- News is just breaking that WWA affiliated organization Defiance Wrestling has signed Kazuma Fujita to a contract yesterday evening. A press conference was held in Osaka to make the announcement. What follows is a transcription of the press conference, uploaded to Defiance Wrestling's official Youtube channel:
========================
[The camera pans from left-to-right, showing two rows of Japanese reporters, all with their notebooks and tape recorders out. Finally, a female enters the room and walks up the stairs, and onto the podium. The video is quick to identify her as the Press Secretary of Pro-Wrestling FURY, Junko Hamaguchi.]
[The Japanese language spoken is transcribed in English for our sake...]
Junko Hamaguchi: “Good Afternoon, I am Pro-Wrestling FURY's press secretary Junko Hamaguchi. It's a pleasure to meet you all."
[She bows once more, as the press applauds.]
Junko Hamaguchi: “We would like to thank everybody here for coming on such short notice... Without further delay, we will begin.”
[The women begins reading from a set of cards in front of her, in a very professional, yet monotone voice.]
Junko Hamaguchi: “Let me first start by introducing our very special guest. He is the founder of the World Wrestling Alliance affiliated group Defiance Wrestling, Mr. Eric Dane.”
[The reporters begin applauding as 'The Only Star' makes his arrival in dark gray suit with matching tie. He gave a mild bow to both Junko Hamaguchi and the crowd of reporters, before taking his seat.]
Junko Hamaguchi: “Next, I would like to introduce the Interim President of Pro-Wrestling FURY, Kazuma Fujita.”
[Once again, the reporters burst out in respectful applause for arguably the most popular Pro-Wrestler in Japan. Fujita finally appears, wearing a Pro-Wrestling FURY track suit. As he climbs up the steps to the podium, he is immediately greeted by Eric Dane, as the two exchange a respectful handshake. Fujita finally takes his seat, before adjusting the microphone in front of him.]
Kazuma Fujita: “Thank you all for coming today...I've called this press conference to make an announcement regarding my future in Pro-Wrestling... But before I do that, I would like to give some exposition if I could... When I became a Pro-Wrestler, my goal was to show that Japan has the strongest Pro-Wrestlers in the world. During the last decade, I think I've proved that within our own country. However, I feel that our country is still discounted in other parts of the world; Primarily in the United States. When I started, one of my goals was to wrestle in the United States. However, when our sport exploded in popularity almost a decade ago, I was forced to put this goal off until it got to a point where I could not leave Japan. Obviously, I say this without regret. I would never trade away my career in Japan for anything. However, I think that our sport has gotten to the point where Japan no longer needs Kazuma Fujita. We have many young wrestlers in Pro-Wrestling FURY, CRIMSON, BURNING PARADISE, and Superstar Pro-Wrestling who are more than capable of carrying this country on their backs... But back to my original point.
My believe has, and will always be that Japan has the greatest Pro-Wrestlers in the world. Sadly, I don't think this opinion has been shared with the rest of the world. When I became a wrestler, I realized that the only way to show the strength of Japanese Pro-Wrestling is to make a statement. And recently, I came to the realization that the biggest statement I could make would be winning what is probably the most recognized championship in the world...The WWA World Heavyweight Championship... To do that however, I have to be apart of a WWA affiliated territory... Therefore, I would like to announce that I will officially be transferring from Pro-Wrestling FURY to Defiance Wrestling.”
[The news came as a surprise to the reporters, who immediately erupted in a roar of questions and comments. After a few moments, the pandemonium settled, as Fujita continued to speak.]
Kazuma Fujita: “I sent out feelers to various organizations within the WWA last week. While I had preliminary talks with several groups, the only party that seemed genuinely interested was Mr. Dane, and Defiance Wrestling. Our negotiations took no more than an hour before the contract was signed. Personally speaking, I am very happy with the terms. For one, while I am now officially contracted as a Defiance Wrestler, I will be allowed to return to Japan periodically to work Pro-Wrestling FURY's bigger events. However, I will do so as a representative of Defiance Wrestling. Second, my contract is only for six months at this point. The reason for this is that I have given myself a six-month window to become WWA World Heavyweight Champion. If I cannot do it during that time span, I will return to Japan and contemplate my career from there. Before we take questions, I would like to give Mr. Dane the opportunity to speak. Eric...?”
[Dane nods in acknowledgment as he leans into the microphone.]
