Satoshi Kojima is known for his cozy lariat, but it was a man who threw the lariat with more force than anyone who approved Kojima's version.
Speaking to NJPW, Kojima was asked which legendary wrestler would be a dream match for him. Kojima quickly had an answer.
"Stan Hansen. Gotta be. When I was in New Japan, he was in All Japan, so our paths never got to cross. I’d love to have wrestled him while he was running wild," he said.
When asked if it was correct that Hansen taught Kojima the lariat, Kojima replied, "That’s right! It was in 2002, after he retired. I was wrestling in the US and had the chance to meet him at the venue, and he taught me his lariat then. The impact is important, but there’s a psychology to it as well. What he taught me really changed the way I thought about my lariats. To be honest at first, I was just using those lariats left and right, but he taught me to protect that move, and only use it when everyone knew the end was near. I changed my form as well, really overhauled that move. I owe a lot to that session with Hansen."
Fans can catch Kojima in action on IMPACT Wrestling and NJPW as he is one of the handful of wrestlers who have stepped through the forbidden door.
Fightful provides live coverage of IMPACT Wrestling every Thursday beginning at 8 p.m. ET.
