Quoted By:
>Toribami: "I’ll be challenging Nakajima-san for the MLW belt. If she hadn’t introduced me to wrestling, I wouldn’t even be here. She picked me up, guided me, and helped shape who I am today. That’s why I wanted my first title shot in my fifth year to be against her—and I’m glad it’s happening. I’ll give more than I ever have before to take that belt."
>—What do you mean by "bare yourself"?
>Toribami: "I wear a mask, and I’m not the type to speak up much. I’ve never been good at putting my emotions into words, and people always say my expression doesn’t change much in matches. But this time, I refuse to lose. So I want to show something—something people can see and feel. If that comes across, I’ll be happy."
>Nakajima: "So, Tori’s challenging for this belt. Even before she started wrestling, we used to train and mess around together. Her athletic career is probably as long as my wrestling career, so I know how amazing she is. But she never got results, so I’d always think, ‘What the hell is this girl doing?’ Still, since she’s the one who asked for this match, I’ll give it everything I’ve got. But this belt? It’s the key to me going to America—it’s precious. I can’t lose it. Right now, with this belt, I’m terrifying—I won’t lose to anyone. So train hard and get ready, ‘cause I’m waiting. I’m really looking forward to this."
>—Is Toribami a wrestler you have strong feelings about?
>Nakajima: "Well, I know what’s behind that mask of hers. I’ve always thought, ‘She could do so much more, but she doesn’t show her strength in the ring.’ But now? I think she’s finally ready to let that side of herself out in wrestling. So I want her to show me everything."
>—Does her challenge make you happy because you’ve been frustrated with her?
>Nakajima: "Yeah, it does! She’s all in black, and blends into the background, you know? I want her to stand out."
