By: Lewis Carlan
On Oct. 13th 2025, Daimonji So won the biggest match of his career as he defeated Daichi Hashimoto to become the Big Japan Pro-Wrestling World Strong Heavyweight Champion. After he became the top champion in BJW, he made a vow to make BJW more exciting and to fill the seats to its capacity.
Since becoming champion, Daimonji So joined forces with Minoru Fujita and Jacob Crane as they formed a new faction called YOSOMONO and they are becoming a dominant force within BJW.
The first defence for the new champion came on Nov. 25th as Daimonji So successfully defended his title against former champion Yuya Aoki in an action-packed bout. His second defense is scheduled for Dec. 21 at 176Box in Osaka against #1 contender Yasufumi Nakanoue.
In addition to BJW, Daimonji So also competes for GLEAT, Land’s End & Niigata Pro Wrestling.
Daimonji So granted another interview with Monthly Puroresu as we discussed numerous topics including his reign as BJW’s top champion.
Here is the exclusive Monthly Puroresu interview with BJW World Strong Heavyweight Champion Daimonji So:
Monthly Puroresu:
Congratulations on your first successful defense of the BJW World Strong Heavyweight Championship. How would you assess challenger Yuya Aoki?
Daimonji So:
Thank you. After four years in the BJW ring, I finally reached the top on my third challenge. The first challenger, Aoki, is incredibly tough and gutsy. Having come up through the Jr ranks, he also possesses great speed. We’ve fought twice before, and I always enjoy matches against Aoki. This one was certainly fun too. He was tougher than ever this time, which makes this first successful defense especially valuable.

Photo Credit: BJW
Monthly Puroresu:
What preparations are you making for your next title defense against Yasufumi Nakanoue?
Daimonji So:
Personally, I consider Nakanoue the most skilled fighter in BJW. He has experience in ALL Japan and W-1, and possesses a diverse range of offensive tactics. In the next challenger elimination match, he targeted Yoshida’s legs, and when we fought before, he aimed for the stomach and waist. He’s a fighter with various strategies, but I will go straight for his head and neck and finish him with the Black Rain.
Monthly Puroresu:
Nakanoue is a former BJW World Strong Heavyweight Champion. How much of a threat do you perceive him to be?
Daimonji So:
As I said before, he’s an extremely skilled wrestler. When he gets his chance, he unleashes multiple moves. Especially that Diving Elbow Drop – getting a two-count off that is incredibly difficult. I definitely don’t want to take that one.

Image Credit: BJW
Monthly Puroresu:
Why did you form the new unit “YOSOMONO” with Fujita Minoru & Jacob Crane in BJW, and why did you choose them?
Daimonji So:
I wanted to form a team because I’m a champion not affiliated with BJW. Every BJW wrestler will become my enemy now. That means I have to bring in allies from outside. Mr. Fujita is like my pro wrestling mentor. I learned so much from him when we worked together in Osaka from 2021 to 2022. And for BJW, Mr. Fujita is also a former home ground. To help BJW regain the competitive spirit it needs now, we needed Fujita, who knows various styles of pro wrestling. Jacob is a close friend I often communicate with in BJW. I think his ambition and wrestling IQ are outstanding, so I consulted him. Both Fujita and Jacob immediately said yes.
Monthly Puroresu:
Is there a possibility Fujita & Crane could bring the BJW Tag Team Championship to YOSOMONO?
Daimonji So:
After YOSOMONO’s debut at Korakuen Hall, Fujita & Jacob’s tag team work was incredibly compelling. Above all, Fujita-san moved perfectly in sync with Jacob’s moves. Watching from ringside was a blast, and I was glad these two were partners. The belt’s potential? 100%.

Photo Credit: BJW
Monthly Puroresu:
YOSOMONO mentioned recruiting members from outside the promotion. Are there any individuals you have in mind for joining the unit?
Daimonji So:
I haven’t thought about “who,” but the criteria are skill, passion for BJW, and love for pro wrestling. That applies to Japanese or overseas wrestlers, and it might even come from within BJW itself. I’ll keep checking my smartphone.
Monthly Puroresu:
You expressed disappointment with the attendance at the November 25th Korakuen Hall event. As champion, you accept the responsibility to fill the venue. What measures will you take to draw more fans to the arena?
Daimonji So:
BJW Korakuen Hall events over the last few years have drawn 300 to 500 people, maybe 700 at most? I don’t expect things to change overnight, but we can’t ignore the negatives. The seats at Korakuen aren’t visible on camera, so maybe I shouldn’t have said anything. Normally, I’d grab the mic and say “Please come back,” but that’s just ordinary. We YOSOMONO aren’t here to do ordinary things. We take actions BJW members don’t. If that mix gets across to the fans, that’s good. What’s needed now is for the wrestlers to fight desperately.
Monthly Puroresu:
Since becoming the BJW World Strong Champion, do you feel the weight of responsibility has increased and the pressure is greater?
Daimonji So:
The only moment I felt happy about becoming champion was the instant I pinned Daichi Hashimoto for the three count. The very next moment, I started thinking, “How can I build up BJW from here and increase the audience?”

