New Josh Barnett interview - Part 1
pick up 「達人のオーラがある」前田日明が一目惚れ┃桜庭和志は挑戦をやめない・・・シュート・ボクセ武者修行へ旅立つ┃高田総統がノーギャラ映画出演┃サイモン猪木社長「本人(ジョシュ・バーネット)も出たいと言っているし、これから詰めていく」と10月PRIDE派遣に前向き┃このリングが新しいプロレスの実験場となる┃組長×村上和成×陶芸=出来映えは・・・┃武藤敬司「横綱、毎日練習来てるよ」┃インリン様「アンダーバストが2センチ落ちて・・・」┃恒例最新号情報・・・紙のプロレスRADICAL NO.90
新日本プロレス「G1クライマックス」に出場要請されながら、直前キャンセルを食らったジョシュ・バーネット。インタビューしたザック・アーノルド氏より光栄にもメールが・・・
* * *
海外からメールが届くなんてめったにないからドキドキする。でも、英語は得意じゃないんで困った。
(8/20 0:30翻訳記事エントリーしました→ [翻訳]ジョッシュ・バーネット8月17日インタビュー パート1(カクトウログ))
↓日本語訳は学生さん?におまかせします。こっちを見てね
・ ジョシュ最新インタビュー(BurningSpiritさん)
・ ジョシュ・バーネットインタビュー1(スイミングアイさん)
↓ザック・アーノルド氏のHPはこちら。カクトウログへのリンクを貼ってくださったこともある
・ http://www.puroresupower.com/
バーニング・スピリットさんによるとメールの書き出しはこのような内容。
「こんばんは、ザック・アーノルドです。8/17、ジョシュ・バーネットのインタビューを終えました。そのPart1をサイトに載せています。あなたのサイトでこれを日本語に翻訳してくれたら嬉しいです。ボクには翻訳は出来ないので。」
特に支障ないと思うのでメール原文を、コピペしておきます。ちょっと仕事も残ってるんで、今晩はここまででごめんなさい。なんか、お盆なのに朝から晩まで会議続きで、企画書書く時間がさっぱりとれてない・・・・。
----- Original Message -----
From: "Zach Arnold"
Sent: Thursday, August 18, 2005 8:27 PM
Subject: New Josh Barnett interview - Part 1
Hi everyone,
Good evening. This is Zach Arnold.
I finished an interview with Josh Barnett on Wednesday (8/17).
This link is for part one of interview.
If you can translate any part into Japanese on your site, I would be
grateful.
Sorry that I did not translate posting into Japanese.
Thank you for your support. Bye.
Zach
↓インタビュー全文
Josh Barnett 8/17/05 interview - Part 1
The following is an interview summary between PPH co-host & PuroresuPower.com writer Zach Arnold and Josh Barnett. This is part one of a two-part interview. Part one focuses strictly on pro-wrestling. Part two will be released next Monday, and it will focus only on MMA.
Part 1 - Professional Wrestling
Note: This is paraphrasing, as close to actual quotes as possible. For full context of discussion, please listen to the interview by clicking on the audio link on the front page (it will be posted later).
Q: Everyone knows about the interview you did in Gong Magazine with Jimmy Suzuki. How did the interview happen?
Josh: Jimmy Suzuki caught wind of the situation (he heard about what happened) with me, felt that it was a newsworthy item, and decided to interview me. I have known Jimmy for a while.
Q: What was the purpose of the Gong Magazine interview?
Josh: Normally, I am a big believer in kayfabe. I believe in keeping a barrier between fantasy and reality in pro-wrestling. Fans should be able to enjoy the positives of the wrestling business. In this situation, I had a lot of Japanese fans who paid for G-1 tickets who were excited by my participation in the tournament. I consider the G-1 tournament a major event and I was taking a major chance (after just recovering from the shoulder injury) to wrestle. The G-1 means a lot to me. This is the second year in a row that I have received no invitation or was cancelled from the G-1 tournament. I didn't even participate in special non-tournament matches.
Q: How did you expect New Japan management to react to your Gong interview?
Josh: I had no idea how they would react. At the time of the interview, I didn't care (about their reaction). Whatever they did or said, fine. It was about me and my fans.
Q: What reaction have you received from fans and wrestlers?
Josh: No wrestler reaction so far. I only talk to wrestlers in person mainly. Some wrestlers are probably angry and some are scared of me, which they honestly should be. The fans feel really upset and betrayed by the way the situation happened. They (the fans) support me and want me to do my
best no matter what.
