A mini doc about Wato’s comeback.
There’s a 40-plus minute video on New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s YouTube channel which documents Master Wato’s comeback from the torn ACL injury he suffered in January.
In the video piece, Wato’s mother, brother, elementary and high school teachers and friends were interviewed. Also interviewed for the mini doc was the doctor who performed his surgery. Wato spoke about the moment when he suffered the injury. It occurred when he performed a springboard clothesline.
When it happened, I felt something wasn’t right. The second I got to the back, I really felt it. I couldn’t stand. Went to the hospital and was diagnosed with the torn ACL. I was crushed. Apart from my left knee, I felt fine, but I couldn’t move. For two, three months, I was so depressed. I didn’t want to meet anyone; wrestlers, even people who live in my apartment block. I didn’t want to talk to them either. I hated not being able to do anything. If a wrestler can’t fight in the ring, he can’t do anything. That’s how I felt… Yeah, I think so (I lost a part of myself).
In October, Wato made his return to the promotion at King of Pro-Wrestling. He signed off from the documentary after giving the following comments immediately after his return:
Being in that ring after nine months was amazing. The support from the fans, being right there at the center of attention feels incredible. I did (hear them say ‘welcome back’). But I had to focus on what I was there for. So I’m glad I didn’t trip on my tongue. I’ve experienced this injury and comeback now, and it’s given me a path forward. I have my own goals to head toward. For now, what I want is to be IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. I think that the IWGP Junior Title should be with Hontai, and if I’m to fire up the junior heavyweight wrestling scene, I need to have that belt around my waist. This generation will create the future of NJPW junior heavyweights. Leave it all to me.
Wato is now back in the fold of NJPW. The 27-year-old unsuccessfully challenged DOUKI for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship at Power Struggle.
He was last in action at the New Japan Road show on November 9th.
If the quotes in this article are used, please credit the original source with an H/T to POST Wrestling for the transcriptions.
