Zack Sabre Jr. Wins Tokyo Sports MVP Award
Zack Sabre Jr. Makes History, Named Tokyo Sports MVP
British wrestling star Zack Sabre Jr. has achieved a monumental feat, becoming only the second non-Japanese wrestler to be named Tokyo Sports MVP. The prestigious award, presented annually by the influential Japanese publication, recognizes outstanding achievement in professional wrestling.
Sabre’s historic win comes after a dominant year in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). He captured the coveted G1 Climax tournament this summer and afterward dethroned Tetsuya Naito to claim the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
“Of all the things I set out to achieve this year, I thought Tokyo Sports MVP was the hardest to attain,” Sabre said. “This is one of the greatest achievements not just of my career but of my life.”
Sabre’s victory marks a meaningful moment for international wrestlers in japan. He follows in the footsteps of Bob Sapp, who was the first non-Japanese wrestler to receive the MVP award in 2022.
The Tokyo Sports awards are highly regarded within the Japanese wrestling community, cementing a wrestler’s legacy.Sabre’s reign as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion will be put to the test at Wrestle Kingdom 19 on January 4th, where he faces Shota Umino in the main event. If Sabre retains the title, he will defend it against Ricochet the following day at Wrestle Dynasty.
Here is a complete list of the 2024 Tokyo Sports Award winners:
MVP: Zack Sabre Jr.
Best Match: Yota Tsuji vs. Hirooki Goto (New Japan Cup final)
Women’s Grand Prize: Sareee
Outstanding Performer: Yuma Anzai
Fighting Spirit Award: Kaito Kiyomiya
Technique Award: Shinya Aoki
Best Tag Team: The Saito brothers (Rei & Jun Saito)
Rookie of the Year: Oleg boltin
A British Invasion: Zack Sabre Jr. Makes History with Tokyo Sports MVP Award
NewsDirectory3.com Exclusive Interview with Zack Sabre Jr.
NewsDirectory3.com: Congratulations on being named Tokyo Sports MVP, Zack, a truly historic achievement! How dose it feel to be only the second non-Japanese wrestler to achieve this honor?
Zack Sabre Jr.: It feels incredible. Honestly, of all the things I set out to achieve this year, I thought Tokyo Sports MVP was the hardest to attain. This is one of the greatest achievements not just of my career but of my life.
NewsDirectory3.com: You’ve had an incredibly dominant year in NJPW, capturing the G1 climax and dethroning Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP world Heavyweight Championship. Did you feel this MVP was a culmination of all that hard work?
Zack Sabre Jr.: Absolutely. It feels like everything I’ve been working towards for years is finally coming together. This win is a testament to the dedication and support of my fans, my colleagues, and my family.
NewsDirectory3.com:
Your win is also meaningful for international wrestlers in Japan. What message do you think it sends to aspiring talents around the world?
Zack Sabre Jr.: I hope it shows them that anything is absolutely possible. if a grappler from England can achieve this, anyone can. It’s a message of hard work, perseverance, and believing in your dreams.
NewsDirectory3.com:
With Wrestle Kingdom 19 approaching, you’ll be defending your IWGP World Heavyweight championship against Shota Umino. How are you feeling going into that match, and what does it mean to you to hold the belt as Tokyo Sports MVP?
zack Sabre jr.: I’m feeling confident. I know Shota is a tough competitor, but I’m ready for the challenge.Holding this title as Tokyo Sports MVP adds another layer of importance to the match. It’s a reminder of the responsibility that comes with wearing the belt and representing the best in professional wrestling.