WRESTLING: One-on-one with Osamu Nishimura

By Shannon Rose eWrestling.com Columnist

He is a true living legend of the world of professional wrestling. Osamu Nishimura has been a top name in the Japanese wrestling scene for many years. Recently the star from the Rising Sun journeyed to the States. I had the chance to catch up to him for this exclusive interview. Please be aware that Mr.Nishimura's English speaking skills are limited. Also be on the lookout for a surprise visit from a "Desperado!"

Shannon Rose: I'm now joined with Osamu Nishimura. How are you doing Osamu?

Osamu Nishimura: Pretty good.

Shannon: What promotions have you been working for?

Osamu: Right now I'm working for New Japan. 1993-1994, I was in Florida. I used to work for CWA, which is a German company.

Shannon: Otto Wantz?

Osamu: Yes. Other times and most of the time I've worked for New Japan.

Shannon: Did you go through the dojo with the young boys and train?

Osamu: Yes. I used to stay there. 3 1/2 years. Everyday like 1000 squats, 1000 push ups.

Shannon: It's very strict right? I heard when the Road Warriors go there, they have a good place to stay, but the young boys with no names have to sleep on the floor?

Osamu: Yes.

Shannon: What do they do in training and how do they train you?

Osamu: Everybody must stay in the dojo. Everyday they have to wake up. It's like an army or navy. They clean the dojo. From 10:00 to 2:00, sometimes 5:00 they do nothing but take lessons Squats, push ups, sit ups, and taking bumps.

Shannon: Is it true that you had cancer at one point?

Osamu: Yes. Cancer. I had cancer, but not stomach cancer. It was just in the stomach. 2 years ago in the summer of 98. I took time off from New Japan. I had treatment all over the world. India, United States, North Korea, Germany, Taiwan, and Japan.

Shannon: What kind of treatments did you go through?

Osamu: Everything and anything. I took several medications.

{Joe Gomez arrives. Says hello.}

Shannon: Its Joe Gomez talking to us here.

Joe Gomez: Good to see you. How you doing Shannon? Good to see you my friend.

Shannon: Nice to see you.

{Gomez says goodbye and leaves.}

Shannon: We had a run in. {laughs}. Are you doing okay now?

Osamu: Yeah. We check up every 3 months. Cat scan, blood check, and x-rays.

Shannon: Is it stable?

Osamu: Yeah. I hope so. I don't know. Nobody knows.

Shannon: Did Antonio Inoki call you when you were sick?

Osamu: I think he did.

Shannon: So where are you wrestling now?

Osamu: New Japan, but that's all.

Shannon: New Japan's against All Japan now?

Osamu: Yes. Definitelyl it's starting. I didn't work a September show. I was in Florida in September.

Shannon: Thank you Osamu for the interview.

Special thanks to "The IKON" Brian Thompson for transcribing this interview. Catch me next Monday for another View from Ringside.

Can you take the heat?

Shannon Rose is the ring announcer for IPW Hardcore Wrestling. He has worked in the wrestling business for over 14 years and has interviewed everyone from "The Rock" to RVD. Rose also has wrestled WWF announcer Kevin Kelly in his pre-WWF days. Article courtesy of eWrestling.com