 | Continued from the previous page
Aside from NJPW and INOKI DOJO, what do you think about the whole mixed martial arts and pro-wrestling industry?
INOKI: This year's theme will be fighting without any borders. Price for the fighters went up, but companies wouldn't be able to afford it anymore. As a fighter, it's great if the pay is good, but from now, it's important to think about the companies first. In a long run, there wouldn't be any place for the fighters if they go bankrupt. The pay may rise because everyone wants good fighters on their side, but I believe that there need to be something like a commissioner to control this year. There are many cases where organizations went out of business because of paying too much to a single fighter. We have to deal with TV stations and sponsors, but we must create something so that fighters can fight in the mixed martial arts and pro-wrestling rings anywhere they wish, and there would be more opportunities and chances.
That will lead to a borderless fighting?
INOKI: Yes, an extreme version of borderless fighting. Giving fighters more possibilities will lead the ground and striking skills to a higher degree. Up to this point in pro-wrestling, we couldn't use our fist to punch. All wrestlers should practice and at least know the striking techniques even if the rules don't change and they can't use them. You can't be saying to your opponent, "Don't do this or that." If you can fight anybody, anywhere, any time, you must be prepared. I fought Muhammad Ali, judokas and different types of martial artists, and that's the only way to prove the world what fighting is all about. To keep the fighting spirit alive, we may have to break the stereotypical image of a professional wrestler this year and to start something new. As Rikidozan said long time ago, fighting should be the core of everything and should not change.
There was a rumor that Mr. Inoki is going to gather a mixed martial art fighting organizations. Do you have any comments on that?
INOKI: I don't have time for that. But I know I have to do something. I have different goals and dreams now. As I have been saying, I will give out ideas, and if anybody thinks it's interesting and jumps on it, I will support that.
This question may link to what you have mentioned, but 5.2.03 NJPW Tokyo Dome show may become Inoki Bon Ba Ye?
INOKI: That's something different. I don't know yet, but it depends on TV stations and people who are involved. There's going to be so much confusion if NJPW uses the same name. I don't think it's a good idea. People tend to jump on something that makes money, but it may cause many frictions, so we all have to start setting strict rules. But at this point, I can't decide on anything.
The rumor for 5.2.03 is that it's going to be a mixed martial art event with pro-wrestling.
INOKI: I have no information on that. You should go to Fujinami, not me.
Do you have any idea or suggestions about this event?
INOKI: My honest opinion right now is that I don't want to go if it's going to be the same type of show. But Mr. Hoshino came, and I understand that somebody is trying to make the move. I hope this move will generate more energy and make the event interesting. There should be more others, but Mark Coleman, Randleman, wrestlers from WWE, whoever will suit NJPW style, should participate. Everybody should take it to the extreme; Makai Club should lead the way right now. Let's see how NJPW reacts.
About two years ago, a stupid guy called Kensuke said, "I'm sorry" inside the ring. Nobody will pay to go see a guy who apologizes in the ring. Or take a look at the interviews of Satake and Yoshida in the last Inoki Bom Ba Ye. They were both very unprofessional. As a pro, you must hide your fears and speak up. They were like friends in the interview before the match; who wants to see that kind of fight?
HOSHINO: I'll make sure that wouldn't happen in my Makai Club. I'll be very strict about everything and make sure they put on a real fight. I will send my members here and take back a few of Mr. Inoki's fighters with me.
Are there any plans to leave Yasuda with Mr. Inoki?
HOSHINO: Yasuda is Mr. Inoki's fighter. He's the leader of the Makai right now, but he can go fight in any ring. I'll leave that up with Mr. Inoki.
Antonio Inoki finished the interview off with his famous spiritual slap on Hoshino.
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