Kairi Sane did an interview with NBC Sports recently after defeating Shayna Baszler to win the Mae Young Classic earlier this week. Kairi discussed her elbow drop finisher, her Mae Young Classic win, the difference between American and Japanese crowds and more. Here are a few highlights from the interview:
On her elbow drop finisher:
“I’ve been doing this for about six years now and at first the diving elbow drop did not work. I got injured and it wasn’t my finisher at first, but the move was important to me. I wanted to win using my elbow, so now it has become my form. It’s my favorite thing to do when I perform.”
Her reaction on winning the first-ever Mae Young Classic:
“I was very proud of myself to be there as one of the finalists. It was surprising that I made it so far. I felt nervous, but it was such a happy day for me.”
Differences between working in front of an American audience as opposed to a Japanese audience:
“I have to say American fans make me happier. I love their reactions. It’s very exciting and fun. It’s as if they’re fighting together with me.”
You can check out the full interview on NBC Sports here.
