Shinjiro Otani: “Sugiura Doesn’t Need to Apologize”

Shinjiro Otani: “Sugiura Doesn’t Need to Apologize

By: J. Curbelo

Pro Wrestling ZERO1’s Shinjiro Otani is continuing his rehabilitation after the cervical spinal cord injury he suffered at ZERO1 and Osu Premium’s show at Ryogoku Kokugikan on April 10th last year. Tokyo Sports interviewed the “Flame Warrior”, who is about to make his first public appearance since the injury next Saturday at Tokyo’s Belle Salle Takadanobaba for Osu Premium.

Otani expressed excitement at seeing the fans again, hoping they can see that -at least- some progress has been made towards his recovery. He feels grateful for all the people organizing events in his aid. When asked about his memories from last year’s injury, he said that his only thought is to never give up and make a proper return to professional wrestling. Despite his will, he’s not confident enough to provide specific updates on his health, especially because he isn’t as knowledgeable as his doctor to talk about it, and would only end up confusing fans if he talked about it on his own.

【5/6 #押忍PREMIUM 情報】
★3/26靖国大会の代替えとして、無料イベントに変更！
★大谷晋二郎来場決定！
※当日の体調や医療機関の判断によって、来場できない可能性があることを、ご了承下さい。
※参戦選手、対戦カードなどは決定次第お知らせします。 pic.twitter.com/OeDY3nBMyp

— 押忍ＰＲＥＭＩＵＭ (@osu_premium) April 22, 2023

Of course, the topic of Takashi Sugiura, his last opponent, was brought up. Despite Sugiura apologizing for the injury last June, Otani certainly made sure that he’s not to blame for his injury. He described the incident as just a match where both opponents fought with all their might, and Sugiura managed to win while he wasn’t able to make it to the end, so he’ll do his best to get the win back next time. “I don’t think Sugiura needs to apologize,” Otani earnestly claimed.

When it comes to short term goals, Otani just wants to attend the Takadanobaba event and let fans see him doing his best on May 6th.