Manuel Ish | MP
By: Lewis Carlan
All Japan Pro-Wrestling superstar Yuma Anzai burst onto the scene back in Sept. 2022 as he faced the legendary Yuji Nagata in his debut bout. In the beginning he was considered a “super rookie” and has since lived up to all expectations.
Anzai has developed into one of the top stars for AJPW and has achieved tremendous success during his four plus years with the promotion.
On March 30th 2024, Anzai became the youngest competitor to win the AJPW Triple Crown Title at 24 years and 350 days old when he shocked pro-wrestling fans by defeating Katsuhiko Nakajima for the prestigious championship.
In addition to the Triple Crown Title, Anzai has held the All Asia Tag Team Championship with Rising HAYATO from Oct. 2024 to June 2025 in a reign that lasted 245 days.
Anzai had formed the faction ELPIDA in May 2024 which also included Rising HAYATO, Ryuki Honda & Ren Ayabe. The unit disbanded in June 2025.
Photo Credit: AJPW
On Dec. 31st 2025, Anzai showed the world how much he has grown as a pro-wrestler when he faced Kento Miyahara for the Triple Crown Title. Despite losing, the nearly 30 minute bout is considered to be a mat classic and elevated Anzai to superstar status.
Yuma Anzai was gracious enough to speak with Monthly Puroresu as he opened up about a number of topics.
Here is the Monthly Puroresu interview with AJPW superstar Yuma Anzai:
Monthly Puroresu:
On December 31st, you competed against Kento Miyahara for the Triple Crown title. Although you lost, it was praised as an excellent match. Despite the defeat, were you satisfied because you were able to demonstrate your growth as an athlete?
Yuma Anzai:
I am satisfied. Regardless of whether it was called a great match, I feel satisfied because it was a loss after giving everything I had. Of course, I feel regret, but I believe this match clearly showed me my current level of ability and the gap between myself and Kento Miyahara.
Photo Credit: AJPW
Monthly Puroresu:
What does the AJPW Triple Crown Championship mean to you?
Yuma Anzai:
It’s the belt that symbolizes All Japan. I believe it belongs to the person who shines brightest in the ring at that moment.
Monthly Puroresu:
You became the youngest Triple Crown Champion in history. How was your experience as champion? Also, do you have a strong desire to win the Triple Crown Championship again?
Yuma Anzai:
I firmly believe the experience of being Triple Crown Champion elevated my level. Immediately after winning it, there was some criticism, and I didn’t feel I could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the legendary Triple Crown champions yet, so I didn’t wear the belt around my waist. Now, I can wear it proudly around my waist, so I want to win the Triple Crown again.
Photo Credit: AJPW
Monthly Puroresu:
You debuted in AJPW in 2022. What led you to join AJPW?
Yuma Anzai:
My university wrestling coach had a senior-junior relationship with Suwama. When I told my coach I wanted to become a pro wrestler, he contacted Suwama for me. After that, I joined the promotion through Suwama’s scouting.
Monthly Puroresu:
What’s the biggest difference between the Yuma Anzai of 2022 and the Yuma Anzai of 2026?
Yuma Anzai:
I gained confidence in everything. Not just in wrestling, but in everything—my speech, my appearance, everything. As a result, I can wrestle with poise, and I think it’s expanded the range of new moves and match strategies I can employ.
Monthly Puroresu:
You recently ate at an A&W restaurant for the first time in Okinawa. What did you order? Was the food good? Would you go again?
Yuma Anzai:
I had a cheeseburger. It was really delicious. The rice was good too, and since so many people came to the venue, I’d definitely like to go again.
Monthly Puroresu:
You were on a promotional tour in Okinawa. What was the most enjoyable part of the AJPW promotional tour?
Yuma Anzai:
The most fun recently was the Okinawa promo. I don’t get to go to Okinawa often, so I enjoyed everything—the food, the scenery.
Monthly Puroresu:
How was your experience on the CATCHY broadcast while in Okinawa?
Yuma Anzai:
I think I was able to fully showcase my appeal. Even at the shops we visited for promotion, people said, “I saw CATCHY,” so I felt its influence.
Photo Credit: AJPW
Monthly Puroresu:
You have never held the AJPW World Tag Team Championship. Is that a title you would like to hold and do you have an ideal partner in mind.
Yuma Anzai:
I haven’t won the World Tag Team Championship yet, so I want to win it. As for a partner, I want to perfect tag team wrestling with Yuma Aoyagi.
Monthly Puroresu:
Do you still hold bad feelings toward Yuma Aoyagi for causing your withdrawal from the Real World Tag League 2025?
Yuma Anzai:
I don’t hold a grudge, but I do feel some anger and regret. It just didn’t work out in 2025, but I want to team up with Yuma Aoyagi again in the Tag League and get results.
Photo Credit: AJPW
Monthly Puroresu:
You have been called the future ace of AJPW, do you agree with this, and do you feel you must surpass Kento Miyahara first to accomplish this?
Yuma Anzai:
I don’t like the term “future ace.” I don’t think too much about the future; I’m just wrestling in the moment, so I don’t really think about an uncertain future. I do think I have to surpass Kento Miyahara in terms of his achievements and as a wrestler.
Monthly Puroresu:
Is there a chance that ELPIDA could return as a unit within AJPW or is ELPIDA gone for good?
Yuma Anzai:
You never know what might happen in pro wrestling, so it’s hard to say. Since it originally started with four guys who shared the same mindset, there’s a chance we could cross paths again someday. That said, I also feel it’s more fun to be on opposite sides with Ryuki Honda, Ren Ayabe, and Rising HAYATO.
Photo Credit: AJPW
Monthly Puroresu:
You held the All Asia Tag Team Titles with Rising HAYATO. How would you rate HAYATO as a team team partner?
Yuma Anzai:
He’s not big or particularly strong physically, but his heart is incredible. In tough moments during matches, what you rely on most is spirit, and in that regard, he’s a fantastic wrestler.
Monthly Puroresu:
What is your biggest goal for 2026 and beyond?
Yuma Anzai:
My in-ring goal is to win the Triple Crown Championship again and wear it around my waist. Outside the ring, I want to increase my media appearances to introduce All Japan Pro Wrestling to more people who aren’t familiar with pro wrestling.
(English translation via Deepl.com)
Monthly Puroresu would like to extend our sincere gratitude to All Japan Pro-Wrestling for facilitating this interview with Yuma Anzai.
Date:
February 15, 2026
