Female professional wrestler Megaton

Meeting people can change your life

Female professional wrestler Megaton
 
■ Profile
After appearing mainly in TV dramas and stage plays under the name "Todoroki Moyoko," she made her professional wrestling debut on January 3, 2025 under the name "Megaton." Although she gained immense popularity as an "impressionist wrestler" and a "healing heel," she has yet to win a match on her own. Her catchphrase is "Grrr!"

■What did you focus on during your student days?

I'd like to say that I was just as rebellious as I looked, but in my student days I focused on communicating with people. In university, I had a hard time writing reports, so I would talk to my professors and get their advice, and I also made full use of the technique I'd picked up in high school - making friends with kids who had good grades and asking them for help with their studies. I was able to write my reports with the help of those around me.

 
■What made you become a professional wrestler?

I was scouted... No way. When I was working as an actor, an acquaintance invited me to join "Actwres Girls," a group of actors and voice actors who would perform plays incorporating professional wrestling. I loved professional wrestling, so I decided to give it a try. I got more and more absorbed in it. But the turning point was when Fuka, who was the producer at the time, moved to Marigold. I wanted to go along with her, so I made the biggest decision of my life and came to Marigold.

■What were some of the difficulties you faced?

It's overwhelmingly practice! Before the pro test, we were filming to check our movements, but the practice was so tough that before I knew it, my legs wouldn't move and I was crying. But those experiences of being pushed to the limit made me stronger. Megaton, who will be heading down the path of villainy from now on, has no weaknesses!

■What is the appeal of professional wrestling?

I like the fact that I can go wild and let loose... just kidding, with theatre you can find out what the audience thinks after the show by reading their questionnaires, but with pro wrestling you can hear the voices of the audience throughout the match. You can feel the heat all the time. It's especially great when the three-count is made and everyone cheers "One, two, three" in unison as the referee counts. I get so happy with the cheers that when they call "Megaton" I respond with "Grrr!" to every one (laughs). Being able to interact with the audience is one of the attractions! And, right now, I just can't help but enjoy every day. Pro wrestling has the power to change lives. That's it!

■What are the points to look out for in the next game?

It's all there! ...I'd like to say, but the Korakuen Hall event on February 20th. No matter who I'm up against, I'll crush them with that bang, but on this day I'll show you something even better. "You never know what they're going to do" and "You can't be disqualified if you're within the five count" - I'll show you the true joy of professional wrestling. Students can watch for 1000 yen, so come and experience the megaton at the venue.

■What are your future goals?

I may sound like I'm big, but the truth is, I've never won a match on my own. To be honest, right after my debut, the president told me that I'd occasionally take part in matches with a large number of people. Then, I was suddenly set up in a singles match with the singles champion, Utami Hayashishita, and I was so surprised that my heart almost jumped out of my chest. I'm grateful for this challenge, as a celebration from the president for my debut, and I need to do my best to get good results. I'm fired up.
So, my first goal is to win on my own. Marigold has a wrestler named Aono Miku, who is a star with a strong presence even when he's silent, like the Reiwa era's Jumbo Tsuruta. As a heel, I'm not really a real wrestler unless I can make the top babyfaces cry, right? My opponent for my first win will definitely be Aono Miku!

■Message to university students

When I was in college, everyone worried about all sorts of things, and I was too. But looking back, most of it wasn't a big deal. I'm not saying you shouldn't worry, but don't overthink it. The important thing is to make the effort to meet and talk with lots of people. Connections with people create new worlds and opportunities. Be kind and honest to people, and don't try to cover it up with a smile, just get through it with a smile.
Now that we live in an age where the internet and social media are mainstream, the key to growth is to deliberately meet and talk face-to-face. Start with people your own age who are easy to talk to, then keep your eyes open and talk to people a little older. This may help broaden your perspective. Older people have experience and knowledge, so don't overthink it and just ask for their help. Grrr!

Interviewed by Student Newspaper Online on June 4, 2024 by Yurie Watanabe, second-year student at Josai International University