Amatuer English translation of parts from an interview in Weekly Pro-Wrestling (ShuPro・週プロ・週刊プロレス) with Maika about the 5STAR and upcoming match World Of Stardom title match with Tam Nakano in Osaka.
What if she regains the "red belt"? She wants to face Syuri and Saori Anou.
Fired heavy shots at Tam: "It's not good when a self-obsessed person becomes champion. I will not lose to that weakling."
I'd like to ask regarding your match for the Red belt. You seemed to have made a promise a while back didn't you?
- Maika (舞華): When I wrapped the belt around my waist, there wasn't a champion, right? (she defeated Suzu Suzuki to crown a new champion), so I wanted to fight Tam when she returns. But her leg didn't appear to be in condition and I wanted to fight other people for the belt. Saya Kamitani, Utami Hayashishita, Momo Watanabe, Megan Bayne. So, I think it wasn't about the timing. But now I've lost the red belt and the person who got it didn't have any wins in the 5★STAR. While our roles have been reversed, I've considered keeping that promise from before.
At the same time, you wanted to say something to Tam.
- Maika (舞華): Like I said earlier (she made comments about Tam only doing things for her own benefit), is this a champion?. You can't avoid injuries. But until now, Tam had continuously caused worry around and has survived thanks to the support. However, this "red belt" is different.
I see...
- Maika (舞華): Instead, you have to become the one who has to support around you. That is the image of a "red belt" champion to me. That may be because I had this thought at the time I won it. I can't help but think doing a very overlong teary promo and calling that a champion. It's no good that a self-obsessed person became the champion...but I don't know. Everyone wanted to support the weakling.
That seemed to be the case.
- Maika (舞華): I too was actually tiresome and unstable, so I thought, "why!?". To begin with, instead of thinking about myself, I thought about the fans, then the company, and the wrestlers. I believe it's impossible to have a long reign if you can't do this.
If you can't do that, you don't deserve the "red belt"?
- Maika (舞華): The people who got so far to challenge for that belt as well, but unfortunately she's holding it. It's difficult to put into words which is maybe why I have a lot to say.
With that, the next "red belt" match might become a close one.
- Maika (舞華): But I will not be defeated. I'm confident that I won't lose to a frail Tam Nakano right now. Even if you win against me, you're probably not gonna hold it in half a year. Because you are weak.
If you do win against Tam, it will be approximately 2 months since you held the "red belt". Is there anything else you want to do from there?.
- Maika (舞華): I will face everyone I didn't get to fight in the 5★STAR to let them know that I'm the strongest in STARDOM. For example, Syuri and Saori Anou. It was a time-limit draw when I faced Saori in last year's 5★STAR. I couldn't face anyone in Blue (blocks) because I was in Red (blocks). I want to beat someone in Blue. Though, I have faced Xena (when I was the champion), so she's good. Her chops are painful (laughs).
You really want to have a fight with many people, don't you?
- Maika (舞華): Since STARDOM is finally settling down, wonder if I can do what I want even more now. I was really being held back before. I honestly couldn't say any of my desires because I didn't want to complain.
Well, when you beat Tam, a new road of defenses will begin.
- Maika (舞華): That's right. I want to keep this current feeling. The ending will feel great and refreshing. I will make them feel glad that they bought the PPV and watched the matches. If not, it would be unfortunate to have become champion.