Manabu Soya: I Consider Tatsumi Fujinami To Be My Father In The World Of Professional Wrestling

By Lewis Carlan Last updated Dec 3, 2023

Back in 2006, Manabu Soya made his pro wrestling debut for Tatsumi Fujinami’s MUGA World Pro Wrestling. Soya became a disciple of Fujinami during his time at MUGA. Six months after his debut for MUGA, Soya made the decision to leave Fujinami’s company and join All Japan Pro Wrestling. Over the years, Manabu Soya has felt he did an injustice to Fujinami for leaving MUGA and joining AJPW. He even had mixed feelings about teaming with Fujinami on December 2nd as the two faced Kenoh and Jinsei Shinzaki.

Soya and Fujinami defeated Kenoh and Jinsei Shinzaki on December 2nd at NOAH the BEST 2023 as Soya forced Kenoh to tap out to the Dragon Sleeper which was a tribute to Fujinami. After the match, Soya tearfully apologized to Fujinami about his past behavior in which Fujinami forgave him.

During the backstage post match comments with Manabu Soya and Tatsumi Fujinami, Soya referred to Fujinami as his father in the world of professional wrestling.

Fujinami-san, thank you very much for today (they shake hands) I’m truly honored to be able to team up with Fujinami-san today. I consider Fujinami-san to be my father in the world of professional wrestling, and I definitely want him to see me again wearing the belt
Manabu Soya

Tatsumi Fujinami responded:

Bowing like that doesn’t suit you. I’ve watched you growing up for a while, so the youth that you were is irrelevant to us, and I’ve given up of all that too. I’ve been looking forward to your growth, so today in the ring I started off by striking you a little, but I was able to put that aside and feel refreshed. Now it’s your turn to test your own strength and wrap that belt tightly around your waist.
Tatsumi Fujinami

Manabu Soya will get a shot at the GHC Heavyweight Championship held by Kenoh on January 2nd 2024 at NOAH “THE NEW YEAR” 2024 event. The event will stream live on Wrestle Universe.

(H/T goes to NOAH’s ARK for the transcription and translation).

You can follow Lewis Carlan on Twitter @ShootingUpNorth

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