quote:

First of all, I would like to thank all of you for your support.

It's a difficult day. I feel like I lost my life. I have sacrificed everything for this mask. The mask has always been my rock. Whenever I had a hard time, the mask helped me overcome it. It gave me courage. It was this mask that opened the door to Japan for me. As long as I had the mask, I could believe that I could do anything.

When I was 7 or 8 years old, my father lost a match against another luchador, and called me into the ring and said, "Son, take off my mask." I was frustrated, angry, and sad.

I felt the same way as I did then.

I didn't want to take off my mask. I didn't even know how to take it off. I don't know how to explain it. It was a painful moment for me. But I am a man, and a man must do what he says. I put everything on the line. I ended a life.

To all of you who expected me to win, to all of you who believed in me, I am sorry I could not protect my mask. And thank you so much for your unconditional support. I don't even know how to respond to your voices...

And to Ultimo Dragon. Thank you so much for being there at the most important moment. I respect you and admire you. You are my mentor and a true father figure.

I don't know what happens next.