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3月28日発売！NOAH移籍、全日本への復帰、社長就任から現在に至るまでのすべてを語り尽くした。社長就任までの実態、赤字経営脱却までの紆余曲折、四天王との交錯、ジャイアント馬場の教え、新・四天王への期待……。ファン必読、初顔合わせとなるW-1武藤敬司との新旧社長対談も収録
2月25日発売！完全新作描きおろし！完全続編！プロレスファン漫画「最狂 超プロレスファン烈伝」の続編！天龍ファンが棚橋ファン、中邑ファン、オカダファンと熱いプロレス談義を繰り広げる居酒屋に新部員桜庭和志ファンが乱入し、さらにプロレス談義は燃え上がる！そして、並行世界で、その世界でのヒクソン・グレイシーと対峙した前田日明ファン・鬼藪宙道は涙を流す！プロレスファンが主役のギャグ漫画全５５ページ御堪能ください！
3月7日発売！プロレス界のトップを走る 新日本プロレスの最新テーマ曲集! ! 01.オカダ・カズチカのテーマ RAINMAKER -WK12 ver.- 02.ROPPONGI 3Kのテーマ ROPPONGI 3K Theme 03.棚橋弘至のテーマ LOVE & ENERGY -Winner ver.- 04.ジェイ・ホワイトのテーマ Switch Blade 05.ザック・セイバーJr.のテーマ リアルボーンマスター -remix- ほか
3月23日発売！［
3月30日発売！新日本プロレス・矢野通プロデュースＤＶＤ最新作！敏腕プロデューサーのＹ・Ｔ・Ｒ Ｖ・Ｔ・Ｒ 第6弾にして デビュー(ギリギリ)15周年記念！！今度はＣＨＡＯＳがサンリオピューロランドをぶらり！矢野通 オカダ・カズチカ 石井智宏 後藤洋央紀 YOSHI-HASHI ＳＨＯ ＹＯＨ 邪道 外道
3月26日発売！がんとの闘いは無制限一本勝負。それでも前を向いて生きる。妻のため、子どものため、そしてファンのために！ 「娘が成人するまで必ず元気であり続けようと思います。そして何歳になろうとも僕の人生は青春真っ盛りです。きっと、いつまでも〝行くぞーっ! 〟と拳を握っているはずです! 」(本文より)
2月20日発売！中邑真輔が4・8『WRESTLEMANIA34』メインイベントに出撃!!歴史的快挙! WWEに転出して2年、“ロックスター"がようやく完全燃焼を始めた。そして、「ありがとうフィラデルフィア!」 夢枕獏(小説家)×染谷将太(俳優) 田崎健太氏による連載『真説・佐山サトル』にて前田日明の証言もスタート
2月13日発売！当シリーズの完結号！昭和40年男たちが少年から青年を経て大人への道をまっしぐらに歩んでいた時期は、日本経済が沸点へと向かって急上昇していた時期とピッタリ重なる。今回は昭和61～63年(1986～88年)へ時間の旅に出かけよう。プロレスパートは昭和62年「猪木プロレスとゴールデンタイム放送の終焉」、昭和63年「第2次UWF旗揚げ」
2月21日発売！ [巻頭スペシャルインタビュー]佐山聡 『タイガーマスク』を語る [証言―“猛虎伝説"を彩った宿敵たち]“爆弾小僧"ダイナマイト・キッド “暗闇の虎"初代ブラック・タイガー “虎ハンター"小林邦昭 “センセーショナル"サミー・リー佐山聡の英国時代 回想録 サミー・リーとカール・ゴッチ 初代タイガーマスクのWWF遠征
1月27日発売！長州力＋前田日明＋川田利明＋秋山準＋齋藤彰俊ほか 長州政権「ドーム興行」の隆盛と崩壊 第二次ＵＷＦ崩壊と３派分裂 髙田×ヒクソン戦とプロレスの凋落 アントニオ猪木の引退 橋本×小川“１・４事変”と橋本真也の死 ジャイアント馬場逝去と全日本分裂 高橋本発売 棚橋弘至刺傷事件 新日本プロレス「暗黒期」と「身売り」 三沢光晴がリング上で非業の死
