For the past two years at Wrestle Kingdom, Clark Connors has been part the opening contest.
At NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 19, Connors and Drilla Moloney defended the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles against Catch 22 (Francesco Akira & TJP).
One year later, he and Drilla teamed in a ladder match against Catch 22, Ichiban Sweet Boys (Kosei Fujita & Robbie Eagles), and Intergalactic Jet Setters (Kevin Knight & KUSHIDA) for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles.
Speaking to Jeremy Lambert & SP3 on In The Weeds, Connors was asked about opening in the Tokyo Dome for two straight years.
"I’ve always been the type of wrestler, where Gabe [Kidd] is the type of guy who loves being in the main event, ever since I’ve started wrestling, I’m an opening match type guy in my mentality. Don’t get me wrong, I love doing main events and can do that too, but I love nothing more than to set tone for the entire show. We see that so much more in wrestling where the opening match is so much more important. What happens in New Japan is we build our cards. The Young Lion matches early to give people a feel on what’s going on up and up. On the rare occasions when it's Wrestle Kingdom and these big shows where every match really matters, they need to put something electrifying on the first match. That’s why they have to put Clark Connors and Drilla. I don’t find it nerve-racking. I know I’m going to go out there and perform and we’re going to do something wild. Doing a ladder match at the Tokyo Dome, I love that. It’s just a cool experience to get out there and start off the show correctly and get the energy up. That way, I can sit back, watch the whole show, and get drunk as shit by the time it’s the semi-main and enjoy it way more," said Connors.
Elsewhere during the interview, Connors commented on Gabe Kidd's rise. You can find his full comments by clicking here.
Check out the full interview with Connors in the video above.
