SEKAI NO KAI - Ep. #1

ET: For nearly a year MAXIMUM Japan affiliated with the North American headquartered Laurentide Athletic Commission. Now the company has branched off on its own. Why?

MS: Departing from the LAC was not an easy decision. The POLLOVISION streaming service brought incredible attention to our roster and company. We rewarded that attention with the highest quality wrestling in Japan. But the time has come for us to chart our own course and we’re excited to partner with ENSOU! TV to achieve this goal.

ET: MJPW has a diverse array of fighters. How do you blend them together?

MS: Our fighters have one trait in common: they are the best in the world. Excellent fighters are not normal people. The top guys train hard, they have their own style and flair. We at MAX-J encourage this expression. We feature power wrestlers, expert grapplers, kickboxers and other strikers, and the utmost technical proficiency. Our referees ensure the action in the ring is commensurate with our rules.

ET: What is the status of the World Tag Team Championship?

MS: GRIM and Tokyo Zombie are the Tag Team Champions. They fought hard to earn that right and have successfully defended the titles. They will continue to remain the champions until defeated.

ET: Until now these titles had been defended mostly in America. Are you saying that they officially belong to MJPW?

MS: I’m saying that Lion’s Road and any other companies are welcome to send fighters over to challenge the Demon Brigade. And we will continue to book our fighters in the most competitive and compelling matches for fans around the world to enjoy.

ET: The enigmatic METAL HERO recently dethroned Matt Pulver for the Junior Heavyweight Championship. Will he become an active member of the roster?

MS: We have confirmed that he intends to defend the Jr. Heavyweight title and will compete on the next tour at the beginning of August

ET: Speaking of the next tour, it will feature the J1 SUMMIT, your annual singles tournament. What do you expect?

MS: The SUMMIT is the top heavyweight tournament in the world. Last year it was Mike Musket and Zenki who competed in the epic finale that put this company on the map. We hope that fighters from around the world will join us in this celebration to determine the top wrestler in this industry.

ET: And the winner will face the current MAX-J Heavyweight Champion, the Demon Lord Zenki?

MS: Yes, that’s correct. Unless of course Zenki can win the entire tournament himself. I am also very happy to announce that on 7/6, ENSOU! TV has agreed to broadcast to a national audience, for the first time, the entirety of last year’s final to show the pride and dignity of MAXIMUM Japan.

ET: This is great news.

MS: Yes, it is.

ET: Last question: what do you have to say to new or prospective fighters?

MS: I would invite them to join us, but I would also give them a word of caution: The Royal Road of Pro-Wrestling is long and at times treacherous. There is much to be gained, but we expect prospective fighters to have the stamina and fortitude to weather the fearsome assault of our warriors. Anything can happen on the Royal Road. Over the last year we have revolutionized the landscape of pro-wrestling, both in Japan and around the world. Pro-wrestling is the strongest in MAX-J, I can assure you.

ET: Sano-san, thank you very much for your time.