1月25日発売！「別冊宝島」のプロレス・スキャンダルが豪華版で登場。メディアが報じないマット界の裏ネタ満載。盟主・新日本の死角。引退したレスラーたちの知られざる生活。UWFをめぐる歴史論争。訴訟が進行するアントニオ猪木の周辺等、業界の深奥を照射する人気シリーズ
新日在籍時、WWE移籍後を通じて代名詞とする「The King of Strong Style」をモチーフとした中邑真輔Tシャツ（WWE公式Tシャツ）。リンク先表記しておりますサイズは一般的なアメリカのTシャツメーカーのサイズです。おおよそ日本のサイズよりも1サイズ大きく作られております
新日在籍時に忍者コスチュームで入場したこともある中邑の存在感を手裏剣のモチーフで表現したTシャツ（WWE公式Tシャツ）。リンク先表記しておりますサイズは一般的なアメリカのTシャツメーカーのサイズです。おおよそ日本のサイズよりも1サイズ大きく作られております
LOS INGOBERNABLES de JAPONのキャップ「ブラック×レッド」バージョン！ フロントにはL・I・Jチームロゴ、バックには"トランキーロ"の文字を刺繍で表現。 つば裏にはオリジナルL・Iロゴをプリント!! ※サイズ：フリー(56～59cm/アジャスター付き) ポリエステル100%
LOS INGOBERNABLES de JAPONのTシャツ「ブラック×レッド」バージョン！ フロントにはL・I・Jチームロゴ、バックには"トランキーロ"の文字。 袖にはオリジナルL・Iロゴをプリント!!
12月20日発売！立ち止まるな。男は走りながら考えろ！表紙は前田日明と飯伏幸太の2ショット「知的な痴的な狂養講座」の開講（邂逅） ザ・グレート・カブキ 平直行・変態座談会 飛松五男 Kダブシャイン デビー・マレンコ 木村花 鈴木みのる マッスル坂井 真説・佐山サトル
12月20日発売！前田日明「猪木さんに誘われた自己啓発セミナー」 新日本プロレス10大事件「最後」の真実 」 1.UWF電撃復帰と離脱 2.闘魂三銃士90年代制覇 3.90年代ドーム興行連発 4.北朝鮮興行 5.『週プロ』取材拒否 6.橋本小川1・4事変 7.棚橋弘至刺傷事件 8.長州政権崩壊と新日本電撃復帰 9.暗黒の00年代 10.中邑真輔電撃退団
12月19日発売！小佐野景浩 (著) 空前のプロレスブームと言われる昨今、その原風景として記憶に残るのは、アントニオ猪木率いる「新日本プロレス」とジャイアント馬場率いる「全日本プロレス」に他ならない。72年に旗揚げされた両団体を中心に、数々の名勝負の裏側と背景を解説
12月16日発売！女子プロレス団体・スターダムに所属し、国内外で圧倒的な人気・実力・ルックスを誇る紫雷イオが魅せる、初ヌード。“逸女"として活躍する鍛えあげられたメリハリボディーを、しなやかかつ大胆に解放する。天才的な身体能力を誇るトップアスリートが魅せた新境地、最初で最後の限界裸身は必見です
12月13日発売！この「2018プロレスラー全身写真名鑑」は、週刊プロレス本誌「2018プロレスラーカラー写真名鑑」に掲載された選手をもとに、デビューした選手、掲載できなかった選手を加えた892人の選手を掲載しています。情報は2017年11月28日現在のものです。掲載順は男女関係なく五十音順です
11月15日発売！週刊プロレス増刊「プロレスラー写真名鑑号2018」 ＷＷＥスーパースターも収録で掲載人数は過去最多847人！ 週プロ読者＆週モバユーザーが選ぶ「プロレスグランプリ2017」投票ハガキ付き
