Much of the focus of the KING X KING show to date has been on returning talents, such as Kazuma Fujita, Ryo Inoue, Genji Yamato, Naoki Fukuda, Tetsuhisa NAKAI, etc.
However, the show will also feature wrestlers in their debut matches. Several of those are aligned with Genji Yamato's FIGHTING LOVE! group. Today we look at one in particular, KOHEI OBATA.
Obata is 23 years old, hailing originally from Kyoto. Not much is known about his background prior to wrestling, however he has been active in independent circles since he debuted in 2009. From scouting reports, Obata has great raw potential and work ethic, but was never allowed to shine much in his home promotion of POWER KYOTO, or other regional promotions as a guest, barely ever surpassing midcard, despite being well liked by both fans and other companies alike. And any attempts by Obata to move on were blocked by POWER KYOTO's president.
The stars did align for Obata at last, however, on the one chance that Genji Yamato did happen to be in attendance at a POWER KYOTO show, and the legendary Double Titles champions was awestruck.
"I'm not sure exactly what Yamato-sama has seen in me, but I'm not going to argue about it," said Obata, speaking to KJPW press reporters. "I'm just going to say he has a great eye for talent."
Yamato had clout that Obata did not with POWER KYOTO's front offices, and was able to sign him away, first to Yamato's own training facility, then to a contract with Kingdom of Japan, as part of negotiations for Yamato to join KJPW as well.
Obata is due to debut at KING X KING, along with true rookie Maleko Momoa, although in what capacity is still not decided.
"I am glad to be debuting at the return show of KJPW, at the beginning of a new era both for the company, and for pro wrestling in general. Momoa-san, he has worked hard too, and it will be great for him to see how he performs in a true fighting situation.
"But mostly, this is what I've been working towards. I'm not sure why Ryo Inoue continues to badmouth Yamato-sama, when he has been nothing but a great teacher to myself and the others. That's his own problem, I suppose."
Asked what Obata's short-term goals are, he replied:
"Well, now that Chikao Kessin has decided to move on, someone needs to step up and take his place. Maybe that will be me."
With that, Obata shook hands with us, and resumed his training with Momoa, Yamato, Hajime Kon, and Yusuke Kishimoto.
However, the show will also feature wrestlers in their debut matches. Several of those are aligned with Genji Yamato's FIGHTING LOVE! group. Today we look at one in particular, KOHEI OBATA.
Obata is 23 years old, hailing originally from Kyoto. Not much is known about his background prior to wrestling, however he has been active in independent circles since he debuted in 2009. From scouting reports, Obata has great raw potential and work ethic, but was never allowed to shine much in his home promotion of POWER KYOTO, or other regional promotions as a guest, barely ever surpassing midcard, despite being well liked by both fans and other companies alike. And any attempts by Obata to move on were blocked by POWER KYOTO's president.
The stars did align for Obata at last, however, on the one chance that Genji Yamato did happen to be in attendance at a POWER KYOTO show, and the legendary Double Titles champions was awestruck.
"I'm not sure exactly what Yamato-sama has seen in me, but I'm not going to argue about it," said Obata, speaking to KJPW press reporters. "I'm just going to say he has a great eye for talent."
Yamato had clout that Obata did not with POWER KYOTO's front offices, and was able to sign him away, first to Yamato's own training facility, then to a contract with Kingdom of Japan, as part of negotiations for Yamato to join KJPW as well.
Obata is due to debut at KING X KING, along with true rookie Maleko Momoa, although in what capacity is still not decided.
"I am glad to be debuting at the return show of KJPW, at the beginning of a new era both for the company, and for pro wrestling in general. Momoa-san, he has worked hard too, and it will be great for him to see how he performs in a true fighting situation.
"But mostly, this is what I've been working towards. I'm not sure why Ryo Inoue continues to badmouth Yamato-sama, when he has been nothing but a great teacher to myself and the others. That's his own problem, I suppose."
Asked what Obata's short-term goals are, he replied:
"Well, now that Chikao Kessin has decided to move on, someone needs to step up and take his place. Maybe that will be me."
With that, Obata shook hands with us, and resumed his training with Momoa, Yamato, Hajime Kon, and Yusuke Kishimoto.
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