Tetsuya Naito will defend the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against SANADA at ‘The New Beginning: Sapporo’ event on February 24.
In a recent interview with NJPW, Naito stated that if he breaks the IWGP World Heavyweight Title, NJPW will present him with a new one, referencing how David Finlay smashed the IWGP US and UK Championships. NJPW then created the new IWGP Global Championship, which Finlay won at Wrestle Kingdom 18.
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On his upcoming rematch with SANADA: “It’s official, is it? It’s rare for SANADA to speak his own mind on the mic like he did. When I saw that I thought that something in him had finally changed. I was only able to have my rollcall because SANADA was there to cut off EVIL when he ran in, so I owed him big. After what he said on the mic, actually speaking his mind, and what he did in the Dome, I said ‘let’s do it’. I was excited to get home and see what he had to say for himself backstage as well. I thought he’d be fired up to say something, but then- no comment. How disappointing. You making that challenge was a gift to the people, right? It was because you wanted the fans to be happy, right? If so, he should have said something, even if it was exactly the same as what he said in the ring, he should repeat himself. When he didn’t say anything at all, it was a real shame, and it made me wonder whether it’s worth going for this match. I have to say I’m not excited about this title match. Of course, for the people in Hokkaido I’m excited to show off the belt to them, but wrestling SANADA in another title match, not so much. The stances are different this time. I’m the champion, he’s the challenger. I always feel like it’s on the challenger to push themselves when it comes to a title match. That’s the case in the ring and backstage. It’s official now, so he needs to put in the work between now and then and have something to say every night. Otherwise I won’t be fired up, and the result will be the same as in the Dome. I’ll wrestle him, but I’m not jumping up and down about it.”
On his thoughts on the IWGP World Heavyweight Title belt: “Well, I haven’t worn it yet. I hold it, but I haven’t worn it round my waist. When this belt was made, I was against it right up to the very end. I never had any good thoughts about this title before, and now I have it… it’s complicated. Maybe I have a little more attachment to this belt than I did before the Tokyo Dome, but just a little. Perhaps the more I hold it, the more attached I’ll become, and if not, well I guess I’ll just toss it. I mean, if you break belts around here they just give you new ones, right? With a different name. Seems there’s precedent.”
On if anything has changed about him since Wrestle Kingdom 18: “It’s only been a few days, and maybe things will be different later down the line. For now, it felt great to have that rollcall in front of that many people. I thought going in that if I didn’t have a vision for what I wanted to do after I had the rollcall, then I would be done as a wrestler. That’s why I brought up Mazda Stadium. To have a rollcall in Mazda Stadium, in my home of Hiroshima. And I said this backstage, but I want a rollcall in my backyard, in the Tokyo Budokan, and where I made my debut in Saitama. I want to yell along with fans all over Japan, and all over the world- ‘De-Ja-Pon.’”
Naito defeated SANADA to win the IWGP World Heavyweight Title at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18.
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Tetsuya Naito, the current IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, is set to defend his title against SANADA at ‘The New Beginning: Sapporo’ event on February 24. In a recent interview with NJPW, Naito discussed various topics, including his upcoming rematch with SANADA, his thoughts on the IWGP World Heavyweight Title belt, and any changes he has experienced since Wrestle Kingdom 18.
Regarding his rematch with SANADA, Naito expressed his initial excitement when he saw that SANADA had spoken his mind on the mic, something he rarely does. Naito acknowledged that he owed SANADA for cutting off EVIL during their previous match, which allowed Naito to perform his rollcall. However, Naito also expressed disappointment when SANADA did not have much to say backstage after his challenge. Naito emphasized that for a title match, it is essential for the challenger to push themselves both in the ring and backstage. He admitted that he was not particularly excited about this title match but looked forward to showcasing the belt to the people in Hokkaido.
When asked about his thoughts on the IWGP World Heavyweight Title belt, Naito revealed that he had been against its creation until the very end. He admitted to not having any positive thoughts about the title before winning it at Wrestle Kingdom 18. Naito described his feelings towards the belt as complicated, suggesting that he might develop some attachment to it over time. However, he also mentioned that if he does not become more attached to it, he would not hesitate to toss it away since NJPW has a precedent of creating new belts when they are broken.
Reflecting on his experience since Wrestle Kingdom 18, Naito expressed his satisfaction with having a rollcall in front of a large audience. He stated that if he did not have a vision for what he wanted to do after the rollcall, he would consider himself done as a wrestler. Naito mentioned his desire to have rollcalls in various locations, including Mazda Stadium in Hiroshima, the Tokyo Budokan, and the place of his debut in Saitama. He expressed his wish to yell along with fans all over Japan and the world.
Naito won the IWGP World Heavyweight Title by defeating SANADA at Wrestle Kingdom 18. Fans can stay updated with all the latest wrestling news on eWrestlingNews.com or follow them on Twitter and Facebook.
In conclusion, Tetsuya Naito’s upcoming title defense against SANADA at ‘The New Beginning: Sapporo’ event has generated anticipation among wrestling fans. Naito’s comments about his opponent, the IWGP World Heavyweight Title belt, and his aspirations for future rollcalls provide insight into his mindset and motivations as a champion. Wrestling enthusiasts can look forward to witnessing this highly anticipated match and following the latest updates on eWrestlingNews.com.