ついにメインイベント！タイガーマスクW @TigerMaskW がオカダ撃破へ出陣！#NJPW45th を生中継！▷https://t.co/Tj7UBJ4PjP #njpw #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/dBbYOujknl

— njpwworld (@njpwworld) March 6, 2017

-- You requested this match, looking back now, how was it?

Okada:
‘I did ask for this match, but I didn't expect it to be quite this close, quite this tough.’

-- On this historic night, do you think you were able to demonstrate your significance, your ability?

Okada:
‘On any main event, and on this anniversary in particular, the only guy worthy to be champion and stand in the ring when all’s said and done is me. I'm the only representative there can be on a night like tonight.’

-- Your thoughts on the New Japan Cup-  going by what you said in the ring, nothing in particular?

Okada:
‘Well, it's the next series. Obviously I'm not in the tournament, and usually I don't watch league or tournament matches I'm not involved with. But I think this time, I have matches on all of these cards and I think when I'm done I'll take in some of these.’

-- You referred to New Japan being immortal.

Okada:
‘If I'm here, then.. I've been saying this for a while, said it at the 40th anniversary too. New Japan can live on my name alone. That's what I was expressing.’

-- What are your thoughts on Tiger Mask W after the fact?

Okada:
‘He wasn't just dangerous moves. Every single kick hurt like hell and he's very accurate with everything he does. I really didn't think it would take me this long or that it'd be so close.’

-- Could a rematch happen?

Okada:
‘It's on him. He took me this far. If he's done now that's fine. If there's something he wants that I happen to have, then he's welcome to try and get it.'

-- You were victorious in the main event at the anniversary show three years ago, and won again today. Does that have any special significance?

Okada:
‘I said before, this is a night where you bring out the face, the representative, the icon, and that can only be me. If there's anyone else, send them along. If there's anyone that thinks they should be here instead of me then they're welcome to try. You want my spot, here tonight, or in the Tokyo Dome? First step is the New Japan Cup.’

-- You said yourself you wanted to be a part of exciting matches. How was it wrestling in front of a full house tonight?

Okada:
‘I really want to have matches that get my pulse racing, that are fun for me. In January I had that with Kenny, in February with Suzuki. I think that desire has been passed down to the fans. But it wasn't just fun, not just exciting. It was tough, it hurt. He's good. Just not as good as me.’

Gedo:
‘Are we good?’

Okada:
‘Something about the anime?’

Gedo:
‘Say one thing on the way out.’

Okada:
‘I'd like to see a match like we just had captured in the anime.’

--Recreated in animated form?

Okada:
‘More than that, I think people who saw this match will now want to see the anime,right? So there should absolutely be an Okada v Tiger Mask W episode in the anime. Let's put anime v real wrestling, see what's better. How long was the match tonight?’

-- 27 minutes.

Okada:
‘27? Perfect length for TV, no? Let's do it. Thank you!’


Tiger Mask W collapsed on the floor in the press area. He lay there for a few seconds then stood up and silently walked off.