Scott Edwards spoke with Unagi Sayaka, Sukeban’s Ichigo Sayaka, ahead of Sukeban’s upcoming show in Miami on December 6th.
Edwards: At Sukeban's second event in Miami, you will be facing Commander Nakajima for the Sukeban World Championship. What does it mean to you to fight for the inaugural championship and what should we expect from you in the title match?
Sayaka: “Becoming the first-ever Sukeban champion is a crucial goal. It's the symbol of Sukeban. I want to get that belt no matter what. I want the world to know me. And the Sukeban belt is not only beautiful, but also a source of strength, believing in individuality. I want to make that belt shine even more with its beauty, strength, and the power to believe in uniqueness.
But it’s not only about the belt. Please watch as Harajuku Stars take over Sukeban.”
Edwards: You had to earn your way into the Sukeban World Championship by defeating Countess Saori at the first Sukeban event. Commander Nakajima got in your face after the match but didn't have to wrestle a match to get into the title match. How do you feel about having to earn the opportunity while your opponent did not? What are your feelings towards her heading into the match?
Sayaka: “I want to fight a lot and earn everything I have. So I believe that anyone who desires this belt should step into the ring. I will fight anyone. I believe in myself. I will definitely reach the belt. I cannot lose to someone like Nakajima.”
Edwards: What has it been like taking up the Ichigo Sayaka character and how is it different from Unagi Sayaka?
Sayaka: “Ichigo-chan is everyone's hero, isn't she? She's a kind and good girl who doesn't do mean things. Eels, on the other hand, can be a bit mean.”
Edwards: Unagi Sayaka has been making a name for herself in Japan and now in America. Why do you feel Sukeban and the uniqueness of the promotion was the right fit for you?
Sayaka: “Unagi Sayaka is extremely original and can’t be imitated by anyone. But I want to explode with even more individuality and personality in America. To become number one in America, Sukeban is essential.”
Edwards: As a member of the Harajuku Stars, what do you like about having a group that will back you up moving forward? How does it compare to your time with the Cosmic Angels?
Sayaka: “The Cosmic Angels are very special to me. We have fought together for a long time, overcoming many challenges to protect each other. But if Harajuku Stars can stick together and overcome challenges together, I believe it will become the best stable.”
Edwards: If you win the Sukeban World Championship, who would you like to defend the title against first?
Sayaka: “KONAMI”
Edwards: Sareee signed with Sukeban. You've exchanged words with her recently in Japan. What is your opinion about her joining the promotion?
Sayaka: “Sareee is the person I need to make my world bigger and expand my reach. However, she needs to become a bit more interesting. In order to change the world together, everyone needs to change.”
We’d like to thank Sayaka and Sukeban for getting this interview together ahead of their show.
You’ll be able to check out Sukeban’s second show from Miami on Wednesday night as it will air live on CEO Gaming’s Twitch Channel at 10 p.m. EST. It will also air live on their Tik Tok channel.
Sayaka will be in the main event of the show, facing Commander Nakajima (Arisa Nakajima) to crown the inaugural Sukeban World Champion.
Here’s the full card for the show.
-- Sukeban World Championship: Commander Nakajima vs. Ichigo Sayaka
-- Sareee vs. Atomic Banshee vs. Babyface vs. Countess Saori
-- Queen Takase & KONAMI vs. Maya Mamushi & Saki Bimi
-- Lady Antoinette vs. Crush Yuu
-- Supersonic, Stray Cat & Riko Blondie vs. Midnight Player, BINGO & Otaku-chan
