JPN
Fuwa-chan, who will be competing in "ALL STAR GRAND QUEENDOM 2026" (Yokohama Arena) on April 26th (Sunday), has made an emergency alliance with Yuji Nagata, also known as "Mr. IWGP" of New Japan Pro-Wrestling
With a special singles match against Saori Anno at Yokohama Arena just two days away, he visited the New Japan Pro-Wrestling dojo in Tokyo. Meeting Nagata for the first time, he humbly requested guidance, saying, "I certainly have guts, and I've tried my best, but in the end, I really want to win. I came today hoping that you could somehow lend me your support."
Mr. readily agreed with a smile. "I've only seen snippets of the matches, but I've seen Fuwa-chan experimenting in the pro wrestling ring on social media and YouTube," he revealed, indicating that he had been following her progress
He had actually seen footage of Fuwa-chan trying her hand at professional wrestling for a TV program in October 2022 and April 2023, and was particularly impressed by her ability to take bumps. He also kept a close eye on the four months since she joined Stardom and made her official debut at the Ryogoku Kokugikan on December 29th last year. He was also aware that she got a stern scolding from her mentor, Hazuki, for performing a dance during a match at the Korakuen Hall on April 8th. Truly Mr
Since that incident, Fuwa-chan has had a change of heart and is seriously dedicated to professional wrestling. Nagata said, "I can kind of see that she's trying out various things in an effort to become a full-fledged professional wrestler. That kind of trial and error is important," and advised her, based on his own experience, that "it's better to fail." Nagata himself said that in the past he would fail at a move or appeal to the audience and get scolded by his seniors with "That's not how you do it!"
He further emphasized, "To go for the win means showing your positive side, but more importantly, you have to show how desperate you are. Sometimes, the power of desperation can lead to victory even when you think you absolutely cannot win." "But, it's hard to understand just by saying it, isn't it? Let's try demonstrating it. Let me see how you feel," he said, deciding to convey the message through practical demonstration
Nagata slowly stood up and instructed, "I want you to charge at me with all your might. Pull your chin in, bump your forehead against me, and push me back." This is what is called a "tado-oshi" in sumo wrestling
Fuwa-chan immediately challenged him with a full-on "Wow!!", but Nagata didn't budge. Still, she didn't back down
Nagata, who was ready and urging him to "Keep going!" and "Shout!", was met with repeated charges from the men, who were shouting "Whoa!" and "Hooray!" at the top of their lungs. They were out of breath and sweat was pouring from their entire bodies
To Fuwa-chan, who looked utterly exhausted, Nagata narrowed his eyes and said, "Yes, that face. A face of desperation. That's important! Your desperate efforts were incredible, weren't they? That's what captures the audience. That's what the audience wants most." This was exactly what Mr. had intended
Fuwa-chan also seemed to understand the purpose of the special training, saying, "It's about mindset. Over the past four months, I've gone back and forth on many things and taken many different paths, but in the end, what matters is mindset." With fighting spirit radiating from her entire body, she vowed, "I absolutely want to win. No matter if my opponent is higher ranked, no matter if she has 11 years of experience, everyone probably thinks there's no way I can win, but I really want to win. I want to show her how intimidating and powerful I am, and see the terrified look on Anno Saori's face!"
Furthermore, facing a giant panel of New Japan Pro-Wrestling founder Antonio Inoki displayed in the dojo, he told himself, "Showing this feeling will also be a way of showing respect to Ms. Anno. So, I just need to have a strong will and fighting spirit!"
Finally, Nagata, who was celebrating his 58th birthday that day, taught him one of his signature moves, the Nagata Lock II. "Please use it as much as you like. However, be sure to call it 'Nagata Lock II.' It's Mutoh (Keiji) who would demand royalties if someone used his move (laughs)."
Looking at Nagata with admiration, Fuwa-chan promised, "I'll bring back amazing results." She then headed to the Stardom dojo for her final push