Shoko Nakajima Discusses Wrestle Princess III, Love For Kaiju, And More | INTERVIEW

TJPW’s Shoko Nakajima discusses main eventing Wrestle Princess III, her love for kaiju, who she hopes to face, and beating Miyu Yamashita.

On October 9, Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling (TJPW) will hold its signature event of the year, Wrestle Princess III. The show is filled with big names, including Joshi legend Aja Kong and AEW star Riho. Miyu Yamashita and Maki Itoh will be teaming up while Pro Wrestling EVE’s Alex Windsor defends the International Princess Championship against Miu Watanabe.

All of this is in the lead to the main event, which will see the 2022 Tokyo Princess Cup winner Yuka Sakazaki challenge Shoko Nakajima for the Princess of Princess Championship. Nakajima won the championship at Grand Princess earlier this year when she defeated Yamashita for the gold. She’s managed to defend the title successfully four times, including one time against her Wrestle Princess III challenger at CyberFight Festival.

Fightful’s Scott Edwards had a chance to ask the champion Nakajima some questions as she heads into one of the biggest matches of her career against a fierce rival.

Here’s what Shoko Nakajima had to say in our interview.

Q: At Wrestle Princess III, you will be facing Yuka Sakazaki for your Princess of Princess Championship. What does it mean to you to be in the main event of TJPW’s signature show as the champion?

A: It is difficult to put into words. We are always trying to grow in any situation.

Q: What do you believe makes TJPW so unique?

A: It is a place of many ideas and personalities.

Q: You’ve faced Yuka Sakazaki so many times including at this year’s CyberFight Festival — how does this match feel different?

A: We are getting stronger with each passing month, so of course, it will be totally different. I think it will be a tougher match.

Q: If you’re able to defeat Yuka Sakazaki at Wrestle Princess III, who else would you like to defend your championship against?

A: Miu Watanabe with tournament revenge, I’m interested and would like to try Max The Impaler.

Q: At Grand Princess, you defeated Miyu Yamashita to win the Princess of Princess Championship. Many fans believe it may be your best career performance! What does that match mean to you?

A: It was a big turning point. But looking back now, I realize that I still had a long way to go. I think I have grown more since I won the belt.

Q: Fans would love to know where does your love for Godzilla come from?

A: Ever since I can remember, I have loved monsters ”Kaiju” and big things.

Q: TJPW works with Pro Wrestling EVE, AEW, and even has other wrestlers from the Joshi world coming in to compete. Is there someone you’d really like to face that you haven’t yet from outside of TJPW?

A: I would like to fight anyone who has never fought before.

You were part of AEW previously but have not wrestled there since 2020. Are you hoping to return to the promotion in the future?

A: If there is demand, I would like to participate.

Q: We’ve seen a lot of TJPW stars come to the US recently. Do you hope to do the same in the future?

A: If anyone is eager, I would love to make the expedition.

Q: Is there anyone who stands out to you on the TJPW roster that you believe is ready to make the step up to win championships in the future?\

A: All TJPW players have that potential.

Q: One of the most entertaining parts of TJPW is your relationship with Hyper Misao. Can you tell us a little bit about that and what connects you two?

A: I think both of them are eager to enjoy the matches. The tag team with Misawo allows me to see and feel various aspects of professional wrestling.

Q: What’re some of your favorite things to do when you’re not wrestling?

A: To see a movie or visit a monster ”Kaiju” exhibit.

Q: For the fans who support you worldwide as we head into Wrestle Princess, what is one thing you’d like to tell them?

A: I believe that my title matches with Yuka Sakazaki always hit the highest heat in my career history. Please watch carefully.

Q: What  are your goals moving forward — whether it be in wrestling or outside?

A:  Anyway, I want to be able to move even more! My goal is to one day be a suit actor for a monster ”Kaiju” like Haruo Nakajima.

A huge thanks to Shoko Nakajima for taking part in this interview as well as TJPW for once again helping make another interview happen as we continue to do our best to spread the world of Joshi around the world through their own words.

If you are interested in seeing more Shoko Nakajima, you can subscribe to Wrestle Universe, which features all of TJPW’s live upcoming shows, including Wrestle Princess III on October 9, as well as DDT and Pro Wrestling NOAH action as well.

You can listen to our previous interview with Nakajima’s opponent, Yuka Sakazaki, here.