Kobashi, who had undergone surgery, was safely discharged from the hospital. However, the battle to return to the pro-wrestling stage was only just beginning.
The attending doctor was always against my return to wrestling...
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On June 24, 2006, I was diagnosed with kidney cancer. I might not be able to wrestle again. In that moment, I genuinely thought that. At the time, I had hoped to participate in Yoshikazu Taru’s comeback match after his stroke (on July 17). However, when I was told, “The cancer cells might rupture and spread throughout your body,” I had no choice but to give up.
More important than wrestling was whether I could continue to live. When I reported this to my wife (Mayuko-san), she burst into tears — something I talked about yesterday. For our generation, cancer meant death. Overcoming that impression through effort ultimately deepened our bond.
On June 29, Misawa-san announced the “suspicion of a kidney tumor.” The result of the pathological test confirmed it was cancer. On July 3, I was admitted to Yokohama City University Hospital. My attending doctor was still Dr. Noboru Nakaikawa. On the night before the surgery, he said this:
“This surgery is not to bring pro-wrestler Kenta Kobashi back to the ring, but to ensure that Mr. Kobashi can continue to live.”
At that moment, I once threw away the idea of returning to wrestling and decided to face cancer. In any case, the first thing was to survive—.
Through laparoscopic surgery, my right kidney was removed. To this day, there had been no case of an athlete returning successfully with just one kidney. After being discharged, an indescribable sense of fatigue enveloped my body. My diet was also strictly restricted, and I couldn’t take in the protein needed to build muscle. I had always thought about wrestling 24 hours a day, but now, I didn’t even feel like going to the dojo. When I looked at myself in the bathroom mirror, the body I saw looked like someone completely different. I began to think negatively.
Even so, I pushed myself and went to the dojo. In August, the closed Ariake Dojo exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in temperature. Lying spread-eagle on the wrestling ring, I took a deep breath. At that time, I strongly felt, “Without a doubt, the place I will return to is here.”
The fight had restarted. At the Budokan event on December 10, I stood in front of the fans again for the first time in six months and promised: “I will definitely return to this ring!” Perhaps because of the long-awaited “Kobashi cheers,” my liver function numbers also returned to normal. Around this time, even Dr. Nakaikawa, who had been against my return, gave me positive encouragement for the first time.
In December 2007, at his comeback match at Nippon Budokan, Kobashi received a passionate ovation.
I underwent cleaning surgery on both knees and officially began preparations for a comeback. While constantly checking my liver function values, I gradually regained my physical condition through blood flow restriction training and dietary therapy. The biggest problem was that I was too enthusiastic and easily overtrained...
Then, the decision for my comeback match was made. On December 2, 2007, at Nippon Budokan, I teamed up with Takayama to face Misawa-san and Akiyama. At first, I only intended to wrestle that one match, but gradually, that thought turned into a desire of “I want to continue wrestling.” Then, in my comeback match after 546 days, the loud cheers from that day still remain unforgettable.
I did not survive because I defeated cancer. I came back to fight. That belief was firm in my heart. However, after that match, I concluded the press conference with the words, “I will continue to live as a pro-wrestler.” The battle with cancer was not over. But the fact that I was able to carry that promise all the way to my retirement match — I am proud of that.
The unstoppable “Machine Gun Chops” until the final retirement match
Though I made my comeback from kidney cancer, I continued to be plagued by injuries. In September 2008 (delayed ulnar nerve palsy in my right arm, etc.), and December 2009 (cubital tunnel syndrome in the right elbow, etc.), I had surgeries twice, and was absent for long periods each time. I had lost all sensation in my right arm. I was told, “Please stop using the machine gun chops,” but it was a move beloved by local fans who could only see me once a year. I replied, “I cannot stop,” and continued using it until retirement.
I can no longer remember how many surgeries I’ve had. The last one was in July of last year. I underwent neck surgery, used pelvic bone for grafting, and reinforced it with ceramic, but that part of the pelvis fractured. I could no longer do Kenta Kobashi’s wrestling. Thus, I decided to retire. I don’t want to say too much about the retirement event (held on May 11 at Nippon Budokan). I am truly grateful to everyone who crossed boundaries to participate. I received courage from the fans. I gave everything I had. I no longer have any regrets.
A new life has begun. On September 28, a retirement commemorative party was held at the Imperial Hotel. Here, I want to once again express my thanks to everyone who has ever taken care of me. Of course, I will continue to support the pro-wrestling world within my capacity. I want to attend as many major events as possible, such as New Japan, All Japan, and NOAH, and also want to carefully observe Sasaki’s team (Diamond Ring), Big Japan Pro Wrestling, DDT, Michinoku Pro Wrestling, and others.
At the retirement event, boundaries were broken, and many wrestlers gathered together (May 2013, Nippon Budokan).
Through this kind of exchange and expansion, I hope to organize “Kenta Kobashi-produced matches.” Through these matches, I want to show the major promotions that “there are this many talented wrestlers in the independent scene,” and provide similar opportunities. I’m thinking about such things now.
If I were to say a few words to the younger generation now… In NOAH, KENTA is working hard to become champion. He sticks to his own style, and most understands the phrase “learning from the past.” In order to move forward, we must study the old ways. KENTA understands this, and that’s why his will is strong.
The second chapter of Kenta Kobashi’s life has begun.
Marufuji might have a hard time serving as vice president, but as long as he retains that unique “inspiration,” there shouldn’t be a problem. No matter who the opponent is, he always manages to create an interesting match. I hope his unique “wrestling intelligence” will live on forever.
And then there’s BURNING. I watched the match at Tokyo Dome in March and found that Jun (Akiyama)’s match most excited the live audience. After that, the turmoil of the split may have made things difficult, but since he decided to stay, he should become the figure who protects All Japan’s banner. I hope he will not think about his limits, but push forward with all his might toward the top.
I am searching for a brand new youth. Though I’ve let go of wholeheartedly pursuing pro wrestling, I hope to find another thing I can devote myself to. Perhaps it will take some time to find it. I hope the fans will continue to watch over me and keep Kenta Kobashi the wrestler in their hearts — that would make me truly happy. I am sincerely thankful to everyone. Please look forward to the journey ahead. (To be continued)