Fred Rosser on being NJPW Strong Openweight Champion: ‘In any industry, everyone remembers their first’

NJPW Strong Openweight Champion Fred Rosser spoke to Under the Ring about his first singles title and bringing the NJPW style to the U.S.

When he was Darren Young in his WWE days, Fred Rosser knew what it was like to win championship gold. But being the current Strong Openweight Champion while working for New Japan Pro-Wrestling can’t help but be a little different and more special.

MrNoDaysOff signed with NJPW in June 2021, and while he’s yet to actually wrestle in Japan (more on that in a bit), Rosser has become a key component of the company’s efforts in the U.S. through NJPW Strong. Earlier this year, he defeated Tom Lawlor to claim his first singles title, which he’s managed to defend three times since.

As Rosser told host Phil Strum on this week’s episode of Under the Ring: Pro Wrestling Conversations, ahead of NJPW’s shows in New York City this week, the experience he’s had as champion has been the best of his wrestling career.

“I think in any industry, everyone remembers their first,” Rosser said. “This to me is like winning an Emmy or a Grammy. It’s my first, and New Japan Strong has been my home. I’ve been the heart and soul of New Japan Strong.

“They’ve given me an opportunity, being an African-American, gay man. They put me on the marquee before WWE, and I’m very grateful. … I’m more me when I’m in a New Japan Strong ring.”

Listen to the entire interview with Rosser above, as he touches on topics including:

  • What it’s like helping expand the NJPW style to a U.S. audience
  • His surprising background in musical theater
  • Why Bob Backlund is still on his bucket list of dream matches even in his mid-70s
  • Which top AEW star he’d love to share a ring with soon
  • How he hopes it’s just a matter of time before he wrestles in Japan

Under the Ring drops new episodes on audio each Monday and on YouTube each Wednesday, featuring a different intriguing from the pro wrestling industry each time out in a straightforward conversation with experienced wrestling journalist Phil Strum. Recent guests have included indie veteran Brian Anthony, NWA wrestler Hale Collins and WWE star Raquel Rodriguez.

To make sure you don’t miss an episode, subscribe to Under the Ring on Apple Podcasts or your podcast provider of choice, or check out the Under the Ring YouTube channel to see all of the interviews in video form.