(NOAH) Will Naomichi Marufuji be able to block out the noise? A big match with AJ Styles has been decided, but the "retirement controversy" has been rekindled.

20th June 2023

Tokyo Sports

Will he be able to block out the noise? 

There is a lot of buzz surrounding Naomichi Marufuji (44), the "genius" who will face off against AJ Styles (47), also known as "The Phenomenal" of the world's largest promotion, WWE. The announcement of the match on the 16th caused a buzz in the pro wrestling world, but what does it feel like to have this big match decided, when Marufuji's "retirement scandal" has been rekindled? 

Marufuji, whose dream match has been decided, said in barely contained excitement, "I can't wait to see how well I can hold up against the world's top wrestlers". Moreover, this time, he will be standing opposite AJ, who was nominated by WWE. Marufuji said, "I'm truly happy, but to be honest, the size of the promotions is completely different, but that goes without saying. Will it be a match where we respect each other? But, there is a theory behind it, and I can't lose". 

This will be an important match for Noah as well, because they are looking to strengthen their relationship with WWE. Therefore Marufuji vs AJ is being positioned as the first step in this important match for the promotion. "I think WWE will be watching this match closely. And if I, who was nominated, do poorly, they might ask, "What's wrong with Noah?" It's a big responsibility. While everyone is trying to make the gears work together, I want to put on a match that will accelerate that rotation."

Meanwhile, unexpected repercussions are spreading. It all started when Kenoh's social media (X). On July 13th at the Nippon Budokan, it was announced that Marufuji vs AJ would be the semi-final, and the main event was the GHC Heavyweight Championship match between the champion Kaito Kiyomiya and YOICHI. In response to this, Kenoh posted "What happened to Marufuji-kun's road to retirement?"

This has led to mixed reactions. 

At Ariake on January 2nd, Marufuji vs Kota Ibushi was set as the main event, instead of the GHC Heavyweight Championship match between Kenoh and Manabu Soya. At that time, Noah pointed out that Marufuji had stated on an audio streaming service that he would retire in five years, and explained that they had made the main event as part of his "road to retirement". Marufuji, who later retracted his retirement, explained that his unofficial statement had taken on a life of its own saying, "I never said it officially that I was retiring. In other words, I just blurted it out on the radio, which people pay to listen to, and it just came out. If I hadn't held a press conference, I wouldn't have said it on the microphone, nor would I have said it in a comment." Looking perplexed he added, "And now people are telling me on social media to "take it back", to "hold a press conference", to "apologise"..." 

But there's no time to be swayed. "This is not a level of opponent that will generate nonsense. It's not about the order of the matches or anything like that. As AJ Styles said, this is a phenomenal fight."

This world class fight will make great strides for the Ark. 

Translated from Tokyo Sports

Picture credit: Tokyo Sports