10月16日発売！B3サイズで2018年の新日本プロレスカレンダー完成。棚橋弘至、オカダ・カズチカ、内藤哲也、真壁刀義、ケニー・オメガが単独登場！ 本隊、ロスインゴ、CHAOS、バレットクラブ、鈴木軍のユニット別
9月29日発売！2017年の上半期に行われた新日本プロレスの主要ビッグマッチやタイトルマッチはもちろん、ヘビー級名勝負、Jr.ヘビー級名勝負、秘蔵名勝負60試合以上を4時間×2枚組DVDで収録。オカダvs.ケニー、オカダvs.柴田をはじめ8試合をノーカット収録
12月22日発売！スーパースター、“レインメーカー”オカダ・カズチカのパートナーにして、新日本プロレスに欠かせない、国内外でいま最も注目のプロレスラーの一人、外道が自らの波瀾に富んだ半生を綴った初の自伝
12月18日発売！LOS INGOBERNABLES de JAPON メンバーそれぞれのユニットでの軌跡 ヒストリー・オブ・L.I.J. 高橋ヒロムの直筆絵日記などプライベート企画も実現! 証言集にはルーシュほかが登場! 豪華プレゼントもあり!
11月29日発売！2016年の東スポプロレス大賞MVP、2017年のNumber誌上プロレス総選挙第1位、2017年G1クライマックス制覇。“ドーム初メイン出場”を手中にした内藤哲也率いる“LOS INGOBERNABLES de JAPON”のテーマ曲集
11月15日発売！定番の「スポーツ行進曲」に、誰もが知っている名曲であるミル・マスカラス「スカイ・ハイ」、ジャンボ鶴田「チャイニーズ・カン・フー」、ビル・ロビンソンの入場曲でもあり世界的に大ヒットしたカール・ダグラス「吼えろ! ドラゴン」などのオリジナル音源を収録。幻の名盤初のCD化
11月17日発売！里村明衣子 (著) プロレスラーとして、社長として、アラフォー女性として、報われなかったこれまでを綴る。頑張っても報われないとき、どう超えていくのか。彼女のストイックで不器用な生き方には、ヒントが隠されている。頑張る女性たちが『明日も頑張ろう』と元気がでる1冊
11月16日発売！柳澤 健 (著) 新日本プロレスを危機から救った二人のエース、棚橋弘至と中邑真輔。異なる方法論を取りながらも彼らの人生は絡み合っていく。『ゴング』休刊に伴い途中で止まっていた連載が、加筆されて文藝春秋から単行本として発売
12月9日発売！前田日明 (著) 再び議論の的となっているＵＷＦについて前田日明がすべてを語る。当時の資料をもとに立体的に構成された、格闘技・プロレスファン待望の前田からの反論。全２巻1984～1987年編
12月9日発売！前田日明 (著) 再び議論の的となっているＵＷＦについて前田日明がすべてを語る。当時の資料をもとに立体的に構成された、格闘技・プロレスファン待望の前田からの反論。全２巻1987～1991年編
10月27日発売！藤原喜明(著) カール・ゴッチが自ら実践し、愛弟子たちに課した多くの自重トレーニングを紹介。巻頭インタビュー・アントニオ猪木「我が師への両義的な想いとは？」 愛弟子・前田日明、船木誠勝、鈴木みのるがゴッチへの想いの丈を語る
11月15日発売予定！40年間、現役を貫いた、ミスタープロレスこと天龍源一郎。その現役生活最後の1年を綴ったドキュメンタリー。新日本プロレス、オカダ・カズチカとのラストマッチまでの日々にカメラが密着
11月22日発売！全日本プロレスに“就職した”不世出の天才レスラー、ジャンボ鶴田の名勝負を厳選してDVD5枚に収録。天龍源一郎やスタン・ハンセン、三沢光晴らと死闘を繰り広げた三冠戦等、初DVD化試合満載のBOX
