The All Japan Pro-Wrestling Champion Carnival 2023 has gotten underway with its opening night on April 8th. The participants in this year’s Champion Carnival tournament include AJPW stars Kento Miyahara, Yuma Aoyagi, Shuji Ishikawa, and Suwama as well as NJPW star Satoshi Kojima and Pro Wrestling NOAH star Manabu Soya.
Another participant in Champion Carnival 2023 is the monster Cyrus who is making his debut in the prestigious tournament. Cyrus, who is in the A block, scored a big win on opening night by defeating Jun Saito to earn 2 pts as he has hopes of winning the tournament and earning the right to face Yuji Nagata for the AJPW Triple Crown Championship.
PWMania.com caught up with Cyrus after Night 1 ended and talked to him about his Champion Carnival debut.
How did it feel to participate in the opening match of your first Champion Carnival and get the big win over Jun Saito?
“It felt great getting the first win especially since fans are allowed to cheer again it was an amazing feeling and I can’t wait for the rest of the tournament.”
Were you nervous at all going into the match being it was your Champion Carnival Tournament debut?
“It was a feel of good nerves because it started in Korakuen Hall which is probably my favorite venue of all time. So much history there.”
You’re next singles opponent for Champion Carnival 2023 will be on April 15th and is against Yuma Aoyagi. Aoyagi was victorious against Kento Miyahara on night 1. Your thoughts on that match.
“I have had Aoyagi in my sights for quite sometime. I was able to work him in the tag league but this time will be a lot different due to it being one on one and the fact he was last year’s champion I will probably pull some new and old stuff I haven’t used in a while out on him.”
Is there an opponent that worries you the most in Champion Carnival 2023?
“That’s a hard answer because they were all picked for this tournament for a reason. So everyone brings something a little different to the table that could beat anyone on any given day. So there’s still a lot of studying to be done.”
Cyrus is scheduled for the April 10th Champion Carnival 2023 event in tag team action. His next tournament match with be on April 15th against last years Champion Carnival winner Yuma Aoyagi.
