(NOAH) Naomichi Marufuji returns from lumbar disc herniation, 18th August declares victory in new opening league

Tokyo Sports
29th May 2019

The injured genius, has made up his mind.
Noah's, Naomichi Marufuji (39), who was injured due to lumbar disc herniation, returned at the Tokyo Korakuen Hall tournament on the 28th. While clarifying the situation that has forced him to miss time twice in half a year, he has declared participation and eventual victory in the new league, the "N-1 Victory", which will open on August 18th in Nagoya.
Marufuji, who had missed three events, the last being Korakuen, looked back with sad expression and said, "It was the most severe chronic disease I have had. I couldn't move out of bed for five days...".

In Global League in November last year, he had to pull out with a left thigh muscle tear and a left shoulder ligament injury as he went to the finals. He returned in February of this year. In a 21 year career, there has been no experience so far of returning twice in a short time from injury.
"It's more than just having a few injuries. I'm battered. I have to continue while fighting against them. It's impossible to be cured forever of them. It is like Kanichi in "Tokyo Love Story"*, he explained finishing with a gag reminiscent of his teacher, Mitsuharu Misawa (46).
However, he has made the decision, "I cannot quit until I bring the new Noah to the top. The matches for the new league have not yet been decided, but this will be the first time that I will formally participate. I think that the "N" is the right path, the "N" of "Naomichi". I want to leave my name in history".

There are other reasons that he is inspired by.
Takashi Sugiura in particular, who will be 49 years old on the 31st. At the Korakuen Hall tournament on June 9th, the he will be the oldest person to make a challenge for the GHC Heavyweight title, which is being held by the youngest GHC Heavyweight Champion on record, Kaito Kiyomiya (22).
Marufuji, looking forward to it, says, "This will be a complete victory for Takashi Sugiura. An old man of 50 years old, maintains the best condition ever. I have never seen such a wrestler. There is nothing to lose. We are allies" (rest does not translate well, but I think he says something like the customers are behind him for that series). I am inspired by Noah's most powerful ally, to make Kiyomiya, who intends to change generations, feel a tremendous threat. I will win the league and challenge the new champion. The negative of the first half will turn positive".

In the return match in the six man tag, he used the Tiger King knee attack to assist in his teams victory over Atsushi Kotoge (33). After the match he cheerfully said, "no problem".
The genius has struck back.

Link to original article from Tokyo Sports (in Japanese)
Picture credit: Tokyo Sports

*Manga, but I'm not sure why he chose this character, unless of course it is because Kanichi is an athletic young man, who later trains as a doctor.