Q: Has New Japan contacted you since the interview? Any phone calls or e-mails?
Josh: No, I haven't really heard anything from them.
Q: The Japanese fans are wondering if this situation between you and New Japan is real. Is it a work, is it a shoot, an angle or a storyline, is it the truth, is there something we don't know about, etc. There is a belief that this situation is an angle and that you are going to come to Japan to attack Kawada or Fujita and face them in a big match for New Japan on the 10/8 Tokyo Dome event. What is the truth and what is fiction?
Josh: I wouldn't break kayfabe for an angle. This is not a gimmick. It is not a work. It's legitimate. This is how deeply offending and angering this situation is to me in order to do the Gong magazine interview. This is an extreme case. I'm sure that someone will want to create an angle out of this situation, but if I do show up to attack someone and take them out (or call them out), it's going to result in teeth on the floor and busted heads. It's not about playing (fooling) around.
Q: After all the recent problems with New Japan, are you still willing to wrestle in the New Japan ring? How do you view New Japan as an organization?
Josh: I am willing to work in a New Japan ring. What is the point about being upset over the situation and not being able to bring New Japan fans what they are paying for? I need to get into the wrestling ring to prove my point, which is that what I said about myself (his good abilities) was right all along. I'm not involved in the New Japan company, but their business choices with me have not been very bright (not very smart).
Q: Regarding Kawada, he was the guy who replaced you in the G-1 tournament. You made comments that you wanted to bust his remaining teeth and beat him up. You are really angry with him. What kind of personal anger do you have towards him?
Josh: I said that I did not want to do these actions... but that if he (Kawada) felt otherwise about being stronger than me and better than me that we could settle it. I don't have personal anger towards any wrestler... however, they (the wrestlers) are looking out for number one (themselves). If it's a battle between them or me, I'm going to win because I am not going to lay down for anyone. If Kawada wants to disagree with my point of view, he can say anything he wants. Let it be known that if he wants to get into an argument or confrontation with me, it's going to be a short one.
Q: Do you want a face-to-face meeting with Kawada?
Josh: Not really. But... I'm always open for options.
Q: Let's talk a little bit more about Kawada. A lot of people have really focused on this part of the story, since he replaced you (in the G-1). New Japan's side stated that he would bring in more fans for the G-1 tournament than you could. And, he really didn't bring in more fans for the tournament shows. It really didn't seem to have much of an effect after all. For Kawada as a wrestler, did he come out of the G-1 tournament looking stronger, weaker, or the same (as far as credibility with the fans)?
Josh: Probably the same. It was neutral. He didn't really... it lacked that fantasy excitement, the whole spectacle that it should have been. It was just... OK, alright. It fizzled. They want to focus on Kawada as a big money-making opportunity situation because they (New Japan) think that an MMA fight or pro-wrestling match with me and Kawada could make a lot of money. Money signs are in people's eyes right now. In the past, I said that I wanted to wrestle Kawada. I always wanted to. I thought it would be a great match and we could work well together. However, at this point, I'm not going out and asking for wrestling matches with Kawada. My whole feeling was "why me, why replace me, why not replace someone else who already was in the G-1 before?"
Q: Do you think a match between you and Kawada would draw big money (attract many fans)?
Josh: At this point, yes, it would be a big money-maker. That is what the offices (New Japan & DSE) are thinking right now.
Q: If New Japan went to you right now and said that they could book you in a match against Kawada on 10/8 at the Tokyo Dome, even though you have a PRIDE fight coming up in October, would you be willing to take the pro-wrestling fight?
Josh: Maybe. It would be an excellent opportunity to showcase what I'm talking about. It would really put a stamp on my comments. It would take some consideration because I do not want to have too busy of a schedule that I cannot control.
Q: There was discussion of Kawada working in the PRIDE ring (in an MMA fight, such as New Year's Eve). Would you like to face Kawada in an MMA fight?
Josh: I would love to. It's not personal, but I would like to be the man to do that.
Q: What kind of fighter would Kawada be in MMA?
Josh: I think he would be a brawler.
Q: Would he have a similar fight style to Fujita?
Josh: Fujita has more amateur wrestling experience. He doesn't have the incredibly hard head like Fujita. Kawada would resemble Katsuhisa Fujii, where he knows how to fight but when fighting standing-up, he would be swinging wildly.
