By James Carlin
In the last few years, VENY has made waves in Japan as one of the best professional wrestlers in the world. Wrestling in a multitude of different companies such as WAVE, Wrestle-1, SEAdLINNNG, Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling and DDT, it’s no wonder that she’s become a significant name in the freelance world of joshi puroresu.
Making history in a multitude of different ways, she was the first woman to hold the KO-D Tag Team championship. She’s not afraid of intergender match-ups either, as she’ll be taking on Jun Akiyama and Saki Akai with tag team partner Chris Brookes.
With DDT’s Wrestle Peter Pan coming up on Saturday, Monthly Puroresu had the opportunity to talk to VENY before the event.
"With their United States debut coming up in August, there’s no better time to start watching ASUKA."
Check out why you should be watching @asuka10272140 on our website!
READ: https://t.co/SpsfE4YGTO pic.twitter.com/vSmdIfbren
— Monthly Puroresu (@MonthlyPuroresu) May 15, 2022
Monthly Puroresu: It’s been four years since you debuted in DDT, but how did you start wrestling for DDT after leaving WAVE in 2018?
VENY: A BIG LOVE💜 (This was a “DDT Street Wrestling” show that took place in 2018 at an Amusement Park called Toshimaen, which can be found here.)
Monthly Puroresu: DDT has always set itself apart by being a variety wrestling company – offering something for everyone. Do you think that helps people feel more comfortable with wrestling and watching, because there’s a better freedom of expression and the opportunity is there not only to do “serious” wrestling as such, but also more light-hearted and comedic match-ups like with Yoshihiko and Pokotan or wrestling on a train which combines both?
VENY: The fans perceptions of wrestling are different overseas and in Japan. I think it was a big hurdle for Japanese fans to accept DDT but I feel they’re a promotion who’ll be paving the way for the next generation.
Monthly Puroresu: For your match at Wrestle Peter Pan, you’re in a team with Chris Brookes. You were on opposite teams in the past – defeating him to win the KO-D tag team championships with MAO. Do you think that you can cooperate as a team, even if Brookes still holds a grudge against you for taking his championship?
VENY: We’re drinking buddies. We’re similar in that we change we enter the ring. I see nothing but success when we team up.
If you've never seen @asuka10272140 before, you're in for a treat! VENY's fluorescent light tube death match (DON'T break the light tube!) against Akito was one of my favorite DDT matches in 2019 👀 https://t.co/Be3629pnmN pic.twitter.com/y0Xxb5iecx
— TDE Wrestling (@tde_gif) February 4, 2021
Monthly Puroresu: What is it like being a freelance wrestler, and how does it differ from being signed to a company?
VENY: As a signed talent, you get medical support, a guaranteed fee but as a freelancer you’ll have to do everything on your own and nothing is really guaranteed.
It’s definitely challenging but I enjoy my freedom and I’m someone always seeking freedom so it fits me to a T.
Monthly Puroresu: Your wrestling style has influences from kendo, judo and kenpo as well as a high-flying ability inspired by those you used to watch as a child, like the lucha libre style. How has that unique style evolved over time since you first became a wrestler?
VENY: I had very little experience with kendo, judo, kempo so it doesn’t reflect much in my style but amateur wrestling had many benefits in wrestling so I still use it in the ring.
Monthly Puroresu: You’ve had so many great costumes that you’ve worn to the ring since your debut in 2015, but which one is your favourite and why?
VENY: The leotard I wore at WAVE’s 10th anniversary show was a very special one. That was the only time I had my favorite emerald on a costume.
Monthly Puroresu: Speaking of ring costumes, you’ve mentioned how you’ve worn Hana Kimura’s kimono (that was passed down to you by her mother Kyoko) to the ring during important matches in your career. For example, in your debut with All Elite Wrestling, and at TJPW’s Grand Princess. What was it like when you were given the kimono, and how does it feel being able to use it to remember and keep the memory of Hana alive?
VENY: I honestly feel I’m the only one who should wear it. While she was still alive, whether we tagged together or were on opposite ends we made great memories and wanted to share so many moments in the ring together. Therefore, I’ll always wear her kimono for really big matches so that I can continue to share these wonderful moments with Hana.
asuka 3-19-2022 #TJPW#朱崇花 #写真好きな人と繋がりたい pic.twitter.com/zueeEJl91d
— 📸by Masahiro Kubota 写真屋 (@_MasahiroKubota) July 25, 2022
Monthly Puroresu: One your best matches was against Kagetsu, who is now known as Yu Ishino, who came out as transgender earlier this year. How does it feel knowing that you shared the ring with another transgender wrestler, in the historic Korakuen Hall venue?
VENY: I don’t wrestle as a transgender wrestler. I made it public knowledge when I debuted because it was something I felt had to be as I was someone who out in public. My match with Yu Ishino is one of my most memorable matches but I never felt anything special due to being transgender. Being transgender doesn’t play into the importance of me being a wrestler, or the match I had with Ishino.
Monthly Puroresu: With your bookings in the United States filling up, is there anyone that you would want to wrestle, regardless of gender or identity?
VENY: I’m only interested in myself so no….
If possible I’d love to go against myself in a match.
Monthly Puroresu: Are there any venues or places in Japan (or even abroad) that you would like to wrestle in that you haven’t been able to yet?
VENY: I’m not very well versed in venues or places but one of my goals is to wrestle in big locations. I’d definitely want to go to the Tokyo Dome and Madison Square Garden!
Date:
August 19, 2022
