Alex Shelley: Well, to be completely honest, the only reason I was slotted into the main event was because Super Crazy couldn't make it. Originally, I was scheduled to team with CW Anderson against Hidaka and Fujita. I was pretty nervous for a couple reasons. One being that Japan is where I wanted to be, so I knew I had to do well. And two being that I was the first, and thus far, only wrestler Spanky had gone to bat for to get into the company; along with Steve Corino backing his word. I didn't want to let those guys down or tarnish Spanky's good word.

On the other hand, I was real excited to wrestle Dick Togo, a guy I've watched since I was in junior high school, and Sonjay, one of my best friends in the business. Nevermind the fact I'm scared of heights.

Z1: Since starting in ZERO1-MAX you've had some amazing battles with current International Junior Champ, Ikuto Hidaka, including scoring a big win over him in the "World-1" Junior tournament but not being able to capture the Jr. title itself later on during the "Fire Festival." What are your thoughts on these matches and Ikuto Hidaka in general?

Alex Shelley: I've said it for awhile now, but Ikuto Hidaka is my favorite opponent. I get better each time I wrestle him, and more importantly, I learn new techniques. He's a lot like me in the sense he knows some lucha, some British style, Battlarts style, and Japanese style. I've wrestled a fair amount of guys out there, and I'd say Ikuto Hidaka is definitely one of the best. We've developed quite the rivalry since I've arrived in ZERO1-MAX and exchanged wins and losses. He brings out the best in me ring-wise, and I'd like to think he feels the same way about me. SHAWN CAPTURE!

Z1: What about other "Tenka-Ichi" Jr. Tournament opponents like Takehiro Murahama, PSYCHO and Osamu Namiguchi?

Alex Shelley: Murahama is an incredible fighter. His precision on kicks is incredibly sharp. PSYCHO I feel will end up being one of the top fliers in the world, and I really want the chance to wrestle him again. Namiguchi reminds me a lot of Shinjiro Otani from 10 years ago. He's going to be a major player, I think. He's another person I have very good in ring chemistry with.

Z1: During the "Fire Festival", you tagged with the "Debt King" Tadao Yasuda in what many saw as an unlikely teaming. What was that like?

Alex Shelley: It was great until he elbow dropped me. Yasuda is a VERY large man.

Z1: Coming up in September for ZERO1-MAX you have some big matches lined up. Once more you'll fight for the NWA International Lightweight tag titles held by Ikuto Hidaka and Minoru Fujita. You've fought for these titles before alongside Spanky, this time it's with Sonjay Dutt. You'll also be facing Sonjay for the ZERO1-MAX US openweight title. Do you think you'll be leaving Japan with some gold?

Alex Shelley: I'd say there's a good chance I'll be able to win SOMETHING this upcoming tour. Now that my once future tag partner Spanky is headed back to the WWE, Sonjay and I are kinda similar to how Low Ki and Spanky were a couple years ago. And we all know they managed to snag the straps too.

Let's hope the "Playa from the Himalayas" and I can do the same. Even if we don't, I've beaten Sonjay, he's beaten me, the Z1 US openweight title is up in the air. Hopefully, the end result will be a great match for the Korauken Hall fans, and another step in establishing the very strong ZERO1-MAX jrs. division.

Z1: What opponents would you like to face in ZERO1-MAX that you haven't had the chance to yet?

Alex Shelley: I've been fortunate enough to wrestle most everyone on the roster. Off the top of my head, I can't think of anyone I have yet to wrestle in some sort of tag match or six man. I don't think I've got to wrestle Takaiwa yet, or Omori, who I both have lots of respect for. I'd also like a singles match with Yoshihito Sasaki. I've not locked up with Kohei Sato or Ryouji Sai, but then again, they're heavyweights, as is Omori.

Z1: What do you do to pass the time between shows, do you check out the sights or mostly keep to the room and the internet cafes?

Alex Shelley: I try to mix both. It's hard checking sights out, seeing as I don't know the language. I do LOVE wandering the streets and looking at girls though, and trying to figure different things out. It also depends on who's willing to go out. Spanky was an adventurer, so we would wander about. Sonjay and Corino usually are up for exploring, but not to the extent of Spanky. Bambikiller and Jason The Legend were real adventurous too. I think this next tour being centered around Tokyo, with Hardkore Kidd, Bambi, and Sonjay, there's gonna be a lot of exploring. I hope, at least. Besides that, I do like going to the dojo to train in the downtime, and I always bring tons of DVDs.

Z1: What are your thoughts on Japan and the Japanese wrestling fans? Were they familiar with your work in America before you got there?

Alex Shelley: I adore Japan. I love it. Lots of guys get sick of it, but I love going over there, and it's where I grow as a wrestler. To me, the best wrestlers are in Japan. The Japanese fans are the best fans in the world. It may sound cliche, but they treat you the best, and have the most respect for what you do. Some were familiar with me prior to ZERO1-MAX, as I worked for the smaller Wrestle-Aid Project company that's since closed. I was lucky to have been added to the ZERO1-MAX roster, and I'm very grateful to have been accepted the way I have.

Z1: Any final words for the fans of ZERO1-MAX?

Alex Shelley: Keep supporting the company. The matches in the past 8 months since ZERO1-MAX started are as good as those in any other major Japanese company. I'll wager that much. Adios!

Visit Alex Shelley's website at www.alexshelleyonline.com

He did add that if he fails to defend his title against Nakajima tomorrow in Hiroshima he will be extremely disappointed in himself and his victory will lose all meaning to him. He said he wants to move on to the next goal in his career and does not want to take a step backwards.

Today in Ehime, Japan, things didn't get off to a great start as in a 6-man tag teamed with Yoshihito Sasaki and Filoso (who he beat for the WWA belt), Namiguchi lost once again to Nakajima when he was pinned by his German suplex hold. The show drew a massive crowd, some of who had to be turned away after reaching maximum capacity at the Saijo City gym. The card was Main-Evented by Team EMBLEM against Kensuke Sasaki and Takaiwa. Tadao Yasuda also returned.