By: J. Curbelo
Amidst intense raining, the finals of the 2023 Champion Carnival were held by AJPW in Ota City yesterday, as Shotaro Ashino surpassed all other competitors in the B block to go to the finals and defeat T-Hawk. A match that’s already receiving high praise from fans and reporters all over the world, many spectators agreed it was a match worthy of being a finals for such a storied tournament.
From the get go, both opponents engaged in back and forth offense, with Ashino relying on chops and T-Hawk confiding in his elbow strikes. The bout kept escalating with high-risk, high-impact moves that also took the action outside the ring. While it could have been anyone’s game, Ashino’s fighting spirit was unbreakable. His lack of fear got him through T-Hawk’s finest repertoire, allowing him to capitalize a turning point in his favor and lock the G-REX Champion’s ankle to make him tap out.
~The 43rd Champion Carnival Winner is Shotaro Ashino~
Thank you all who supported AJPW and joined us at Ota City in the rain.
Our next battle starts from May 13th in Toyama City. We look forward to seeing you!#ajpw #CC2023 https://t.co/tdNhCjaCYX
— AJPW International (@ajpwint) May 7, 2023
Ashino won his first singles achievement in the company and couldn’t hold the emotion in his victory speech, claiming he has never felt happier in professional wrestling. However, as glorious as it all felt, he knew that it was only the beginning. Ashino called out Triple Crown Champion Yuji Nagata to confront him.
Nagata spent the whole match commentating as a guest, and personally congratulated Ashino for his victory and efforts, but made it clear that it was all he would accomplish as he was not giving him the title. Impressed by Nagata’s sharp speech, Ashino mockingly congratulated his assertive statement, but promised to beat him up so hard he wouldn’t be able to speak again. The match has been confirmed for Monday, May 29th at Korakuen Hall.
【三冠ヘビー級選手権試合対戦カード決定】
「#ajpwスーパーパワーシリーズ2023」
5月29日(月) 18:30 東京・後楽園ホール◆三冠ヘビー級選手権試合
【第69代王者】
永田裕志
vs
【挑戦者】
芦野祥太郎
（チャンピオン・カーニバル2023 優勝）詳細→https://t.co/BUaaLm8gw9#ajpw #njpw pic.twitter.com/Xd7017Hd5q
— 全日本プロレス/alljapan (@alljapan_pw) May 8, 2023
To end things on a wholesome note, Ashino had a moment on his own to give a message from the bottom of his heart. As he is a smaller wrestler than you’d usually see on All Japan, he rejoiced in being able to trust his determination to achieve big things in wrestling. He spoke directly to the children in the audience, saying that “if you have faith and believe in yourself, you can beat any big opponent.” He encouraged kids to do their best regardless of their size if they want to be wrestlers. “Join All Japan Pro Wrestling and let’s wrestle together!”
Date:
May 8, 2023
Category:
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