(NOAH) This month = this person - Akitoshi Saito - Column by Genichiro Tenryu
25th December 2024 (Issue no 2333)
Akitoshi Saito retired at Noah's Nagoya show on 17th November. He was the final opponent of Mitsuharu Misawa, who passed away suddenly in 2009 after an accident in the ring, what did Genichiro Tenryu think of his retirement?
"Akitoshi Saito has retired.
I've faced him when he was in the Anti-Wrestlers' Association Alliance and Heisei Ishin-gun, and I've known him since he was challenging the professional wrestling world as a member of Seishin Kaikan with Director Aoyagi, and I think he had outstanding talent (even among the Seishin Kaikan members). That's why I think he was able to continue his wrestling career, starting out as an indie wrestler, then moving on to major promotions like New Japan and Noah, and then then complete his career as an active wrestler.
When talking about Akitoshi Saito, it is essential to mention that he was Mitsuharu Misawa's final opponent. In the fifteen years that have passed since then, I truly believe that he has endured so well and worked hard in professional wrestling. He must have been subjected to some unkind comments, and more than anything, that day will remain engraved in his heart forever. Despite this, Saito has never made any excuses, he has accepted all the slander and abuse he received, and lived out his career as a professional wrestler. I think he is admirable as a professional wrestler and as a man. After retiring, it seems he'll continue to be involved in the world of professional wrestling, serving as a commentator for Noah broadcasts and other activities, but now that he's stepped down from the ring, I hope he can continue to interact with the Misawa in his heart as he wishes. It could be by lighting incense every morning. It could be by talking about Misawa in interviews or casual conversations. If his memory of that match fades over time, that's fine too. Because Saito has carried this legacy so faithfully for fifteen years, I hope he can live his life as he wishes, as a man, from now on. That's my wish."
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