From returning to the Tokyo Dome, Keiji Muto’s retirement tour, their involvement in cross-promotional shows and consistent must-see matches, 2023 has already been a landmark year for Pro Wrestling NOAH. But, firmly situated at the forefront of the NOAH discussion is one man: Kaito Kiyomiya.
The Supernova has always been destined for immortality. At just 22 he won the GHC Heavyweight Championship, the youngest champion in the title’s prestigious history, and kept it firmly in his grasp for more than a year. In his more recent reign he bought stability back to the title, his exceptional defence against Kenoh at NOAH The New Year 2023 being heralded as a match of the year.
Kaito’s star-power has never been in doubt, but this year has made him undeniable. Following a victory over the inimitable Keiji Muto, the retiring legend bequeathed his signature Figure Four Leg-lock and Shining Wizard onto Kaito. At All Together Again Kaito teamed with NJPW’s Hiroshi Tanahashi and AJPW’s Kento Miyahara, the Ace of each promotion, a clear indication of his standing in not only NOAH but the entire Japanese pro-wrestling scene.
A proven commodity for years, many now find themselves captivated by Kaito’s spellbinding energy for the first time as his reach expands. Particularly, his rivalry with NJPW’s Kazuchika Okada has more eyes on him than ever.
Apathy from Okada was met by savagery from Kiyomiya at Wrestle Kingdom 17 in Yokohama, the NOAH man incredulously booting Okada in the face and a visceral fight breaking out. The two have been at each other’s throats ever since, a singles match in Tokyo Dome won by Okada only for another chapter to be written when they collided at All Together Again.
Now though, Kiyomiya is coming to Okada’s front door.
Continuing to ride his immense momentum, Kaito Kiyomiya will be entering NJPW’s G1 Climax tournament this summer. It’s a decision that wouldn’t have come lightly, forgoing NOAH’s own N-1 Victory tournament to compete for a rival promotion instead, but to Kaito it’s another step in spreading not only his own name, but Pro Wrestling NOAH’s too.
We had the privilege to speak to Kaito ahead of G1 Climax commencing, to get his thoughts on entering the tournament, his match with Kenoh, his thoughts on Jake Lee, his rivalry with Kazuchika Okada and more.
Q: Why do you feel that representing NOAH in the G1 Climax is more important than competing in the N-1 Victory tournament?
Kiyomiya: I wanted to spread the name of “Kaito Kiyomiya” and “NOAH” to all wrestling fans by becoming a main character in G1.
Q: You will be competing in the A Block in G1 Climax where the focus seems to be on the younger wrestlers and stars of the future. What are your thoughts on your Block and your opponents, who are you particularly excited to fight against?
Kiyomiya: There are many wrestlers of the same generation, but they are all enemies. I am the main character. On July 25th at Korakuen Hall, I will also be in the leading role of New Japan Pro-Wrestling in my match against IWGP World Heavyweight Champion SANADA.
Q: You started 2023 defeating Kenoh in Nippon Budokan to retain the GHC Heavyweight Championship in one of the best matches of the year. What are your thoughts looking back on that match, did you feel you had to prove yourself given you were the champion but not in the main event?
Kiyomiya: It was the toughest fight I’ve ever had. However, in order to move forward, I couldn’t afford to lose. I will prove myself in my upcoming matches.
Q: One of the most talked about moments this year in wrestling was when you brutally kicked Kazuchika Okada in the face at Wrestle Kingdom 17 in Yokohama Arena. Could you please explain what your feelings were at that time and why you decided to attack Okada as you did?
Kiyomiya: I was very emotional. Even before the match started, I felt that I wasn’t being wrestled against, like I didn’t exist. And even after the match started, I was being provoked, so by the time I realized it, my body was moving.
Q: In February you finally faced off with Okada in a singles match in Tokyo Dome, as part of Keiji Muto’s retirement show. What are your thoughts and feelings on that match today?
Kiyomiya: I felt the difference with Kazuchika Okada. The atmosphere of Tokyo Dome was taken away, and in the match I was completely defeated. But I learned a lot from this match.
Q: In March you lost the GHC Heavyweight Championship to Jake Lee at Voyage 2023 in Yokohama. What are your thoughts on Jake Lee as an opponent and him quickly rising to the top of NOAH?
Kiyomiya: As an opponent… No wrestlers in NOAH had such a big body, so it felt fresh. It was frustrating, but I think it’s his ability that brought him to the top.
Q: At All Together Again you were in the main event alongside Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kento Miyahara. What are your thoughts on the match and the event, particularly teaming up alongside Tanahashi and Miyahara?
Kiyomiya: I have been working with Tanahashi on promotions since before the tournament, and I have a lot of respect for Tanahashi’s kindness and Miyahara’s energy. It was a tag team that I learned a lot from, so I’m looking forward to the day we can resume in the ring someday.
Q: NOAH constantly has great foreign talent competing on their shows, such as you recently defeating Sean Legacy and defending the GHC Heavyweight Championship against Jack Morris. Which foreign wrestlers would you like to compete against in the future?
Kiyomiya: I hope to be able to fight again with the foreign wrestlers I met when I went to Canada in 2017. G1 CLIMAX 33. On July 18th, I will meet Chase Owens again at the official match at Yamagata City General Sports Center. Please look forward to it, overseas fans.
Q: Do you have a final message you would like to share with your international fans?
Kiyomiya: Thank you for always supporting me. I hope that all of the overseas fans will enjoy seeing matches that they haven’t seen before! Please watch my matches that will be streamed on Wrestle Universe. And please continue to support Kaito Kiyomiya and NOAH!
Thank you to Pro-Wrestling NOAH for arranging this interview and to Kaito Kiyomiya for generously taking time to answer these questions.
You can follow NOAH on Twitter @noahglobal and Kaito @noah_kiyomiya and you can sign up to Wrestle Universe for just ¥900 (approximately $6.50) every month to watch not only NOAH, but also DDT, TJPW and more.
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