Eric Dane: “First of all, I would like to express just how excited we are at Defiance Wrestling to sign Fujita-san. Personally, I have wanted to bring him to the United States for several years. In fact, during my times in Japan, I've always wanted to face him in the ring... However, the timing has never worked out. And now of course...]
[Dane holds up his cane to the reporters, allowing the interpreter to translate Dane's words into Japanese.]
Eric Dane: “I would like to touch base on something Fujita-san said earlier... He said that he didn't receive much interest from the other groups within The Alliance. This really just shows how ignorant they are. Defiance Wrestling was formed to rectify this type of incompetence. Because truthfully, the World Wrestling Alliance is not what it used to be. Make no mistake about it. the WWA is the largest organized body in the US... But somewhere along the way, they've dropped the ball. They're like a wolf who has lost their fangs. And a wolf without fangs is a useless animal.”
[Dane pauses once more, allowing for his words to be translated.]
Eric Dane: “Defiance Wrestling and Kazuma Fujita together are a perfect fit. Our fans are among the most loyal, and hardcore followers of Pro-Wrestling. Our fans are the type of fans who watch Kazuma Fujita matches on Youtube, and buy bootleg DVD's of his matches from online sites. And I guarantee you that they will be just as excited about this when they hear it as I am sitting here right now.”
[Translation.]
Eric Dane: “I have no doubt in my mind that Fujita-san can become WWA World Heavyweight Champion. He has beaten Jason Ramsey, who was one of the best wrestlers to ever be apart of the World Wrestling Alliance. I'm going to do everything in my power to try and get him there. Whether or not he will succeed will be up to him.”
[After the interpreter translates Dane's words, Dane gets up from his feet and hands Fujita a “Defiance Wrestling” T-Shirt. Fujita is quick to put the shirt on, before posing for the photographers. After a series of photo-ops, both Fujita and Dane take their seats for questions.]
Fujio Nomura, Yahoo! Sports Japan: “Fujita-senshu, this is rather sudden. When will be your final match in FURY?”
Kazuma Fujita: “My final match will be 2/05 at Korakuen Hall. Though I may start in Defiance before that point.”
Fujio Nomura, Yahoo! Sports Japan: “Then I will ask this to Dane-san... Do you have any idea when Fujita will start?”
[The interpreter quickly translates the Japanese for Dane.]
Eric Dane: “This has yet to be decided. However, we would like to have Fujita wrestling on TV as soon as possible. Possibly next week.”
Atsumori Kaga, Nippon Fight: “Fujita-senshu, what is the status of the F-MAX Tag Team titles, which you and Keiji Takano hold?”
Kazuma Fujita: “This was a topic of discussion during negotiation. The decision has been made NOT to vacate the titles. Instead, I will return to FURY when a defense has been arranged.”
Masa Kasai, Weekly Fight: “Fujita-senshu, are there any other goals you have while wrestling in the United States?”
Kazuma Fujita: “I simply want to show the strength of Japanese Pro-Wrestlers. I almost feel as if I am carrying the weight of Japan across my shoulders. Regardless of whether I succeed or not, I will give nothing less than 300%!”
Junko Hamaguchi: “Unfortunately, we are running low on time today. So we will conclude this press conference after allowing Mr. Fujita and Mr. Dane to give some final comments.”
[Hamaguchi motions towards Eric Dane, who nods in understanding.]
Eric Dane: “All I can really say today is that I am ecstatic about signing Kazuma Fujita. Defiance looks forward to this partnership with him. I know for a fact our fans will welcome Mr. Fujita with welcome arms, and he will be a great addition to our roster of talented wrestlers.”
[The interpreter quickly translates Dane's words into native Japanese, allowing the reporters to transcribe.]
Kazuma Fujita: “I would just like to thank Mr. Dane for giving me this opportunity. I will sink or swim based truly on my own merits. Frankly, this notion excites me. I've often wondered if I've simply been coasting for the last couple of years based on simply being Kazuma Fujita. In America, that name means considerably less. We will see if I truly have what it takes.”
Junko Hamaguchi: “That will conclude today's press conference. Thank you very much.”
==============================
Pro-Wrestling FURY has remained tightlipped on the situation, other than stating in a FURYnet blog post that Fujita will continue to work the ongoing series until 2/05 in Korakuen Hall. One topic not mentioned in the press conference is whether or not somebody will be named President of the company in Fujita's absense. Fujita took over the role as President in a temporary capacity following the Hiroshi Nishida scandal in October. Information on Defiance Wrestling can be found here.
