Episode 8: I’ve been waiting to make this big challenge
February 8, 2025
Good evening, everyone! I have a lot to talk about today, so let's get started!
First of all, about a week ago I was able to meet up with a friend I hadn't seen in a long time. That friend was... Fuminori Abe!
I first met him when I was in AJPW, and he was always very kind to me. I was really happy to meet him again after such a long time and we had a long catch-up. We ate and drank together and had a really good time. Also, I feel like my Japanese gets better when I'm drunk, lol. I feel like I can speak more smoothly than usual!
Next, I’ll talk about my trip to Sendai, Aomori, and Morioka!
There was so much delicious food, and the snow in Aomori was especially amazing!
After one show, I jumped into the snow with all my force but there was a pole underneath the surface and I almost got hurt... Fortunately, it was just a light bruise, and I'm completely fine now! Please don't worry.
And now onto the main topic... As you all know, I have finally announced a challenge for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship! "Now is the time to prove my true abilities" -- that's what I thought. To be honest, I'm glad that the current champion is El Desperado.
I'll tell you why. Back when I was still in AJPW, he was the first person in NJPW to mention my name. At the time, it felt like I was dreaming.
He is, of course, one of the top wrestlers in the history of NJPW's junior heavyweight division. I was surprised that such a respected person knew my name. A few years later, I made my NJPW debut at the Ryogoku Kokugikan and my dream was realised. It’s taken a while, but finally the time has come for me to make my move. “Achieving big goals takes time and patience” - but the time for me to seize my opportunity is now.
To be honest, I was a little nervous before declaring my challenge. Some of you may have noticed that I messed up the first sentence in my first all-Japanese promo. But still, it was a big step for me to be able to communicate my intentions to Desperado in Japanese.
Japanese is difficult, but I really enjoy speaking it. It's not my native language, but I think I was able to convey my determination. Right now, I'm more prepared than I've ever been.
There may be people who don't believe in me, but I know that there are even more people who are supporting me. I will definitely do it—and become the first Italian IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion in history!