Indie star Seri Yamaoka spoke with Fightful’s Scott Edwards on a number of topics, including her upcoming pro wrestling debut at Marigold’s First Dream.
Yamaoka said, “I’m a little worried about whether I can live up to expectations, but I want to make my debut the best it can be, so I’m going to do what I can now, outside of practice, to improve my stamina and do lots of self-training before my debut.”
On facing MIRAI at the show:
“No matter how much it is my debut match, I don’t want to think about losing. I will go into the match with a strong will and only one thought in mind: winning.”
On learning from Nanae Takahashi:
“I had great muscle strength thanks to amateur wrestling, but it took me a while to be able to do breakfalls, pro wrestling techniques, and use my voice when doing forearms, or other techniques. I was frustrated with myself for not being able to do them, and there were times when I felt like I wasn’t going to make it. At times like those, Nanae Takahashi-san gave me a lot of advice and encouraged me. I want to have the same guts as Nanae-san. That’s what I want!”
On why she wanted to start her career with Marigold:
“Because I liked the atmosphere at Marigold. I felt that it was very important, that the atmosphere there felt right to me.”
On the pressure of her debut being hyped up:
“I do feel pressure! But I want to overcome that pressure, and that’s the kind of determination I’ve had in mind since I decided to become a professional wrestler.”
On her goals for her first year:
“Aiming for the top, doing my best without any injuries. That is what 2025 will be all about.”
On who she would like to face in Marigold::
“I would like to fight against Victoria Yuzuki, Nanae Takahashi, and Utami Hayashishita.”
