Minoru Suzuki Comments on TAKAYAMANIA EMPIRE V Main Event

By: Ian McCord

At a special press conference on July 2nd, the main event of TAKAYAMANIA EMPIRE V was announced, with the featured bout being a special tag team match between Minoru Suzuki and El Desperado taking on Naomichi Marufuji and HARASHIMA.

The fifth annual benefit show for the legendary Yoshihiro Takayama is set to take place on September 7th at Korakuen Hall. All proceeds from this event will be donated to assist with the medical expenses of Takayama, who was left paralyzed after suffering a severe spinal cord injury in 2017.

Minoru Suzuki, who has competed in every TAKAYAMANIA EMPIRE main event since the fundraiser’s first iteration in 2018, commented on this year’s main event at the press conference. Suzuki hinted that, like last year, this will not be a traditional tag match and that he may end up throwing strikes at his partner El Desperado if the moment calls for such an occurrence.

From Minoru Suzuki

“I’m surprised that this is the card we ended up with—it’s made up of people close to Takayama. I’ve already decided that I’m going to drag everyone in the arena around, no matter who they are. Desperado, too.”

Last year at TAKAYAMANIA EMPIRE IV, in the tag team main event between Suzuki and Naomichi Marufuji taking on KENTA and Katsuyori Shibata, the 4 combatants treated the match more like a free-for-all, fighting whoever was in their way, regardless if they were on the same team.

Takayama was not present at the press conference, however he sent a message to fans thanking them for their support. He also stated that if he feels well the day of TAKAYAMANIA EMPIRE V then he will be at Korakuen for the event.

From Yoshihiro Takayama:

“Hello, everyone. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. As long as I’m feeling well on the day of the event, I’ll be there again this year! Please come to the venue to watch some intense matches.”

Suzuki commented on Takayama’s message, stating that he is going to make sure Takayama is at the event by any means necessary, even if that means he has to tie a rope to him and drag him to Korakuen Hall.

From Minoru Suzuki

“Lately, he’s been saying things like ‘It’s a hassle’ all the time, so I’m thinking of tying him up with a rope, dragging him, and bringing him here.”

After the press conference, Takayama’s Manager from Hightide Co., Ltd. gave an update to Tokyo Sports on the status of Takayama’s rehabilitation. He stated that Takayama shared that lately he has been getting slight sensations in his legs.

From Takayama’s Manager:

“Lately, he occasionally says things like, ‘I feel a tingling sensation, like I have legs again.’”

(Quotes courtesy of Tokyo Sports, English Translation via DeepL)

The remainder of the card has yet to be announced, however the matches will be revealed on Yoshihiro Takayama’s blog prior to the event.

TAKAYAMANIA EMPIRE V will take place on September 7th at Korakuen Hall and will be broadcasting live on ABEMA TV.