–What was the pace of your matches?
Sakazaki: Right after we launched, we had a match once a month. The interval gradually narrowed down to twice a month in the third year, and three times a month in the fifth year. Now it’s once a week.
–In May 2016, you challenged for the Princess of Princess title held by Miyu Yamashita for the first time.
Sakazaki: I was able to measure my current level of strength there. I thought to myself, “I’m not good enough yet.
–You are able to see yourself objectively.
Sakazaki:I’m kind of cold, ain’t I(laughs)?
–In March 2019, you participated in the AEW’s launch show.
Sakazaki: TJPW didn’t have an international appeal.Cyber Fight’s video site, WRESTLE UNIVERSE, is the only one that is distributed worldwide. People overseas who watched it and Kenny Omega appreciated my style and gave me a chance. That’s when I realized that pro wrestling was on my side.
–How was the reaction of the fans when you had a match overseas?
Sakazaki: The reaction is straightforward. For example, the TJPW’s audience feels like they are “Raising” wrestlers. If there is a wrestler they like, they will support her from the beginning and continue to watch her grow.
People overseas see a wrestler who is finished, so they judge based on whether what is being done in front of them is fun or not. If I make a bad move, they boo. If I make a flashy move and the audience can feel it, I get a big reaction, so it’s easy to understand.
–Are you going to continue to participate in AEW?
Sakazaki: It would be difficult for me to participate right now. However, I have a lot of things to learn, so I would like to participate.
＜information＞
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©️ Maru-Spo ／ Satoshi Dairaku
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