることを証明された。

ファンの皆様、DRAGONGATE初心者や長年お付き合いな方にU-Tがこれだけは言っておきたい:「どんな試合に関しても僕のすべてを出し切ります。ありがとうございます。今後ともよろしくお願いします!」

おすすめ試合:

NATURAL VIBES vs Z-Brats シングル4番勝負2022.10.07 –

NATURAL VIBES 横須賀ススム & U-T vs  MASQUERADE シュン・スカイウォーカー & ジェイソン・リー2021.04.09 –

オープン・ザ・ブレイブゲート王座 次期挑戦者決定 時間差バトルロイヤル “ドラゴンスクランブル2022.07.30 –

他シングルマッチ、対SB KENTo選手 2021.1219、対シュン・スカイウォーカー選手2018.12.04,や吉岡有紀選手2019.01.16と2019.04.16は是非!dragongate.liveでお見逃しなく!