Episode 154: Mexican Embassy
September 16, 2026
The Mexican Embassy. It's a place where there's rarely an opportunity to set foot under normal circumstances, but this time I had the privilege of attending the 216th Anniversary of Mexican Independence Reception held at the Mexican Embassy.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling has built a rock-solid relationship over many years with Mexico's prestigious pro wrestling promotion, CMLL.
The annually held Fantastica Mania is the very symbol of that.
Luchadores wearing various masks colour NJPW's rings, and it has now become a familiar seasonal tradition for all the New Japan Pro-Wrestling fans. Chairman Sugabayashi being an unparalleled fan of Lucha Libre might be one of the underlying reasons as well (laughs).
And in November, Lucha Kingdom will be held at Mexico's sacred ground, Arena México. During this embassy visit, I also reacquainted myself with representatives from travel agencies, requesting safe travels and wonderful itinerary planning for all the fans who will be rushing over from Japan to Mexico to cheer us on.
Speaking of Arena México, it's a truly special place for Mexican pro wrestling fans. For fans to travel all the way from Japan to step into that venue and cheer for NJPW's wrestlers...
The circle of pro wrestling expands not just inside the ring, but across international borders. As President, that makes me immensely happy.
I myself have an uncountably large number of memories in Mexico. The days when Shinsuke Nakamura and I went on our learning excursion together. Knowing nothing right or left, getting tossed around by the Spanish language and the local heat, getting toyed with by kaijin (monsters/freaks).
Come to think of it, I wrapped the "Universal Belt" around my waist, didn't I? Mind you, it's the Universal (No. 1 in the Universe) belt, okay? (laughs)
"Embassy" has a slightly stiff and formal ring to it, but everyone I actually met was surprisingly friendly and had a deep understanding of professional wrestling. Thanks to that, what was intended as a routine greeting round ended up connecting me with so many people.
What I realize after becoming President is that strengthening and expanding existing relationships even further is also a proper job for a President.
Creating something from zero isn't the only work. Cherishing the seeds that are already there, watering them, letting the sun shine on them, and eventually making a massive flower bloom—that too is a chance for management to showcase their skills.
The relationship between New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Mexico is a precious asset that our predecessors spent a long time cultivating. Passing that along to the next generation and generating brand new possibilities even further—that is our job moving forward as well.
However, to be completely honest... the reception was a standing buffet format, and before I realized it, I had eaten about two tacos...
Chairman Sugabayashi, standing right next to me, gave me a worried look saying, "Tana-kun, are you okay?" ...I'm okay. Tacos have zero calories! (laughs)
At any rate! In November, Arena México will burn even hotter with the bond between Japan and Mexico.
Lucha Kingdom! Commonly known as Luch-King! Can't wait for it!
