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You started to talk about the NJPW system, but you've actually given Chono the full power to control NJPW. Have you seen anything interesting going on?
INOKI: That's a boring question... I came back without closely watching their event.
Which part of the show was boring?
INOKI: It was boring, so I just came back. There's nothing much to talk about. I really don't want to talk about this type of issue anymore, but having Mr. Hoshino here means NJPW is in a very dangerous position. There's still hope because I can see that there is love towards pro-wrestling world. But as an individual, I have accomplished everything what I wanted to do. At this point, asking Antonio Inoki doesn't really make sense. I don't mind talking privately, but in front of a camera, there's too much trouble dealing with this issue. I've been giving answers and advice for the past ten years, and I'm not blaming a single individual. But in the whole Japanese economy, NJPW is stuck. So, for fighter in Japan, it seems that their aura is becoming small. Their goals are not about becoming the one and only champion, or at least I cannot see their fighting spirits. I'd like INOKI DOJO to become the new home ground for the new movement. Fighters here are always looking for a place to fight, and one of their goals are to fight in NJPW and become a champ there. They are happy and very thankful to be able to fight and to get paid. Their basic way of thinking about the value of life is very different from the Japanese wrestlers.
So, in other words, NJPW has to propose an extremely big goal now. Of course, to have successful events in Japan is very important, but through the Internet and Pay Per View, people are going to see NJPW all around the world. Then, NJPW will need a new star that can endure the pressure and to attract everybody. I've wrestled in Europe, US, Asia, all over the world and remember what kind of response I got. Somehow wrestlers now can't even go out from their own country. In that sense, having built this dojo is a good turning point. It's been almost a year, and I hope more stars will come out. This dojo is for everybody. If someone strong comes out and smashes NJPW, then, the pro-wrestling industry will bring many more customers here.
Nagata is the IWGP champion right now. Do you have any thoughts?
INOKI: He came here last time, but I asked him, "what is that salute pose?" And I got no answer from him. Performance is to appeal to the fans, but it also acts as a message to the fans. We can use the microphone and talk, but the action has to speak for itself. Bob Sapp bit the ropes and appealed to the fans that he was big and strong and that nobody could beat him. That was very clear in his bout in Tokyo Dome. But most of the wrestlers now are actually doing these gestures to beg the fans for applause. If it really comes out naturally or if it really works, then I have nothing to say. But if it's just to get attention, I can't let that happen. It has to be clear what the fighter is trying to appeal.
If you are the champion and if you can't fill the event with your fans, then you are not a true professional. In the sixties, we were wrestling in the US, and there were many strong wrestlers who were able to fill the events. Who's good and who's bad, I don't know. But Nagata has to look at the world.
What do you think about Takayama who has the NWF belt that you brought to Japan?
INOKI: Takayama is probably the most wrestler-like figure. It's sad that he's not from NJPW, but maybe he's pulling out the good parts of NJPW for being an outsider. Maybe he's the only one who knows what it is to have a character among the Japanese wrestlers.
Makai Club is becoming popular in Japan, but what do you think of it?
INOKI: Honestly, I don't know much about it. I don't watch NJPW anymore, but Mr. Hoshino is my old school partner. We tagged in matches, and he knows and understands the spirit of fighting very well. I actually like the name Makai, "Devil World." Plus, I think it's a well-rounded group. I actually want to see some other groups that can really stand up against it.
HOSHINO: We need to create our belt and bring in more opponents. And probably have a tournament.
INOKI: I don't care about a project or a tournament. It can be anything, but the fans have to buy it. It can't be a project that follows the fans idea or needs, but it always has to be something original, and the fans will be surprised by the whole event. I think the martial arts/pro-wrestling world came to a point where it needs to change, and the fans are really waiting for that to happen. NJPW has to be in front, at least half a step. {Look at Hoshino} Please go ahead and do something crazy, something that will really flip the audience around. Somebody used to say, "It's Inoki, so he can do anything and can be forgiven." You have to apply that to Makai Club.
Mr. Hoshino, You got Mr. Inoki's message, but what do you think?
HOSHINO: I'm really glad. 2003 is the year for Makai Club. We are going to take over NJPW ring.
There are many fighters here training at INOKI DOJO. Do you want to pull any of them out?
HOSHINO: There are great fighters here, so I have to take a closer look. Yasuda is taking a good look at everybody too. Some are already on my list.
I've heard that you already have up to Makai #15, but any from this INOKI DOJO?
HOSHINO: Some are.
Mr. Inoki, are you going to help or send any fighters to Makai Club?
INOKI: I have no plans, but since I'm in this position, I do have the will to help out if I'm asked. But it's always sad to see no wrestlers from NJPW here. They're probably working out hard in Japan, but working out in different environments with different wrestlers everyday is important for a fighter to grow. I don't understand why NJPW is not sending wrestlers to this dojo. I made my speech in Tokyo Dome: Be angry, and a seed of anger will fall and bloom one day. But I'm too angry to keep on telling them. I don't want to get angry about pro-wrestling anymore. But there will be some good wrestlers going to Makai Club soon, and next month, young guys may come here.
HOSHINO: I will send some wrestlers from Makai Club to INOKI DOJO soon.
INOKI: Please go ahead.
Makai Club is a group of troops to protect Mr. Inoki's fighting spirit, correct?
HOSHINO: Yes. Mr. Inoki is the role model for us, and we are to support his fighting styles and thoughts.
INOKI: I'm very thankful. There's many Inoki brand out now, from apparel to various goods. Use Inoki in a smart way, then I might ride on it, but I hate to deal with boring things.
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