Q: Chono won his 5th G-1 tournament. He was the most popular wrestler by far in the G-1 tournament in 2005. What are your thoughts on Chono winning the tournament?
Josh: On paper, it may seem excessive. However, given the moment, it might have been the right thing (right result).
Q: What do you think of Chono invoking the name of Hashimoto?
Josh: Why use Hashimoto's name for business? However, there is the argument that Hashimoto was involved in pro-wrestling and you might say that Hashimoto would enjoy his friend using his name value. My personal opinion is that they were close friends and Chono would know what Hashimoto would want more than I would, and maybe Chono feels Hashimoto would feel honored by it.
Q: Was Chono's use of Hashimoto's name and spirit exploitative?
Josh: Chono knows Hashimoto and was his best friend. If anyone would know what was bad taste or honoring someone, it would be Chono or Mutoh. I trust their judgment.
Q: As far as Chono winning the G-1, where do you see his position regarding the 10/8 Tokyo Dome show? Will he face Fujita? Who will he fight?
Josh: Technically, if you win the G-1, you are supposed to face the IWGP champion, right? That would mean he is going to fight Fujita. I don't think he will win (don't think Chono can beat Fujita), but I didn't think Chono would win the G-1, either.
Q: Do you think you have a right to face Chono (the G-1 tournament winner) because you could have had a chance to win the tournament?
Josh: Yes, or any other wrestler who tried to step over me. It's not a real top position because they didn't have to deal with me.
Q: Fujita won all of his regular tournament league matches, beat Kawada in 6 minutes, and lost to Chono in 9 minutes. How did Fujita look coming out of the G-1 tournament - stronger? weaker? the same? How strong of a champion do you think he is now?
Josh: He can be a great champion. His workrate (technical skill) is what people base their criticism on. You need to see the man wrestle at a live show. He gets the fans going (excited), he's a dynamic athlete, and he can pull off many wrestling moves you would not expect. He has the image and street credibility to back up his IWGP title reign. He's an excellent choice as champion right now. He comes out of the G-1 looking a little weaker after losing to Chono. I don't pay attention to time lengths of matches. Some 5 minute matches are bang!, explosive, and over quick, but you loved it. There were some matches that can be 33 minutes too long.
Q: As IWGP champion, does Fujita have the ability to sell out the Tokyo Dome?
Josh: I do. The fans like him. He may not be the #1 champion of all time, but it's not just one wrestler - it's a team effort. It depends on who he is fighting (who his opponent is).
Q: How would a match between Fujita and you turn out, such as a title match?
Josh: I would see myself winning. It could be a good fight, an entertaining match because Fujita and I have a good relationship. We have mutual friends. We have similar styles and he is an athlete in the same manner as I am. We can work a more physical style.
Q: Hiroshi Tanahashi finished 4th in Block B of the G-1 tournament. After this tournament performance and the performance against Rikio on NOAH's 7/18 Tokyo Dome show, where do you see the direction of Tanahashi's career heading?
Josh: He might be at a plateau or a holding pattern right now. However, I expect him to continue to rise. He will be one of the top guys in the company soon enough.
Q: What would it take to elevate Tanahashi to the next level (level-up)?
Josh: More experience and the right angle (storyline). Something to draw the fans behind him for support. Something high-profile.
Q: Do you think that Nakamura could be Tanahashi's rival? Do you think that there is enough heat (intensity) there for the fans to buy into a feud between the two?
Josh: If done right, yes. It's perfectly matched for them to be rivals. It could play out very well. I would support it.
Q: In the recent G-1 tournament, it seemed that the crowds supported Toru Yano & Yutaka Yoshie just as much as they supported Nakamura & Tanahashi, the two wrestlers pushed by New Japan. Why are the crowds reacting the same to all the wrestlers?
Josh: Perhaps (Nakamura & Tanahashi) are overpushed. Maybe their workrate is starting to look too similar (using the same moves in each match). There are a lot of little details, and maybe fans are just interested in Yano and Yoshie, whether they said something or the fact that the fans like underdogs. They liked Yoshie a lot a few years ago when I was there. They really liked him.
Q: There is discussion of Nakamura & Tanahashi working in Mexico in September, right before the 10/8 Tokyo Dome show. Do you think working in Mexico would be a good idea for them? Is the timing good or bad for them?