========================
[The camera pans from left-to-right, showing two rows of Japanese reporters, all with their notebooks and tape recorders out. Finally, a female enters the room and walks up the stairs, and onto the podium. The video is quick to identify her as the Press Secretary of Pro-Wrestling FURY, Junko Hamaguchi.]
[The Japanese language spoken is transcribed in English for our sake...]
Junko Hamaguchi: “Good Afternoon, I am Pro-Wrestling FURY's press secretary Junko Hamaguchi. It's a pleasure to meet you all."
[She bows once more, as the press applauds.]
Junko Hamaguchi: “We would like to thank everybody here for coming on such short notice... Without further delay, we will begin.”
[The women begins reading from a set of cards in front of her, in a very professional, yet monotone voice.]
Junko Hamaguchi: “Let me first start by introducing our very special guest. He is the founder of the World Wrestling Alliance affiliated group Defiance Wrestling, Mr. Eric Dane.”
[The reporters begin applauding as 'The Only Star' makes his arrival in dark gray suit with matching tie. He gave a mild bow to both Junko Hamaguchi and the crowd of reporters, before taking his seat.]
Junko Hamaguchi: “Next, I would like to introduce the Interim President of Pro-Wrestling FURY, Kazuma Fujita.”
[Once again, the reporters burst out in respectful applause for arguably the most popular Pro-Wrestler in Japan. Fujita finally appears, wearing a Pro-Wrestling FURY track suit. As he climbs up the steps to the podium, he is immediately greeted by Eric Dane, as the two exchange a respectful handshake. Fujita finally takes his seat, before adjusting the microphone in front of him.]
Kazuma Fujita: “Thank you all for coming today...I've called this press conference to make an announcement regarding my future in Pro-Wrestling... But before I do that, I would like to give some exposition if I could... When I became a Pro-Wrestler, my goal was to show that Japan has the strongest Pro-Wrestlers in the world. During the last decade, I think I've proved that within our own country. However, I feel that our country is still discounted in other parts of the world; Primarily in the United States. When I started, one of my goals was to wrestle in the United States. However, when our sport exploded in popularity almost a decade ago, I was forced to put this goal off until it got to a point where I could not leave Japan. Obviously, I say this without regret. I would never trade away my career in Japan for anything. However, I think that our sport has gotten to the point where Japan no longer needs Kazuma Fujita. We have many young wrestlers in Pro-Wrestling FURY, CRIMSON, BURNING PARADISE, and Superstar Pro-Wrestling who are more than capable of carrying this country on their backs... But back to my original point.
My believe has, and will always be that Japan has the greatest Pro-Wrestlers in the world. Sadly, I don't think this opinion has been shared with the rest of the world. When I became a wrestler, I realized that the only way to show the strength of Japanese Pro-Wrestling is to make a statement. And recently, I came to the realization that the biggest statement I could make would be winning what is probably the most recognized championship in the world...The WWA World Heavyweight Championship... To do that however, I have to be apart of a WWA affiliated territory... Therefore, I would like to announce that I will officially be transferring from Pro-Wrestling FURY to Defiance Wrestling.”
[The news came as a surprise to the reporters, who immediately erupted in a roar of questions and comments. After a few moments, the pandemonium settled, as Fujita continued to speak.]
Kazuma Fujita: “I sent out feelers to various organizations within the WWA last week. While I had preliminary talks with several groups, the only party that seemed genuinely interested was Mr. Dane, and Defiance Wrestling. Our negotiations took no more than an hour before the contract was signed. Personally speaking, I am very happy with the terms. For one, while I am now officially contracted as a Defiance Wrestler, I will be allowed to return to Japan periodically to work Pro-Wrestling FURY's bigger events. However, I will do so as a representative of Defiance Wrestling. Second, my contract is only for six months at this point. The reason for this is that I have given myself a six-month window to become WWA World Heavyweight Champion. If I cannot do it during that time span, I will return to Japan and contemplate my career from there. Before we take questions, I would like to give Mr. Dane the opportunity to speak. Eric...?”
[Dane nods in acknowledgment as he leans into the microphone.]
Eric Dane: “First of all, I would like to express just how excited we are at Defiance Wrestling to sign Fujita-san. Personally, I have wanted to bring him to the United States for several years. In fact, during my times in Japan, I've always wanted to face him in the ring... However, the timing has never worked out. And now of course...]