Photo Credit: BJW
Monthly Puroresu:
The goal is to draw 1,000 fans to a BJW event at Korakuen Hall. Do you think BJW can achieve that goal by 2026?
Daimonji So:
It’s not “can we?” It’s “we will.”
Monthly Puroresu:
In past interviews, you’ve spoken of Daisuke Sekimoto as someone special. If he were to return to BJW and want to challenge you for the title, would you give him the opportunity? Is that a match you would want?
Daimonji So:
Of course. To build a new BJW, we need to defeat the legends and show everyone it’s a new era. Not just Daisuke Sekimoto, but Yuji Okabayashi too.

Photo Credit: BJW
Monthly Puroresu:
Abdullah Kobayashi has stated he wants to challenge for the BJW World Strong Championship through the proper order. What are your thoughts on the possibility of a challenge from Kobayashi? Also, would you consider a deathmatch against him?
Daimonji So:
Ok, the answer is, a challenge is fine. No deathmatch. Mr. Abdullah Kobayashi is also a BJW legend and one of the faces of BJW. It’s only natural he’d challenge someone from another promotion holding the belt. So it’s fine. But no death match. If you want Daimonji So in a death match, prepare a 100,000,000 Yen purse. Then we’ll consider it.
Monthly Puroresu:
What are your thoughts on facing Suwama in Pro-Wrestling Evolution on December 17th? He’s an eight-time Triple Crown champion—what’s your game plan for this match?
Daimonji So:
I don’t have a plan. I just want to enjoy this match. When I debuted in Florida in December 2016 and started working in Japan in the summer of 2017, I met Ryōji Choi, the president of Lands End, where I’m currently signed. Then, Choi contacted me, saying his tag team partner was injured and asking me to fill in. My very first match in Japan was for All Japan Pro Wrestling, against Suwama & Shuji Ishikawa. I couldn’t do anything. I just got beaten and thrown around, unable to fight back at all. At that moment, I seriously thought about quitting pro wrestling. But this time is different. Eight years have given me so much experience, and I’m a completely different person now. So this time, I want to enjoy my match with Suwama. Of course, I’ll fight to win.

Image Credit: Pro-Wrestling Evolution
Monthly Puroresu:
Are you interested in matches overseas, like in the US, UK, or Mexico?
Daimonji So:
Absolutely. I’m always conscious of wrestling overseas. If the chance arises, I’ll go anytime. Also, December 2026 marks my 10th anniversary since debut. I’d love to go back to my hometown in Florida, C.C.W.
Monthly Puroresu:
Is there a possibility you might defend the BJW World Strong Heavyweight Championship in other promotions like Land’s End or GLEAT?
Daimonji So:
Personally, I fight to ignite the passion within BJW wrestlers. I want BJW wrestlers to fight harder for this belt. It’s not just about the match content; I want to see more mic work, SNS presence, training, costumes—I want to see them pour their souls into pro wrestling. I’ve sold my soul to pro wrestling. 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, pro wrestling is always on my mind. I’m willing to let pro wrestling ruin my life—that’s how much I love it. Can you beat someone like me? Once I’ve defeated every single BJW wrestler, then I’ll think about what’s next.
Monthly Puroresu:
As 2025 draws to a close, what are your goals for 2026?
Daimonji So:
In 2026, I want to do even more activities. Japan, overseas, anywhere. I want to wrestle more and learn more. I won’t stop evolving. I’m aiming to be the best heavyweight wrestler. Thank you for all your support in 2025. I’ll fight so I can come wrestle in your towns too in 2026, you guys reading this. Thank you, all the fans.
Monthly Puroresu would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Daimonji So for facilitating this interview.
Date:
December 9, 2025