As you can see from the title, I got the chance to talk to Hip Hop Man. He's an Argentinian wrestling legend and I have an immense amount of respect for all that he's done in his 20+ years of wrestling. His work was definitely my introduction to Argentinian wrestling and I know this is another shorter one, but I hope someone can learn a thing or two from reading this and maybe consider seeking out more from him.
He was super quick to respond to me about this idea and was willing to do it as soon as I wanted, so I am very grateful for that.
My words are in italics. Hip Hop Man's words are in bold.
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I'm a huge fan of yours and I'm in America, but I'm not the only fan you have here. You have a bit of a following here and across the world. Speaking of which, you've been wrestling in Japan for the past few months. You took a similar trip back in 2023, but is there anything different about wrestling there this time? How has the experience been and what does wrestling in Japan mean to you?
Although it was 70 days [this time] and the first time it was 90 days, I fought more this time, 37 matches in total. At times I was very tired, but happy.
Japan is my place in the world. Although I still have to fight in the United States, for now I would live and fight without any problems in Japan.
It's amazing to see how well you've adjusted yourself to a completely different wrestling environment than Mexico; in fact, would you say there's much of a difference between how you wrestle in Mexico compared to Japan. Or even compared to Argentina as well?
The Argentine style is more similar to the Japanese style, so I adapted easily. Of course, the 12 years of fighting in Mexican rings and the pressure that people put on you here help make everything easier in Japan.
Today, the big difference is that in Japan I am happy fighting, but in Mexico I'm not anymore, which is why I fight less.
Also, you are credited with creative for IWRG and several IWRG wrestlers have followed your trip in Japan as well. Given your role in the promotion, do you have a part in deciding which wrestlers travel to Japan and such?
This year, I was able to help Ajolotl, Luka, Yorvak, Radiactivo, Noisy Boy, Spider Fly, Hijo de Dos Caras, and previously Alebrije and Relámpago. I try to help everyone who asks me for help to fulfill their dream of fighting in Japan.
I see. I'm sorry to hear about your love for wrestling in Mexico compared to Japan, but I'm glad you've found a place in Japan where you can be happy with what you're doing. It's even made better by the fact that you're helping these other wrestlers achieve that same happiness.
This is the last thing I'll ask about your time in Japan: Is there anyone you wish to have faced in Japan?
I don't have a rival in Japan, but I would like to fight in New Japan Pro Wrestling at some point.
I also wanted to talk to you about your career as a whole. You've been wrestling for more than 20 years now, and some people have called you the greatest Argentinian wrestler ever. I'm not sure how you feel about that debate, but do you pride yourself on even being considered in such a conversation? How does it make you feel that people consider you a representation of Argentinian wrestling?
I pursue my career to make myself happy. If people consider me the best, I always welcome that compliment, but I'm not looking to be the best. I just want to fulfill my dreams and be happy with what I do.
I think that sounds like a great way to go about wrestling, and I'm glad you seem to be happier even 23 years into your career.
I've taken up some of your time, so I'll only ask a few more questions if that's alright.
You've wrestled in more places than most wrestlers ever will: Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Mexico, Guatamala, Japan, and Qatar. I know we spoke a little about America earlier, but is there any other places you'd want to wrestle that you haven't yet?
I dream of the United States alone. If there were to be any other countries were mentioned, it would be more for the sake of traveling and getting to know the country, but for it to really be a goal [for wrestling], the U.S.
That makes sense, I'm sure there are many fans here (including myself) that would love to see you in America too.
This one is a bit more fun and lighthearted rather than serious: You are called "Hip Hop Man" and Hip Hop has always been a big part of your character and presentation. Do you have a favorite song or artist right now? Is Hip Hop truly your favorite music?
Eminem at the moment, and I watch freestyle competitions in Argentina. But it was just a character they gave me on a television show. In Argentina, I became very famous and would come on stage dancing. When I arrived in Mexico in 2013, it was difficult to start over with a mask or a different name, so I decided to continue with Hip Hop Man, and I still do to this day.
That's a pretty interesting story that I think people over here probably might not know about you and the Hip Hop Man character. Thank you for sharing that. Glad to know there are hip hop artists you do enjoy though.
Lastly, is there anything else you want to share about what you're doing? Any closing thoughts about Hip Hop Man's future and what you want fans to know?
Follow me on social media: danyhiphopman on Instagram and TikTok, Hiphopman Wrestler on Facebook, and my YouTube channel “lucha libre argentina Hiphopman.” (Editor's Note: His twitter/X page is also "@danyhiphopman" for those wondering.)
I hope to visit the United States next year. I'm still trying to get a work visa. I've been trying since 2019, but I don't know if it will happen. Hopefully, I'll be able to go soon and start my retirement from wrestling.
Thank you for your time, I had a lot of fun with this. Hope you get the work visa and continue your great career for as long as you choose to. Thank you so much!
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And that's all! I know it was pretty brief but I thought it was awesome to talk to a wrestler that is as cool both in-and-out of the ring as Hip Hop Man.
Hope you enjoyed reading this! If not, that's alright too. Let me know if you have any thoughts, criticisms, ideas, or whatever in the comments or get in touch with me on my Twitter page.
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