 Low Ki is one of the premiere wrestlers on the American Indepedent scene, having gained success most everywhere he has travelled to. The first ROH World Champion, former NWA X-Division Champion, former 2 time NWA Tag Team Champion, former JAPW Heavyweight champion, and the list goes on. First a part of Pro Wrestling Zero-One and now Pro Wrestling NOAH, Ki took time out of his busy schedule to have an interview with Green Destiny. 1) Growing up, did you always have aspirations to become a wrestler? What finally convinced you to become a pro-wrestler? No. I had no intent on becoming a pro wrestler. I was content being a fan of it just watching, until I began training. Time. I wasnt serious even when I began. But over time, I realized I had a great opportunity to do something special. 2) On your website (http://www.low-ki.com) you list some of the wrestlers you admire such as Masahiro Chono, Keiji Muto & Jushin “Thunder” Liger. What is it about the wrestlers that you list that separates them from other talented individuals in the wrestling scene? They have earned their status in pro wrestling. Hard work, diligent training, and strong minds have earned them legendary status. 3) After making your name on the American independent scene you have gone on to become a fixture in first Zero-One (now known as Zero-One Max) and currently in Pro Wrestling NOAH. How does wrestling in the United States differ to wrestling in Japan? Wrestling in the United States no longer has the guidance of the older generation of pro wrestling. In Japan, the guidance is maintained. Also, respect and conduct are very important to a students growth and training. That seems rare in the U.S. today. 4) How would you compare Zero-One and Pro Wrestling NOAH? Are there any fundamental differences between the two promotions? Zero One was a great opportunity to be introduced to Japanese pro wrestling. The style is a combination of a more Shoot-fight orientation and Pro Wrestling, with most of the roster. I had to be in strong condition to compete against stronger competition. NOAH tends to be more focused on traditional Pro Wrestling style, which is extremely challenging and what I have trained to reach. NOAH is a company that is just so far advanced and organized than any company I have seen. 5) What comprises a typical day on tour with NOAH? Wake up early, normally. Get onto the bus so we can travel to the next location. During the travel, stop for lunch, which is not too large. Continue until the location, sometimes checking into the next hotel. At the arena, begin my training for around an hour or more, then prepare for my match. After the event, back on the bus to either the hotel, or next location. 6) To date you’ve completed two full tours with NOAH. What are some of your favorite memories to date on tour with NOAH, whether they are in-ring or out? My first few days in NOAH, I was extremely happy to know I arrived to compete for a great company. Just the way things operate is far beyond what I have seen in other companies. My first match was unsettling. My first time in a new company and in front of new fans I wasnt sure how I would be received. Scorpio helping me understand and function within NOAH and my title match against Kanemaru. Nothing but positive and great experience so far. 7) On September the 10th you wrestled Yoshinobu Kanemaru for the GHC Jr. Heavyweight Title in front of 15,800 fans. What was the atmosphere like for the match in the historic Tokyo Nippon Budokan? What are some of your thoughts on the match? It was my 2nd time at Budokan in a match, first being with All Japan. It was a mellow day, similar to the calm before a storm. I woke up and felt this was a great opportunity to prove myself as a strong fighter to myself, NOAH and the japanese wrestling culture. I was confident in my ability, even using new techniques in order to win. Unfortnately, I wasnt victorious, Kanemaru being in better condition that night. But, I was happy with it, as it gave me more experience and knowledge to become even better for the future. 8) Are there any specific opponents in NOAH that you have a particular desire to have a match with? I am eager to have singles competitions against KENTA and Marufuji. Also I would like a rematch with Kanemaru, but I find that will have to be in time. Also, growing up, I watched Misawa and Kobashi, and I feel proving my worth to them would be incredible experience. 9) Many wrestling fans have suggested that a match between yourself and KENTA would be a tremendous contest, due to the similar styles that KENTA and yourself utilize. What are your thoughts on KENTA and do you agree with the fans view on this? I feel he is within the top 3 juniors in Japan. His style is similar to what I have utilized to fight. I just find challenges to increase my abilities and experience and KENTA would be a great challenge for me. I agree his abililties and mine would create an incredible contest. 10) Finally, what is your overall assessment of Pro Wrestling NOAH and your time in the promotion? Where do you see yourself and NOAH going in the future? Pro Wrestling NOAH is by far the best company I have been in. The competition is very high and dangerous, but will help the company maintain a great value. I have had great experience with it and look forward to more in the future. I look to gain the GHC Junior championship, whether it be from Kanemaru or another. I look to become a great challenge to those who compete in NOAH. And I look to become one of the great juniors of Japan and with the competition in NOAH, I feel there is a good chance for that. Green Destiny would like to thank Low Ki for participating in the interview, and wishes him much future success both in Pro Wrestling NOAH and beyond.
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