In a press conference today, former champion and current Rise producer Erika Kamimura did not hold back regarding her thoughts about the opening fights of the Rise Queen of Queens Tournament. Of the four opening fights, Erika only enjoyed the match between Sasori and Koto Hiaroka, praising Sasori stating that she could see growth in her skills. She then went on to say that she was hoping their fight would be the base level for the rest of the fights, but that was not the case.
Erika once again stated that she was hoping to put together a tournament filled with entertaining matches that would get the audiences’ attention and that lack-luster fights are detrimental to them all. She stated that if the matches in the Semi-Finals and Finals are not entertaining, not only will she not be able to put together larger prizes next year, there will not be a tournament next year. Rise Head Ito confirmed this, stating that he will go forward with the matches in November, but if the quality doesn’t improve, there will not be a tournament next year.
Erika further chastised the two Rise champions in the tournament, Terayama and Momi, stating that before the tournament they told her they would show the strength of Rise champions and that she was hoping that they would. However, after watching the male champions in the co-main and main event, Erika became depressed. She stated that the male champions acted like true champions and that they get it done when they have to. She also stated that many organizations and fans have supported this tournament and that the fighters should remember that.
Erika also reminded them that being a Rise champion is special to her, as she had to win five championships outside of Rise before they created a women’s championship. That she and Rena were champions so the new fighters need to aspire to be a great champion like they were.
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