(NOAH/ALL JAPAN) "To put it plainly, he's an eyesore" - the fight with the junior he has broken from for the first time in 10 and a half years! What are the true motives of Katsuhiko Nakajima who decided to fight Kento Miyahara

11th July 2023

Noah.co.jp

Q: Miyahara slapped you at the press conference...

NAKAJIMA: My jaw still hurts. I got hit...it's not good. There were several provocations during the press conference, so after that, I proposed an unlimited singles match, so you can enjoy it to the fullest, right? Because you can do it without a limit.

Q: Do you have any anger at the slap from your former junior? 

NAKAJIMA: Anger?... Anger? Well, I think it's refreshing in a good way. It's easier for me. 

Q: Why did you think about fighting with Kento Miyahara at this time? 

NAKAJIMA: I really can't say it's timing as since February, Kento has been in the Noah ring. A presence called Kento Miyahara suddenly appeared, who had been missing for a long time. To put it simply, he's an "eyesore". 

Q: Why did you choose Korakuen Hall?

NAKAJIMA: Well, I guess it's all about timing. Speaking of Korakuen, it's an old story, but Kensuke Office held Korakuen Hall on February 11th every year, and for Kensuke Office, Korakuen Hall was like a sacred place. With that in mind, we can have a singles match, and so I think we can talk to each other as much as we want. 

Q: Is there anything you expect from this match? 

NAKAJIMA: In a nutshell, it's Kento that I don't know. It's been over ten years, right? How many years ago? That's why the Kento I know was different from back then when I was at Kensuke Office.

Q: What was your impression of Miyahara when you were in Kensuke Office?

NAKAJIMA: Truly he practiced very hard, he was determined, he had his own view of the world, and of course he was honest. He was young and a wonderful junior. 

Q: Miyahara said that you were "not his favorite", do you have any thoughts on that? 

NAKAJIMA: What does that mean? I don't know if it's something emotional, but since it's been a few years, I don't know if there is any affection. I had to be strict in my practice, so I wanted you to get stronger. I think the practice was tough.

Q: At the press conference, Miyahara spoke down to you.

NAKAJIMA: I guess that's how confident he is. That's why he's the one who is leading All Japan now, right? I have the sentiment that I want to protect Noah, and he wants to protect All Japan. So in that sense, I'm looking forward to it, and I think that all the fans are looking forward to it, because they can't imagine it. 

Q: What are your thoughts on the one-on-one match for the first time in ten and a half years? 

NAKAJIMA: He's been in the forefront for a long time, and I think that is what gives him confidence because of that experience. However, I'm looking forward to what will happen when I destroy that confidence in this singles match. Kento Miyahara, who is said to be the best, is delicious.

Q: Is there anyone you would like to see this fight?

NAKAJIMA: I want someone to watch this...do you want me to say that? (smile) That's the only thing I can think of (laughs) But, I don't want to put it out there. I don't think I'll put out that name too much. 

Q: Thank you. Lastly, please give a message to your fans.

NAKAJIMA: On July 15th, at Korakuen Hall, me and my unknown Kento Miyahara will have a one on one match with no time limit, you'll be thrilled, right? Take a good look.

Translated from Noah.co.jp

Picture credit Noah.co.jp