[Dane holds up his cane to the reporters, allowing the interpreter to translate Dane's words into Japanese.]
Eric Dane: “I would like to touch base on something Fujita-san said earlier... He said that he didn't receive much interest from the other groups within The Alliance. This really just shows how ignorant they are. Defiance Wrestling was formed to rectify this type of incompetence. Because truthfully, the World Wrestling Alliance is not what it used to be. Make no mistake about it. the WWA is the largest organized body in the US... But somewhere along the way, they've dropped the ball. They're like a wolf who has lost their fangs. And a wolf without fangs is a useless animal.”
[Dane pauses once more, allowing for his words to be translated.]
Eric Dane: “Defiance Wrestling and Kazuma Fujita together are a perfect fit. Our fans are among the most loyal, and hardcore followers of Pro-Wrestling. Our fans are the type of fans who watch Kazuma Fujita matches on Youtube, and buy bootleg DVD's of his matches from online sites. And I guarantee you that they will be just as excited about this when they hear it as I am sitting here right now.”
[Translation.]
Eric Dane: “I have no doubt in my mind that Fujita-san can become WWA World Heavyweight Champion. He has beaten Jason Ramsey, who was one of the best wrestlers to ever be apart of the World Wrestling Alliance. I'm going to do everything in my power to try and get him there. Whether or not he will succeed will be up to him.”
[After the interpreter translates Dane's words, Dane gets up from his feet and hands Fujita a “Defiance Wrestling” T-Shirt. Fujita is quick to put the shirt on, before posing for the photographers. After a series of photo-ops, both Fujita and Dane take their seats for questions.]
Fujio Nomura, Yahoo! Sports Japan: “Fujita-senshu, this is rather sudden. When will be your final match in FURY?”
Kazuma Fujita: “My final match will be 2/05 at Korakuen Hall. Though I may start in Defiance before that point.”
Fujio Nomura, Yahoo! Sports Japan: “Then I will ask this to Dane-san... Do you have any idea when Fujita will start?”
[The interpreter quickly translates the Japanese for Dane.]
Eric Dane: “This has yet to be decided. However, we would like to have Fujita wrestling on TV as soon as possible. Possibly next week.”
Atsumori Kaga, Nippon Fight: “Fujita-senshu, what is the status of the F-MAX Tag Team titles, which you and Keiji Takano hold?”
Kazuma Fujita: “This was a topic of discussion during negotiation. The decision has been made NOT to vacate the titles. Instead, I will return to FURY when a defense has been arranged.”
Masa Kasai, Weekly Fight: “Fujita-senshu, are there any other goals you have while wrestling in the United States?”
Kazuma Fujita: “I simply want to show the strength of Japanese Pro-Wrestlers. I almost feel as if I am carrying the weight of Japan across my shoulders. Regardless of whether I succeed or not, I will give nothing less than 300%!”
Junko Hamaguchi: “Unfortunately, we are running low on time today. So we will conclude this press conference after allowing Mr. Fujita and Mr. Dane to give some final comments.”
[Hamaguchi motions towards Eric Dane, who nods in understanding.]
Eric Dane: “All I can really say today is that I am ecstatic about signing Kazuma Fujita. Defiance looks forward to this partnership with him. I know for a fact our fans will welcome Mr. Fujita with welcome arms, and he will be a great addition to our roster of talented wrestlers.”
[The interpreter quickly translates Dane's words into native Japanese, allowing the reporters to transcribe.]
Kazuma Fujita: “I would just like to thank Mr. Dane for giving me this opportunity. I will sink or swim based truly on my own merits. Frankly, this notion excites me. I've often wondered if I've simply been coasting for the last couple of years based on simply being Kazuma Fujita. In America, that name means considerably less. We will see if I truly have what it takes.”
Junko Hamaguchi: “That will conclude today's press conference. Thank you very much.”
==============================
Pro-Wrestling FURY has remained tightlipped on the situation, other than stating in a FURYnet blog post that Fujita will continue to work the ongoing series until 2/05 in Korakuen Hall. One topic not mentioned in the press conference is whether or not somebody will be named President of the company in Fujita's absense. Fujita took over the role as President in a temporary capacity following the Hiroshi Nishida scandal in October. Information on Defiance Wrestling can be found here.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment