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ZACK Sabre Jr has long been a standard bearer for British wrestling in far-flung corners of the globe.
His technical prowess and guaranteed bigtime performances have put him in high demand on the independent scene for some time.
This is particularly the case in Japan, where he first toured in 2011.
In the past fortnight he has put on four superb wrestling matches to win the New Japan Cup, one of the most prestigious singles tournaments on the planet.
As a previous BOLA winner Zack, from Kent, took the spoils with a fantastic performance yesterday morning over Hiroshi Tanahashi – becoming the latest Brit to claim a big prize in Japan.
Add that to dominant submission wins over Tetsuya Naito, Kota Ibushi and Saiya Sanada and it has been a week to remember for the former WWE Cruiserweight Classic competitor. only plus FREE p&p Imagine drifting off to sleep to the sound of waves lapping gently on the shore. Or dozing to the soft pitter-patter of raindrops on the roof. Well those are just two of the options this relaxing sound simulator offers. Others include bird song, woodland sounds, heartbeat, white noise and a babbling brook. All can have a calming, relaxing, unwinding effect after the noise and racket of the working day. In addition, a number of people claim that these familiar natural sounds help with insomnia and can even disguise (and make more bearable) the irritating ‘ringing in the ears’ caused by tinnitus. With a choice of seven sound effects, a volume control and a 30-minute timer, the Naturecare Sounds Machine has an integral speaker and uses 4 AA batteries or mains-powered via an adaptor sold separately. Measures H11.5xDia.11cm.
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“Not bad for my first entry!” quipped Zack.
“I think the depth and quality of wrestlers around the world has probably never been this high.
“New Japan creates an environment which allows everyone to excel. Everyone is working together, as corny as that sounds.”
The fortnight has seen a more brazen side to his character than we are accustomed to – a mat master at the peak of his powers and not afraid to tell everyone as much in language we can’t use in a family newspaper!
“It’s a good representation of the cheekier side of my personality. I don’t talk to my mum like that!” Zack laughs.
“The format of the interviews – exactly how it is in professional sport – allows a better environment to convey what you want to get across.
“I think I’m having the most fun I’ve ever had in my career.”
Zack is adamant that the dojo system – where young wrestlers are brought through from acorns to mighty oaks over a number of years from the bottom rung up – creates a unique affinity between the company and their crew. And they reap the rewards in the ring.
He adds: “They have patience. A lot of the success has to be credited to the dojo system, the young guys starting from the bottom. Seeing that progression allows them to build a relationship with the wrestler as they can see the journey and the struggle.
“The booking has so many layers to it – everything is done for a reason.
“You can see that everyone has input on how they want to be presented.
“The Japanese wrestlers are similar characters in and out of the ring.
“Japanese wrestling always seemed sincere to me which is why I was drawn to it from a young age.”
As for the remainder of 2018, Zack says he is loving life in the Land of the Rising Sun and is hoping to train, teach in Europe and help grow wrestling’s popularity across the globe by showcasing his mastery of the craft.
“I’ve wanted to work for New Japan for my whole career, so it’s been rewarding – having had such a good year last year,” he says. “I’m pleased that I’m not going backwards.” An understatement of global proportions!
NEW Japan Pro Wrestling has a streaming service online with a raft of high-quality wrestling for fans to enjoy with full English commentary. Check it out at njpwworld.com