6. Working In Japan
A discussion of Joe's appreciation of MMA-infused maneuvers being used in pro wrestling to create a hybrid style that he advocates seeing more of leads into a question about his time wrestling in Japan. His career in the land of the rising sun began working for Shinya Hashimoto's Zero1 promotion - Jericho points out the similarities between the Japanese star and Joe - who he says was a huge influence on him, calling him "the Japanese Elvis". His only other stint in Japan came wrestling for NOAH which came during his tenure with TNA. The two then move on to talking about Joe's classics with Kenta Kobashi, and he says that the Japanese guys never expected to receive such a warm welcome from the American fans. He jokes that he expected to have to pull out hokey tactics like throwing salt and green mist, but soon realized he could work his usual style. Joe says that he was easy to work with because putting together a match with the Japanese stars is not a terribly involved process and as long as there's trust there it's a breeze.