12月13日発売！高田延彦、ヒクソン・グレイシー、榊原信行を筆頭とする関係者への延べ50時間以上に渡るロングインタビューをもとに、ノンフィクション作家の金子達仁氏が“20年前の高田延彦vs.ヒクソン・グレイシー”の知られざる物語を書籍化
10月18日発売！川崎 浩市 (著) 著者は、裏方でありながら “ブッカーK"と呼ばれ、ファンから広く知られる存在。裏方だからこそ知り得た事実がある! 未曽有のブームから、PRIDE崩壊を経て訪れた格闘技ブームの凋落。その華やかな舞台が輝きを失っていく過程を見た男がブーム崩壊を回想する
11月15日発売！平 直行 (著) UWFから日本の総合格闘技の歴史は始まった――。のちに迎えるPRIDE全盛期に至る前に、その舞台裏で何があったのか。そしてそのキーマンであった佐山聡、前田日明、石井和義。"流浪の格闘家"としていくつものリングを渡り歩いた平直行が初めて明かす実体験総合格闘技史
10月5日発売！近藤 隆夫 (著) 1997年10月11日、東京ドーム『PRIDE 1.』から、20年。ヒクソンの圧勝、髙田の惨敗。あの日から、格闘技界の様相は一変した。プロレスの全盛期から、総合格闘技の黎明期、PRIDE全盛期まで第一線で取材・執筆を続けた著者が、この20年を詳細に振り返り、今だから明かせる真実に迫る
8月17日発売！前田日明インタビュー「Uターン時の“猪木憎し”は完全なアングル」 ドン・中矢・ニールセン インタビュー 前田戦は結末の決まっていない「リアル・ビジネスファイト」だった! ミスター高橋インタビュー “藤原教室”を嫌っていた坂口征二のUアレルギー
9月7日発売！"自由の謳歌"を掲げて、リングの闘いに挑んできた日々。次々に課される無理難題とどう向き合い、対処するか。決まり事や制約すらも踏み台にし、一度きりの人生をいかにして楽しむか。『KAMINOGE』井上崇宏が聞き手をつとめた5年間＋αの中邑真輔インタビュー集
9月7日発売！中邑真輔 (著) 「求めていたものが、そこにあった」人気絶頂のなか新日本プロレスを離れ、闘いの舞台をアメリカWWEに移した男の500日間の記録。オール書き下ろし。本書でしか見られない貴重なプライベート写真満載！
8月19日発売！プロレス界きってのへそ曲がりが、過去一切語らなかった自身の半生と考えをすべて語り尽くした。新日本入門、全日本移籍、ベルト返還訴訟、永田・中西らへの本音、ハイアン戦の裏側、大仁田との縁、アカデミズムへの道
7月10日発売！3万5000人のファンが参加したNuber版プロレス総選挙。上位10位までに入った選手は必ず誌面に掲載し、1位に輝いた選手が表紙になります。1～10位は内藤・棚橋・オカダ・中邑・ケニー・イケメン・柴田・飯伏・HARASHIMA・葛西
5月17日発売！前田日明+藤原喜明+山崎一夫+船木誠勝+鈴木みのるほか17人のレスラー、関係者による禁断の告白！ プロレスと格闘技の間を漂流し続けた男たちの葛藤、内紛･････全内幕！ 『1984年のUWF』への前田日明の反論
内藤哲也「stardust」収録！棚橋弘至、オカダ・カズチカなど主要選手のテーマに加え、テレビ朝日系『ワールドプロレスリング』のテーマ曲「ザ・スコア」も収録。旗揚げから40周年(2012年時)を迎えた新日本プロレスの新旧テーマ曲を詰め込んだ3枚組アルバム
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.
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