Episode 39: The LaLaport Match

March 17, 2026

I’ve arrived at the venue. Today's location is LaLaport. It’s a massive shopping mall, so I kept wondering, "Is there actually a spot here big enough to set up a ring?" as I headed over. I saw a huge LaLaport that looked just like the ones in Japan. Even though I’m not competing, that familiar feeling of sharp focus and tension hasn't changed.

I walked in through the main entrance like a regular shopper, and as I made my way through, there it was. The ring. It was set up right in the middle of a large atrium, looking quite imposing. Since the space isn't that large, the seated area only goes about four rows deep at most. But a wrestling ring really stands out, doesn't it? I guess that’s obvious.

We hold event matches like this in Japan too. Since they are basically free of charge, they are a great chance to get pro-wrestling in front of a wide, unspecified audience. Of course, most people come specifically to watch the show, but families out for weekend shopping are naturally going to be surprised. I mean, suddenly seeing pro-wrestling leap into your line of sight while you're shopping...

Half of today's card features wrestlers from the Taiwanese promotion "Puzzle." I think I’ll watch them with a bit of a scout's eye. Back when I was a Young Lion, there was a wrestler from Mongolia named Blue Wolf. Kenzo (Suzuki), Blue Wolf, Toru Yano, and I were all in the dojo together at that time. If we want to expand further into Asia, the success of local wrestlers is essential. I’m going to take a good, hard look at how these Taiwanese wrestlers fight.