NJPW star Francesco Akira has impressed the world as part of United Empire along with leader Will Ospreay, Aussie Open, Jeff Cobb, Great-O-Khan, TJP, Aaron Henare and Gideon Grey. At just 22 years old, he has already had seven years of his experience under his belt and has wrestled in both his native Italy and Japan.
Akira revealed why he chose to join United Empire and his relationship with Will Ospreay with Wrestling Republic’s Eric Novak on the All Real Wrestling Podcast.
“The biggest reason was Ospreay, himself. He used to help me a lot when I was (in) All Japan, when I had no one and I was the only foreigner. He used to train and mentor me. When United Empire formed, I saw something that I hadn’t seen before. It’s a cool stable – but other than that, everyone is there for each other. It’s a real group, and when TJP joined I knew I was going to tag with TJ. For me it was the best choice I made.”
Akira opened up about what it’s been like for him to be the first Italian born wrestler to be under contract with NJPW.
“I love New Japan Pro Wrestling. I want to be the first Italian wrestler to ever be contracted, who started in Italy and trained in Italy. I like the idea of the contract – especially with New Japan. There’s no other place I want to go.”
Akira also gave an update on his current contract status with All Japan Pro Wrestling and his relationship with the company.
“I never had a contract with All Japan, not even for a tour. As much as I’m grateful for that time, I wanted to take the next step in my career. It’s not like I left All Japan for New Japan. I left All Japan and went to Europe. I had no idea what was next, so I wrestled for the biggest company in Europe. Then a few months later New Japan reached out. That was why I chose to join New Japan. It was always my top goal. That’s why I joined there.”
Watch the full interview below:
Photo Credit: New Japan Pro Wrestling
