(NOAH) Keiji Mutoh aims for the GHC, aiming to be the third person in history to achieve a Grand Slam

7th July 2020

Tokyo Sports

Setting a new milestone, "Pro Wrestling Master" Keiji Mutoh (57) is focusing on Noah's GHC Heavyweight champion, Go Shiozaki (38). 

Mutoh, who had undergone an artificial joint replacement to both knees in March 2018, was told that his knees "will be fine for another ten years", and with the stamp of approval being given, he is moving towards the last gold left. 

Mutoh's presence in Noah is increasing day by day. Lightly treating Kaito Kiyomiya (23), from whom he has been receiving match requests from since last year, this time he is interested in the GHC Heavyweight held by Go Shiozaki saying, "I am aiming for a belt from now on."

At the Tokyo Korakuen Hall event on the 18th, he will team with Naomichi Marufuji (40) to fight against Shiozaki and Kiyomiya. If he can get results against the current and the former champion, the title challenge will be immediately in sight. He says enthusiastically, "I am interested in the GHC, as I have not taken the championship belt yet." So far Mutoh has taken the IWGP Heavyweight in New Japan, and the Triple Crown in All Japan. If he takes the GHC which is remaining, he will reach the third "Grand Slam", following Kensuke Sasaki and Yoshihiro Takayama. Moreover, with the addition of being the W-1 champion in 2014, he will be the first ever four team champion in history. "It's funny" he smiles.

However, it is not only for honor that he is interested in the GHC. When he went for a regular knee checkup on the artificial joints, he was told by the doctor "It feels good. If there are no problems, it will be okay for another ten years." Mutoh laughs, "There is nothing better than doing pro wrestling. I need "nutrition" to continue the decade, and therefore I have to taste either Shiozaki's belt or Kiyomiya's youth. By taking the throne from Shiozaki he says he will replenish the energy by crushing young Kaito Kiyomiya. "If I take it then I will have to defend it, I think that will be tough, but it will be worth aiming for it for myself." 

After coming to Noah, this will be the first showdown with Shiozaki. "I think Shiozaki is a wrestler, who has inherited the final wishes of President Misawa. He is a little quiet, but thinking about that, I think in a certain sense that quietness is also like Noah." Kiyomiya he provoked with the analysis, "I think something will happen the next time. There is a lot of growth over there."

The event on the 18th will be Noah's resumption of a box office with live spectators. "The fans will definitely be supporting Noah's wrestlers. I think its better than not to be aware (rough)". 

To consume the "symbol" and "the youth" of The Ark is the biggest objective in staying active.

Link to original article from Tokyo Sports 

Picture credit: Tokyo Sports