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This year's Pro Wrestling Awards saw female wrestlers take home the MVP and three other major prizes, a decision likely to send ripples through the industry.
>Kobashi: This year saw Japan's first female Prime Minister take office. With a woman winning MVP, that same wave has now reached the pro wrestling world. It marks a turning point for the industry.
What about Kamitani's evaluation?
>Kobashi: She started out as a wrestler known for cleanly executing aerial moves. But after becoming champion, she learned to properly take her opponents' moves and execute solid breakfalls. She evolved into a wrestler who draws out her opponents and finishes them off. She's not just a wrestler who throws moves around. She showed real growth as a champion. Her achievements on TV, like challenging herself in the 300-meter dash, demonstrated her capabilities as a pro wrestler. She also established a new heel persona. Even when she does bad things, you can't really hate her. She's a badass, but deep down, she's actually serious (laughs).
Since she pushed aside the men to win MVP, the bar will naturally be set higher for her going forward.
>Kobashi: People's perceptions of her will change. She can't succumb to the pressure. As MVP, she must not only perform in matches but also embody the conduct expected of a wrestler. Now that she's become the face representing pro wrestling, she must grow as a person too.
The Fighting Spirit Award also went to a woman, Sareee.
>Kobashi: She could easily have been nominated for MVP too. Women taking the MVP and three other awards. It's the start of a new era. Women's pro wrestling is going to get even more exciting.
