Thank you all for taking the time to join us today.
And thank you to everyone watching the live stream.
Welcome to the NEW JAPAN CUP 2018 press conference.
The action starts at Korakuen Hall, per tradition, on March 9th.
There will be a total of 16 participants.
Current champions will not participate, namely the IWGP Heavyweight champion, Okada,
the IWGP Intercontinental champion Minoru Suzuki,
His next challenger for the title, Togi Makabe,
And the NEVER Openweight champion Hirooki Goto.
Every cup match will be no time limit to a finish.
The winner will be given a title shot at Ryogoku Sumo Hall, on April 1st.
The winner may choose from the IWGP Heavyweight, Intercontinental, or NEVER Openweight titles.
This will also be the return of Hiroshi Tanahashi.
Now to take a look at the opening matches.
At Korakuen on March 9th,
Michael Elgin vs Tomohiro Ishii,
And Juice Robinson vs Yujiro Takahashi.
In Aichi on March 10th,
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Taichi,
And Bad Luck Fale vs Lance Archer.
In Amagasaki on March 11th,
YOSHI-HASHI vs Kota Ibushi,
And Tetsuya Naito vs Zack Sabre Jr.
In Takamatsu on March 12th,
Toru Yano vs Davie Boy Smith Jr.,
And Chuckie T vs SANADA.
That's the first round.
As for the second round, there will be 2 matches in Fuji, on the 14th.
And 2 matches at Korakuen, on the 15th.
The semi-finals will take place at Korakuen, on the 16th.
And at Hamamatsu, on the 18th.
The final will be held in Nagaoka, on the 21st.
As stated, the winner may challenge for the Heavyweight, Intercontinental, or NEVER titles.
Also, all matches will be broadcast on New Japan World.
Please tune in.
Now, we have Tanahashi, making his return in the tournament.
Please.
Thank you.
Tanahashi, your thoughts on your return?
Yes.
I've been out since my knee gave way in the Intercontinental match on January 27th.
But I'm back and ready for the NEW JAPAN CUP.
I'm not jumping the gun here, I'm fully confident in my condition.
I was diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis.
Nothing good popped up when I Googled it.
But I rehabbed well, and dropped some weight to decrease the pressure on the knee.
It was quite a strenuous rehab, very intense.
When joints touched each other, it was painful. Every movement hurt.
But I re-learned how to put strain on my knee.
I trained my lower body to deal with the stress.
From when I entered the New Japan dojo, I always avoided lower body training, like the Hindu Squat.
But I committed to lower body training, from the first of February to today, everyday.
I learned new things about my physique.
My leg muscles improved, but still not good enough to wear shorts.
I'm confident.
Kejii Mutoh had knee osteoarthritis, and had knee arthroplasty. Would I have go through the same?
Even though we had the same condition, I was fortunate that mine wasn't as bad.
I'll show that I can still go.
By the way, my birthday is November 13th.
That day is known as 'Good Knee Day'.
I was born on 'Good Knee Day'. I thought I should bring that up.
Since I'm in the tournament... Well, it's even more than just that...
I'm very confident. That's why I'm doing this. I will be victorious… and
Then I'll decide whether I'll get revenge on Suzuki, or defend my record against Okada.
Thank you.
Now we move on to questions for Tanahashi.
What do you rate your current condition at?
Well, I dropped some weight, and there's still time before the tournament starts…
But I'm 100% ready.
In the past, I used to train differently,
I focussed on how much more I could lift or do, from before and after.
But I changed my mindset to focus on what I can do right now, instead of looking back.
I'm now able to move forward, without looking at my old self.
What are your thoughts on facing Taichi? He is making the jump to the heavyweight division.
Will this be his first heavyweight match?
Well, actually, he will face Naito on the 6th, first.
I understand.
I'm not as kind as Naito.
I may just finish him off quickly.
You're very sure, aren't you?
I'm not going to mess around.
Any other questions?
I assume it's not only knee but also your arm, as seen in your match at the Dome.
Your fans are very concerned. What about your total condition, besides the knee?
Fair question.
I have received many messages from fans, telling me to come back when I'm fully recovered.
This right muscle is torn. It won't be completely recovered unless I have surgery,
But I'm doing the best I can. Also, my left muscle is torn, so I guess I'm well balanced?
It's okay to laugh at my situation.
And my stamina is in good standing.
It's as good as it was when I first joined New Japan. I'm satisfied by that.
But knowing that other guys are out there fighting, that frustrated me.
I asked myself, for the first time in my 19 years of wrestling, "What do I have to do now?".
If I'm victorious in this NEW JAPAN CUP, I'll call this, 'The February Miracle'.
Have you adjusted your fighting style in regards to your knee?
Yes, I had to.
Years of high impact moves have taken their toll.
I hope to show something new, coming up.
This is well-timed, as you can possibly defend your record against Okada or challenge Suzuki.
Well...
Since I'm in this, I am the most likely to win.
I'm returning because I can meet the fans' expectations.
Go ahead and count on me.
Thank you.
Any other questions?
How much weight did you lose, exactly?
I'm just about 100kg, right now.
If I skip breakfast, it will be less than 100kg.
So you loss about 3 to 4kgs?
Yes.
That helped your rehabilitation?
I read, that if I lose 1kg, that takes 5kgs of pressure off my knee.
So, I feel much better.
I trained one on one with Sugano. He even noticed improvements in my walking.
I'm in great shape. I'll ask you guys to update the my stats in the program.
After you lost to Suzuki, he spoke gruesomely about your knee. Did you hear what he said?
I read it, after.
What are your thoughts on what he said?
Are you looking to change his thinking?
His hold didn't have anything to do with my condition.
I don't believe so.
Even after losing my belt, my pride is still strong. That's why I'm here right now.
I'm ready to let loose, at a moment's notice.
Any other questions?
The winner of the NEW JAPAN CUP will be able to challenge for a title,
Currently, all factions, CHAOS, L.I.J, Suzuki-gun, Bullet Club, all hold gold,
Your thoughts on being a loner at this point?
New Japan has certainly gotten more interesting by having many powerful factions.
So, that's a plus for the company.
But I don't like that we're after-thoughts.
I hope to change that thinking.
Any other questions?
Is that all? Thank you.
Now, we move on to photo op.
The internet stream will end here.
Thank you for watching.
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