Josh: I think the timing is bad. World experiences can help a person grow and become better, but at this time the wrestlers need that lead-in as far as working in Japan for the Tokyo Dome show. You want them to bring in something (bring in momentum) to get fan interest. In Mexico, they wrestle a lot and a lot of flying moves occur. I would be worried about sending my top two guys to Mexico to jump around and land on their heads.
Q: Are the comparisons of Fujita to Bill Goldberg fair?
Josh: They do have similarities. Some of Bill's top profile matches, I liked watching him wrestle. At some point Goldberg won 100 matches in a row, but it's easy to forget how excited Goldberg could make crowds. Fans would get crazy to see Goldberg demolish other wrestlers. Japanese Goldberg?
Not quite. Fujita is Fujita.
Q: Do the fans accept Fujita as a pro-wrestler or do they view him as an MMA fighter?
Josh: The fans lean more towards Fujita as an MMA fighter, but the fans know that Fujita is a New Japan wrestler from the past who trained through the dojo system. He is a legitimate pro-wrestler, but his career is more as an MMA fighter.
Q: Let's do a report card on the G-1 tournament. Who do you think was the big winner?
Josh: To grade the G-1 tournament, you really need to see the tournament live to understand it fully. However, who came out on top... Hashimoto's ghost came out on top. For the competitors, Chono and maybe Nishimura .
Q: Who was the big loser?
Josh: Me.
Q: Really?
Josh: Yeah. But at any rate, it could be whoever decides to talk to me about it (whoever tries to get in his way).
Q: So you think you are the big loser?
Josh: At this point, yeah. As far as the G-1 is concerned. I got kicked out for another wrestler who doesn't work for our league/promotion (Kawada).
Q: Let's talk about the man who replaced you, Kawada. After he lost his semi-final match to Fujita in 6 minutes at Ryogoku, Kawada went to Yoyogi in Tokyo and did a press meeting with Taichi Ishikari to do the Hustle Pose. He challenged Takada to a singles match at HustleMania on 11/3 at Yokohama Arena. You have a fight with PRIDE in late October. What if DSE approached you and said, win or lose your MMA fight, and asked you to fight Kawada at HustleMania on 11/3 at Yokohama Arena... Would you accept the offer?
Josh: Yes.
Q: You would fight him in the Hustle ring?
Josh: The pro-wrestling ring, the fight ring. The American fans don't really understand the difference between how things really are in Japan versus the perception on the Internet. I go on message boards and read many things. You can read things on the Internet, but it's difficult to really understand what the business is all about. Fans don't understand that I'm more popular when I am in Japan than the American fans think. Just the same, in Japan, fighting and MMA are really kissing cousins - they are two industries that do not differ from each other. There is a reason why the magazines cover both (MMA and Kakutogi).
Q: Let's do word association with each of the following names. First name - Kawada.
Josh: Oh man... not one word comes to mind with Kawada. Teeter-totter (pendulum). Because if Kawada says one wrong thing, the situation could go the wrong way with me.
Q: Chono...
Josh: Sly fox. Also proving that with his injuries and age, he can bring in fans and still work with crowds well.
Q: New Japan management...
Josh: I can't say bad words (foul language), there are children listening to this show! I don't want to ruin their ears (don't want to say bad language). I think they made a huge mistake and it's going to come back and bite them in the ass.
Q: How can you convince fans that this is not an angle, a storyline?
Josh: I can't. I can only say what I am saying now. Personally, I feel that some point that people will want to turn this real-life situation into an angle. How this started and what I am saying is all legitimate.
Q: Is it fair for fans to compare your situation to the Bret Hart/Vince McMahon situation or the Matt Hardy situation in WWE?
Josh: The Bret Hart situation, yes. I don't know anything about Matt Hardy. That situation doesn't belong in the same sentence.
↓ザック・アーノルド氏によるカクトウログ記事の最近のリンク。「残されていた千羽鶴。橋本真也さん最後の朝」も取り上げてくださってました。感謝
(Josh Barnett) Kakutolog focuses on Minoru Suzuki's comments on encouraging Barnett to stay in pro-wrestling, and also focuses on Barnett's latest web site comments.
(8/10/05) - (Gong Interview) Kakutolog has posted links to excerpts of the Josh Barnett interview that Jimmy Suzuki conducted for this week's issue of Gong Magazine. The interview has pretty much dominated discussion with most wrestling fans in Japan on Wednesday.
(Hashimoto) Kakutolog has a post in Japanese summarizing an interview that was done in "Shukan Taishu" magazine regarding the last day of Hashimoto's life.
■□T.SAKAi
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