Shuji Ishikawa Opens up About All Japan in Important Interview

By: R. Faliani

The man of the hour in All Japan Pro Wrestling, Shuji Ishikawa, has spoken with Tokyo Sports and revealed interesting details about his departure from the company involving President Fukuda.

Ishikawa was among the first wrestlers to announce his exit from the company, alongside Black Menso-re. From that moment onward a storm of rumors and news about the company emerged. including the existence “mastermind” behind all of these recent controversies.

【全日本】石川修司　騒動の中…電撃退団の経緯激白「社長は本当にファンを愛しているのかなと」｜東スポWEB #ajpwhttps://t.co/J9lvwQBSkv

— 東スポ　プロレス格闘技担当 (@tospo_battle) January 22, 2024

Ishikawa had planned to stay in All Japan due to his age – it was always his dream to join the company – but several circumstances led to him to make the decision to leave, such as the lack of trust in President Fukuda and All Japan’s working relationship with Actwres girl’Z over AJPW’s own Evolution Girls brand.

Although former All Japan Triple Crown Champion Suwama blames Katsuhiko Nakajima, Ishikawa is still focused on All Japan’s president:

“Even though we have fans that respect the wrestlers, I wonder if the president loves the fans or if he’s being honest with them about all of this.”

Reflecting on what 2023 meant for All Japan as an organization, Ishikawa pointed out that attendance was growing and that all the wrestlers were working hard to be “as big as New Japan Pro Wrestling”. He expressed that it was a shame to leave the group during a period where they were growing compared to other years, but still wants the company to focus on the fans and the fans only.

To close the interview, Ishikawa spoke about what comes next that he’s a freelancer. He expressed his desire to work various promotions and to spice things up a little bit now that he has the freedom to do so. Ishikawa is 48 years old, and he will still look to perform at the highest level for the rest of his career.

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