In a fresh conversation with NJPW, the reigning STRONG Openweight Champion, Gabe Kidd, discussed NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi’s recent announcement that NJPW STRONG’s belts will be defended solely on American soil. Below are some standout moments from the talk.
Discussing his bout with Kaito Kiyomiya at NOAH, Kidd stated, “Sure, on the record it may appear that I was defeated, but was I actually? My presence bolstered NOAH’s attendance and viewership figures, and while they were profiting from my performance, their champion was appearing rather insignificant. However, the record does indicate that Kiyomiya emerged victorious over me. Now here I am, heading into the G1 after a loss inflicted by a NOAH fighter. How do you think I feel about that? I’m planning to annihilate every participant in that event. Enough about NOAH, let’s shift our focus to the G1.”
As for his feelings towards Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kidd was quite blunt, “I believe Tanahashi is frightened, terrified of me. He doesn’t want me laying waste to folk on his terrain, nor does he want me to elevate the status of the title to New Japan’s most coveted. Let me be clear. Tanahashi means nothing to me. Hiroshi Tanahashi, from my heart’s deepest chambers, I disregard you completely. You may continue to promote Tsuji, Uemura, and Umino, but I am the one who will shape the future of this organization, and I will overcome each of them. Now, let’s address the G1.”
Regarding his participation in this year’s G1 Climax, Kidd said, “Let me tell you, I’m not at all like other fighters who strategize in advance. I arrive on the day of the fight, and my actions reflect how I feel. I couldn’t care less about anything except becoming the most talked-about, the most buzz-generating wrestler. It’s high time for NJPW to break its monotony. I see it as my duty to stir things up here and return this organization to prominence, and I plan on accomplishing this by taking home the tournament trophy.”