Earlier this month Ring of Honor crowned its first Women of Honor Champion. Sumie Sakai beat the odds to become the inaugural winner. ROH sat down with Sumie to give fans more insight about her in a feature titled, “10 Questions with…Sumie Sakai.”
On how she became interested in pro-wrestling: “I didn’t know America had pro wrestling. I was not a pro wrestling fan. Once I began wrestling I grew to love it. One day my senpai (mentor) Lioness Asuka told me that she could tell I love pro wrestling. It was very true when she said that to me. I got many chances to wrestle with so many famous wrestlers. I was so happy that I made a goal to challenge for Lioness Asuka’s title. I won a very tough two-day tournament. Then I got the chance to challenge her at the Korakuen Hall main event. But I had broken my leg before the big day. I was so sad I thought I would quit pro wrestling. Around that time my friend showed me a videotape of the Dudley Boyz versus Hardy Boyz versus Edge and Christian ladder match. After seeing that match I really wanted to try going to America to study pro wrestling. I went to Killer Kowalski’s school to begin training American style.”
On becoming the WOH Champion: “I’ve always had to fight for everything in my personal life. I never gave up in life and I knew I couldn’t give up in the tournament. Winning the tournament and becoming the first champion made me forget all of the hardships and obstacles in my life up until now. I proved to myself and everyone that I can overcome any challenge.”
On her post win celebration: “I had a plan to go see my friend Sammy, who is fighting Stage 4 cancer. She finished her last chemo so I wanted to show her my title belt as a surprise to celebrate together. But she was very sick that day so I celebrate with her this week.”
On her message to the fans: “When I won the tournament I wanted it to be a victory for everyone. I want to make Women Of Honor the best women’s wrestling in the world. So many great wrestlers came to be part of this tournament, including Tenille Dashwood and the women of Stardom. I want to see Women Of Honor continue to grow and become better every day so that more women will come here to compete to be the best in the world.”
She also discusses which television shows helped her learn English, her favorite American candies, what other career path she’d choose, and more. Go here for the full interview.
What do you think of this interview? Who should be her first challenger for the title? Sound off in the comments below.
