NOAH, DDT, NJPW Presidents give their thoughts on All Together
March 26 saw a special press conference announcing All Together, the United Japan Pro-Wrestling Inauguration and Noto Earthquake Benefit Event to be staged May 6 in the famed Nippon Budokan. Six of the UJPW member promotions will be joining forces in the Budokan, with proceeds set to benefit those recovering from the tragic events of New Year’s Day.
Representing NJPW, NOAH and DDT at the press conference were a team of presidents- Hiroshi Tanahashi, Naomichi Marufuji and Sanshiro Takagi all giving their comments on the event, and the confirmed six man tag team bout that sees a ‘Shacho Squad’ face HOUSE OF TORTURE.
First, Marufuji remarked:
This is the first event for this association, and it’s also a charity benefit. We have co-operated as companies in the past, and like before I hope we can all band together and bring the power of professional wrestling to the people. There’s also more to come from UJPW as a body, and I’m glad for NOAH to have a seat at the table in discussions as they arise.
As for our match at ALL TOGETHER, it’ll be myself, Sanshiro Takagi and Hiroshi Tanahashi on the same side, so it’s plain to see this is a team of Presidents. I hope to not let the side down, and will be giving it my best.
Takagi stated:
This is the first time that DDT will be part of an ALL TOGETHER, and representing as part of UJPW, as well as with the benefit element of this event in mind, I hope we can really show the power of professional wrestling. Speaking as a wrestler, I might not have the pull of the men either side of me, but I plan not to lose out and come into this match in top shape.
Tanahashi would comment:
When the concept of UJPW came up, and the ideas were being dicussed of how these companies can work together, ALL TOGETHER was part of it, but the main idea for me was for pro-wrestling to move into a new stage post COVID, and better the image of wrestling. Of course we want fans to have fun and put smiles on faces, but the real essence of professional wrestling in my opinion is an exchange of energy. The fans give energy to the wrestlers and also bring it home from the building and take it into their daoily lives. I want that energy to grow and spread across the whole country. As for our opponents in this match, EVIL has said that he thinks NJPW is his company, so with the help of the fans I want to remind him that it’s mine.
In questions from the press, the three Presidents talked about their relationships with one another, Marufuji praising the energy and presence of both Tanahashi and Takagi. Takagi would confess that he ‘didn’t really talk shop,’ with Marufuji but that the pair had been drinking and trust had developed as a result. Tanahashi and Takagi both joked that ‘we’ve gone through a lot in the past,’ referring to interpromotional spats some years back, but that they would have one another’s back. Takagi declared that HOUSE OF TORTURE would know where power and authority lies, and discussion was had over who to bring to the table to ensure there was no interference, Boltin Oleg and Danshoku Dieno floated as names that could deter any ne-‘er do wells.
The executives also talked up the six man tag that will pit Yuya Uemura, Shun Skywalker and Konosuke Takeshita against Kaito Kiyomiya, Shota Umino and Yuki Ueno. Marufuji stated that ‘speaking from the position of a generation above, these are six young men who are representing the now and the future of professional wrestling,’ with Takagi stating that he expected the egos of the individuals involved will be just as interesting as the teamwork.
In talking about UJPW and ALL TOGETHER in general, Tanahashi would promise 8-10 matches on a ‘card worthy of the name’, while all three had high hopes for the social activities of UJPW going forward, Tanahashi citing a desire to co-ordinate schedules among promotions and bring wrestling to more communities around the country. More news and information on UJPW activities outside of ALL TOGETHER will be coming soon.
