Episode 98: How to Enjoy YOH (For Your Reference)
June 26, 2026
The "YOH Game"—the recent match held to determine the next number one challenger for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship. Emerging victorious from that fierce, chaotic battle between four top-tier competitors was none other than Francisco Akira.
With this, the title match for the July 6th Korakuen Hall event has been officially locked in: Champion YOH vs. Challenger Akira.
Ever since the preview matches, massive brawls involving the championship belt have been erupting. The excitement surrounding the junior division is exploding at an intense rate—or rather, it seems to be exploding in a slightly suspicious direction.
Now, the man we currently cannot take our eyes off of—or perhaps, the man we simply cannot leave unattended—is the 100th champion himself, YOH. His ultimate charm, without a doubt, lies in his "completely unpredictable, elusive nature." If I was once dubbed the "Genius of the Sun" (Taiyo no Tensai) back in the day, then the current YOH is practically the "Eccentric of the Sun" (Taiyo no Kisai).
One moment he shows up to a press conference dressed like a trendy soap-opera actor, and the next, he’s spinning deeply emotional, poetic lines that pierce your heart. That distinct atmosphere and worldview is a one-of-a-kind treasure that only he can forge.
Because YOH is exactly that kind of person, I have a feeling he is planning another "stunt" heading into the Akira match and whatever lies beyond—or should I say, I feel it in my bones... for sure (YOH).
Right here, I am going to make a massive prediction on what kind of game YOH might pull on us next.
First, heading into the match against Akira, he might turn Akira's own words of "Akira 100%" against him by launching a "Mental Agitation Evaluation." He might try to completely strip away Akira’s composure and break him mentally before the title match ever begins, brushing him off with a cool face and saying things like, "That was only about 70% just now," or "You're still severely lacking." It’s going to be a sight to behold watching how the fiery, passionate Akira retaliates against YOH's nonchalant demeanor.
Furthermore, looking beyond that, if he continues to rack up successful title defenses, he might introduce "YOH Game: Season 2" and thrust an utterly absurd condition upon the next challenger, like a "Degree of Respect for Me Audition." He’d force the entire NJPW Junior roster to compete based on the artistic perfection and "emo-ness" of their poetry. Just imagining it gives me a massive headache (￣(工)￣).
I have exactly one piece of advice for everyone: "Never try to counter YOH’s antics using common sense." His brand of professional wrestling is an art form meant to be experienced with all five senses. I feel like it's much better for everyone to just sit back, enjoy being played like a fiddle in the palm of his hand, and wonder, "What on earth is he going to do next?"
As the President, he certainly keeps my stomach in knots at times (laughs), but that is precisely where the allure of YOH lies.
July 6th, Korakuen Hall. Will it be Akira challenging with 100% pure passion, or will it be the YOH World transcending it all?
It's time for a YOH Check.