This is the second part of the new journalism interview series Talking New Japan With The Townsend Duo, where journalist Walter Yeates interviews Jonathan and Raleigh Townsend. You can find the series listed at the bottom of the article.
“This is a trippy story,” Jonathan said as he began detailing the story that led to Raleigh interacting with Colt Cobana, Toru Yano, and Hiroshi Tanahashi. He went through Raleigh being in a coma for 23 days, being in the hospital for five weeks, and having to learn to walk again. “That was a sticky situation!” 13-year-old Raleigh again interjected with a joke to break up some of the more heart-wrenching details — showing how far he has come, and his ability to cope after going through a life or death ordeal.
Talking New Japan With The Townsend Duo Part 2
After detailing attempts to contact New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) roster members to come to see Raleigh while he was in the hospital, Jonathan contacted Colt Cabana after learning about the New Japan of America (NJoA) event taking place in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Jonathan got in touch with Cabana through email, leading to putting the process in motion. “100 percent credit to Colt Cabana, he kind of made the whole thing happen,” he said before Raleigh jumped in. “He’s my hero…”
“I had no clue it was happening…” Raleigh commented regarding meeting Yano and Tanashi. “I had a little bit of a clue something with Colt Cabana was happening, but when Tanahashi came out it was hard to stay standing,” Raleigh said with excitement in his voice. Tanahashi would present Raleigh with an autographed t-shirt signed by every member of the NJPW roster taking part on the NJoA tour.
Jonathan then described Katsuyori Shibata, the current Head Trainer of the Los Angeles (LA) Dojo sending Raleigh a video when he was sick to wish him well. Jonathan would explain that he felt NJPW didn’t attempt to publicize the video came down to the cultural differences in Japan, where thoughtful actions are considered more personal than public. “You’re going to get out of this just like Shibata,” Jonathan told Raleigh while he was in the hospital, before receiving the video from Shibata.
“I don’t think it’s going to be with me forever, doctors said I will make a full recovery — it’s going to take a while,” Raleigh said in response to if he’ll be able to make a recovery from autoimmune encephalitis. Jonathan went to explain how doctors were confused by what caused the condition, but are pleased with his progress; allowing him to do physical activity. “…To wake up and not being able to use the bathroom was hard,” Raleigh detailed his disappointment with his hospital stay when he was progressing well during his professional wrestling training.
Part three of the series will look highlight Raleigh’s professional wrestling training and more of the Townsend Duo’s thoughts on modern wrestling.
