Post by Go Go Ojima on Apr 12, 2019 9:08:46 GMT -5
I’ve been trying to be a professional wrestler now for a couple of years. We work on our cardio. We work on getting faster. Stronger. Quicker. Improving our reaction. How to correctly apply a hold. How to have a steady diet of proteins and a steady diet of fruits and vegetables. You start your way from the bottom and work your way up.
But one thing the Maximum Japan Dojo never taught us was how to do a promo, and I’m terrified to cut one. And they don’t want to know my thoughts about my upcoming match with Tokyo Zombie in Dubai. No! They want me to make a case for myself to see if I deserve a title shot against James Edwards and the Light Heavyweight Title.
Do I deserve a shot?
Of course not! I’m only a few months into my career. I haven’t deserved anything yet. If I were to get a title shot I would be questioned from everyone in the back. They’d wonder why this rookie gets a shot while they didn’t. They’d think it was political or management is trying to push one of their students. I don’t want that type of heat. Makes my stomach hurt just thinking about it.
Only highlight I’ve had in my career so far is beating the MLWA Heavyweight Champion. But he was injured going into the match, so I’m not going to take full credit for that victory. My record in Maximum Japan is so-so. I’m slowly starting to become a fan favorite over in the wrestling company After Dark based in Japan, but I haven’t won a match there yet. I lost to a miniature Lucia wrestler dressed in a bull outfit last week. I’m on the up coming Pro Wrestling Infinity tour just signed with ACM’s developmental promotion RISE, so I’ll get some more ring time with individuals around my own experience.
So I’m moving in the right direction, but I don’t have the experience or the qualifications to be a contender for the Light Heavyweight Title.
But then there’s another part of me that wants the opportunity. It’s the competitive nature of any wrestler to want to be given that opportunity because an opportunity like that might put you on the map! Or at least get more eyeballs on you!
My stomach is turning inside out, but I do my best not to show it as I’m sitting down on a chair. A camera is stuck in front of me with two bright lights shining down on me. The producer tries his best to calm me down and explains to me what he wants. Don’t make it to long but don’t make it to short. State your case and speak from the heart.
I’d rather be doing squats right now. Or planks. Or a five mile run than be here right now. Just the thought of thousands of people watching this is driving me insane. What if I mess up? What if I say something stupid?
Naoki Ojima: (Translated from Japanese) Maximum Japan! Go Go Naoki Ojima here! Why do I deserve a shot at James Edwards and his Light Heavyweight Title? Well I......
Before I can say another word I spew puke all over myself.
I am so embarrassed.
A stage hand quickly comes over and hands me some paper towels so that I can clean myself up. I can’t help but apologize as I can see some of the stagehands wanting to puke as well. I ask if I can come back later.....but I’m denied. The camera is still rolling and I need to finish up my segment.
I’m pretty sure my face is white as thousands of people just saw me puke all over myself.
What do I do?
What can I do?
Think Naoki!
Think fast!
Naoki Ojima: (Translated from Japanese) Edward James! I respect you as a wrestler! I’ve watched you for many years now and I hope one day I can become half the wrestler you are....and even though I still may be new to the wrestling scene I will give you my all if I am selected to face you in that wrestling ring on the 14th! I will put up a performance worthy of fighting for that Junior Heavyweight Title! You can believe that!
I breath in deeply as the director shouts cut.
That wasn’t that bad.
But one thing the Maximum Japan Dojo never taught us was how to do a promo, and I’m terrified to cut one. And they don’t want to know my thoughts about my upcoming match with Tokyo Zombie in Dubai. No! They want me to make a case for myself to see if I deserve a title shot against James Edwards and the Light Heavyweight Title.
Do I deserve a shot?
Of course not! I’m only a few months into my career. I haven’t deserved anything yet. If I were to get a title shot I would be questioned from everyone in the back. They’d wonder why this rookie gets a shot while they didn’t. They’d think it was political or management is trying to push one of their students. I don’t want that type of heat. Makes my stomach hurt just thinking about it.
Only highlight I’ve had in my career so far is beating the MLWA Heavyweight Champion. But he was injured going into the match, so I’m not going to take full credit for that victory. My record in Maximum Japan is so-so. I’m slowly starting to become a fan favorite over in the wrestling company After Dark based in Japan, but I haven’t won a match there yet. I lost to a miniature Lucia wrestler dressed in a bull outfit last week. I’m on the up coming Pro Wrestling Infinity tour just signed with ACM’s developmental promotion RISE, so I’ll get some more ring time with individuals around my own experience.
So I’m moving in the right direction, but I don’t have the experience or the qualifications to be a contender for the Light Heavyweight Title.
But then there’s another part of me that wants the opportunity. It’s the competitive nature of any wrestler to want to be given that opportunity because an opportunity like that might put you on the map! Or at least get more eyeballs on you!
My stomach is turning inside out, but I do my best not to show it as I’m sitting down on a chair. A camera is stuck in front of me with two bright lights shining down on me. The producer tries his best to calm me down and explains to me what he wants. Don’t make it to long but don’t make it to short. State your case and speak from the heart.
I’d rather be doing squats right now. Or planks. Or a five mile run than be here right now. Just the thought of thousands of people watching this is driving me insane. What if I mess up? What if I say something stupid?
Naoki Ojima: (Translated from Japanese) Maximum Japan! Go Go Naoki Ojima here! Why do I deserve a shot at James Edwards and his Light Heavyweight Title? Well I......
Before I can say another word I spew puke all over myself.
I am so embarrassed.
A stage hand quickly comes over and hands me some paper towels so that I can clean myself up. I can’t help but apologize as I can see some of the stagehands wanting to puke as well. I ask if I can come back later.....but I’m denied. The camera is still rolling and I need to finish up my segment.
I’m pretty sure my face is white as thousands of people just saw me puke all over myself.
What do I do?
What can I do?
Think Naoki!
Think fast!
Naoki Ojima: (Translated from Japanese) Edward James! I respect you as a wrestler! I’ve watched you for many years now and I hope one day I can become half the wrestler you are....and even though I still may be new to the wrestling scene I will give you my all if I am selected to face you in that wrestling ring on the 14th! I will put up a performance worthy of fighting for that Junior Heavyweight Title! You can believe that!
I breath in deeply as the director shouts cut.
That wasn’t that bad.