Zack Sabre Jr.: Supporting Ryohei Oiwa’s Growth Has Become A Personal Project For Me
Sabre Jr. is invested in his stablemate’s growth.
As 2025 comes to a close and New Japan Pro-Wrestling is gearing up for Wrestle Kingdom 20, members of the talent roster are making the media rounds to promote the Tokyo Dome show.
Zack Sabre Jr. was interviewed by Rolling Stone Japan, and along the way, he was asked about his 2026 goals. He went on to speak about the growth of his T.M.D.K. stablemate Ryohei Oiwa and stated that supporting Oiwa has become a personal project for him.
“I started this year as the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and ended it by winning the World Tag League 2025. I never intended to go for the tag team belts, so this is also a new challenge for me. Tag matches are unique to professional wrestling and are rarely found in other martial arts or sports. I’ve focused on singles matches throughout my career, but there’s still room for growth and learning in tag team wrestling. As for my relationship with my tag partner, Ryohei Oiwa, I believe he will become a great star in the future, so supporting his growth has become a personal project for me.
Lately, I’ve been feeling really happy when I can witness someone’s growth with my own eyes. It’s like watching a child grow up—though I don’t want to say that. I’m not that old (laughs).”
Oiwa and Sabre Jr. won the 2025 World Tag League tournament, but they are getting their IWGP Tag Team Title match at New Year Dash, which is the day after Wrestle Kingdom 20.
At Wrestle Kingdom 20, T.M.D.K. (Hartley Jackson, Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa) will be competing in a Tornado Ranbo match for the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship.
