Fightful's Scott Edwards spoke with TJPW's Wakana Uehara for a short interview ahead of TJPW's annual January 4th show Ittenyon TJPW '24, taking place from Korakuen Hall. She will be facing Aja Kong.
Edwards: 2023 was your first full year in wrestling. How have you enjoyed being a part of TJPW? What part of becoming a wrestler has been most difficult for you? What has been your favorite part?
Uehara: "As someone who knew nothing about wrestling to begin with, this past year has been a series of trials and tribulations, and rather than enjoying myself, I have been struggling every day. But I was very happy to have the support of the fans, and I began to enjoy the matches more and more.
"The hardest part was the physical pain. At first, just working the ropes left my back blue and bruised. For about six months, there was hardly a day when my muscles were not sore. I will continue to train hard to avoid injury.
"The best thing about becoming a wrestler is that my daily life has become brighter and brighter, and I have more courage. I used to be an idol, and I still work as an actress and appear on variety shows. Since I started wrestling, I am less nervous than before, both in acting and in shows."
Edwards: You won the Next Generation Tournament by defeating Toga and HIMAWARI. What did it mean to you to win that tournament and how will you use it to push you forward?
Uehara: "It gave me confidence.
"Every time I have tried something in my life, I have focused on winning. In this world, hard work does not always pay off. However, I was able to prove that if you put in the effort, your chances of getting results will increase. I would like to make the most of this experience and continue to pursue my dreams without sparing any effort."
Edwards: On January 4th, you’ll have the biggest match of your career when you face Aja Kong. How do you feel heading into the match? Are you excited for the challenge?
Uehara: "Aja-Kong is a legendary wrestler, and everyone thinks that a rookie who has been fighting just one year since her debut is no match for her. But I don't go into a match thinking that I will lose, no matter how much of a superior opponent I am. No matter how hard the fight may be, I will face it with a determination to win, and I am now very much looking forward to January 4th."
Edwards: Moving forward in your career, what are your main goals as a pro wrestler?
Uehara: "A world superstar."
Edwards: For fans around the world, what is one thing that they should know about Wakana Uehara and why?
Uehara: "I would like them to know that Wakana Uehara is a supernova who is going to spread her wings to the world.
"Right now, I am a newcomer who has just debuted, and I have only fought in Japan, but I will definitely become a superstar someday. When I do, please tell everyone around me that you have been supporting Wakana Uehara since she was a newcomer."
We'd like to thank Uehara and TJPW for taking the time to put this short interview together ahead of their major show.
You can check out TJPW's annual Ittenyon show on WRESTLE UNIVERSE on January 4th.
While Uehara will be busy taking on Joshi legend Aja Kong, the main event will see IMPACT Wrestling's Masha Slamovich challenge Miyu Yamashita for the Princess of Princess Championship and the vacant Princess Tag Team Championships will be competed for in the semi-main event.
