Reflections
Jun 17, 2015 8:19:02 GMT -5
Post by Johnny Karma on Jun 17, 2015 8:19:02 GMT -5
We're in the WrestlingPodcastUnplugged studio, where host Dylan Michaels segues into his next segment
Up next is our guest, recent LDFC signee Shintaro Majima.
Thank you.
Before we talk about Lion's Den, some of our listeners are asking how you came to be on this side of the Pacific, given there's plenty of Japanese companies you could've signed with.
Majima thinks carefully before answering
I first came here in 2012 when by a man named Mark Bisley saw something in me and gave me an opportunity, and seeing the chance in front of me I took it. Only...
Majima pauses for a moment
...I appeared on shows, but never got into the ring as the company went on hiatus, so I returned home. Yet when I was back home, no matter how I improved there was always the feeling that I had not finished what I had started, so I signed with Lion's Den to do just that.
I see. This leads to the other question, people assume you learned a lot back home, so why sign with a developmental federation?
Moving to a new country takes time, receiving a working visa takes time, so much time that I felt like my condition was slipping so I decided it would be best if I stepped down into Lion's Den so I could work on my conditioning and regain my in-ring sharpness.
With that in mind, you made your debut on the last show, so how do you think it went?
Majima initially responds with a silent, stone-faced expression - before he eventually answers
I wanted to make an impact and I believe that I did, but it was tainted by Butcher's interference which means I cannot say I won on my debut, and that is not something that I take lightly as it is another mark on my record I cannot remove.
So you're hoping for a better result in your next match, against AKIRA Kaede?
I know that she is looking to fight, and that plays to my strengths far better than my last opponent, who was trying to avoid a fight at any cost. Knowing my opponent will not hold back means I will not hold back, and we will see who hits the hardest and who hits most often.
Talking about AKIRA, what are your thoughts about her considering herself American rather than Japanese?
Kore wa jodandesu ka?
Majima looks at Michaels, then realises in the heat of the moment he reverted to his native language
Sorry, you say she does not believe herself to be Japanese?
She says she has no emotional ties to Japanese culture or Japanese wrestling.
There's a long wait as Majima considers his answer.
I feel sorry for her.
Michaels is taken aback by such an unexpected answer.
Could you elaborate on that?
If she feels that her own country is not her home, causing her to renounce her heritage, then the only way to look at her is with sympathy. Just because she is my opponent that is no reason for me to say she is less of a person, because she does not feel she is Japanese. I am interested in competition, in proving myself, rather than looking to start petty rivalries at every turn.
Not even with Butcher?
Majima pauses, and there seems to be a gleam in his eye.
There may be one or two exceptions, of course.
Well that about wraps things up, so thanks for coming in today and sharing your thoughts, and good luck in the future.
Majima nods before he leaves the studio
Up next is our guest, recent LDFC signee Shintaro Majima.
Thank you.
Before we talk about Lion's Den, some of our listeners are asking how you came to be on this side of the Pacific, given there's plenty of Japanese companies you could've signed with.
Majima thinks carefully before answering
I first came here in 2012 when by a man named Mark Bisley saw something in me and gave me an opportunity, and seeing the chance in front of me I took it. Only...
Majima pauses for a moment
...I appeared on shows, but never got into the ring as the company went on hiatus, so I returned home. Yet when I was back home, no matter how I improved there was always the feeling that I had not finished what I had started, so I signed with Lion's Den to do just that.
I see. This leads to the other question, people assume you learned a lot back home, so why sign with a developmental federation?
Moving to a new country takes time, receiving a working visa takes time, so much time that I felt like my condition was slipping so I decided it would be best if I stepped down into Lion's Den so I could work on my conditioning and regain my in-ring sharpness.
With that in mind, you made your debut on the last show, so how do you think it went?
Majima initially responds with a silent, stone-faced expression - before he eventually answers
I wanted to make an impact and I believe that I did, but it was tainted by Butcher's interference which means I cannot say I won on my debut, and that is not something that I take lightly as it is another mark on my record I cannot remove.
So you're hoping for a better result in your next match, against AKIRA Kaede?
I know that she is looking to fight, and that plays to my strengths far better than my last opponent, who was trying to avoid a fight at any cost. Knowing my opponent will not hold back means I will not hold back, and we will see who hits the hardest and who hits most often.
Talking about AKIRA, what are your thoughts about her considering herself American rather than Japanese?
Kore wa jodandesu ka?
Majima looks at Michaels, then realises in the heat of the moment he reverted to his native language
Sorry, you say she does not believe herself to be Japanese?
She says she has no emotional ties to Japanese culture or Japanese wrestling.
There's a long wait as Majima considers his answer.
I feel sorry for her.
Michaels is taken aback by such an unexpected answer.
Could you elaborate on that?
If she feels that her own country is not her home, causing her to renounce her heritage, then the only way to look at her is with sympathy. Just because she is my opponent that is no reason for me to say she is less of a person, because she does not feel she is Japanese. I am interested in competition, in proving myself, rather than looking to start petty rivalries at every turn.
Not even with Butcher?
Majima pauses, and there seems to be a gleam in his eye.
There may be one or two exceptions, of course.
Well that about wraps things up, so thanks for coming in today and sharing your thoughts, and good luck in the future.
Majima nods before he leaves the studio
