With the ‘BEST OF THE SUPER Jr.33’ tournament about to kick off, New Japan Pro Wrestling caught up with Robbie X, the “Unbound Co.” member making his second entry this year. The interview, conducted by NJPW, dives into his preparation, thoughts on the current junior heavyweight scene, and his strategy for the tournament.
Preparation and Diet
When asked about his readiness, Robbie revealed he’s been practicing intermittent fasting. “I go 20 hours without eating, just hydrating. It’s tough but it clears the mind,” he said. Unlike last year when he was a late replacement for BUSHI, he now has ample time to prepare fully.
The Junior Heavyweight Evolution
Reflecting on the changing style of junior heavyweight wrestling, Robbie noted that the fast-paced, high-flying matches of 2016, like the famous Ricochet vs. Will Ospreay bout, are now missing from the scene. “Some wrestlers didn’t want to copy that style, and some people got tired of it. But I think that’s something missing in today’s junior division,” he explained. He criticized the trend of junior heavyweights adopting a heavyweight style, promising: “My matches will show you—I’m sticking to a junior-specific style and giving it my all in this league.”
Tournament Matchups
Robbie broke down his block opponents, starting with Nick Wayne on May 14. “I actually faced him in his debut match in the UK when he was about 17. He’s special, and I’m excited for this opener.”
On May 16, he faces Francisco Akira, whom he fought in 2021. “We were in the same block last year, and I’ve never beaten him in singles. He came back stronger after being stabbed by Dan Moloney—that fire might work against him if he’s too angry.”
Master Wato on May 17 is a familiar foe. “I faced him last year. He’s grown more aggressive, but he’s not ready for me.”
May 20 brings Fujita Hayato, whom Robbie beat last year. “He won the league but I outperformed him. If he thinks he can repeat, I’ll even break up his team if needed.”
On May 22, he meets hardcore icon Jun Kasai. “I’ve never been hit with a fluorescent light or glass, but if I need to take that to reach the finals, I will. I just want to win.”
Titan on May 24 is a fellow Unbound Co. member. “We’ve fought before in CMLL and Mexico. We can create something special together.”
On May 29, it’s Taguchi, a 22-time SUPER Jr. participant. “I’ve never actually wrestled him in the ring—this will be a learning experience.”
Originally scheduled to face DOUKI, the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, Robbie instead battles Daiki Nagai on June 2 after DOUKI withdrew. “He’s a coward who hides behind House of Torture. Nagai is more deserving to be here—he’s my favorite young lion, always happy and passionate.”
His final block match on June 3 is against Valiente Jr. “I don’t know much about him, but that excites me. I perform best under pressure.”
Finals Prediction
When asked who else he’d like to see in the semifinals, Robbie said: “I’m tired of facing Robbie Eagles, so not him. Jacob Austin Young would be an easy win. But I’d like to see YOH make it—he has a weird character and came close last year. Fujita beat YOH, and I’ve beaten Fujita several times. Things are lining up.”
Title Shot Ambitions
Finally, on the prospect of facing DOUKI for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title after winning the league, Robbie stated: “Fighting DOUKI means fighting House of Torture. He ducked me this time, but he always has a plan to keep the belt. However, I have Unbound Co. behind me, and I’m not alone in wanting to see Unbound Co. rule the division.”
