(NOAH) Genichiro Tenryu talks Keiji Mutoh's retirement

11th October 2022

Weekly Pro

Keiji Mutoh's retirement match, scheduled for next spring, will be held at the Tokyo Dome on February 21st next year. The opponent has yet to be decided, but it is expected to be an all-star performance. What does Tenryu think about the genius who described pro wrestling as a "marathon without a goal" who has finally scored one? 

"Is February 21st a weekday? I'm not worried about that as I don't think a reckless decision has been made as it's about Mutoh. Even if you look at his matches and the way he lives, it seems that does as he wants, and it's all calculated, so I think he has worked it out to some extent. Also, if Mutoh, who has been running through this industry as a leader, had a retirement match at The Tokyo Dome and crashed, the big mouth onlookers would start chirping. To prevent this from happening, I want everyone in the industry to work together to raise the bar. Opponent in the retirement match? Hmm, I think Mutoh has two or three names in his head that would surprise everyone. I thought that it would be a nostalgic retrospective card for everyone, but lately seeing the young guys like Kiyomiya and others fighting so hard, I thought he would choose an opponent that would surprise me. Specifically? Well, if Shinsuke Nakamura appeared, it would be suitable for the Tokyo Dome. Nakamura belongs to WWE, so it might be difficult, but if even so if Mutoh loses, I thought Nakamura would be interesting as a Kaishakunin*.

Who will he fight in the end? 

I am looking forward to seeing Mutoh's choice, and waiting for the announcement.

Notes

Kaishakunin: When a Samurai committed Seppuku, the Kaishakunin was the one who took their head off. There is no equivalent to this name or role in English, so the best way to explain it would be to say it was roughly like someone who made a mercy killing or put someone out of their misery.        

Translated from Weekly Pro

Picture credit: Weekly Pro