(NOAH) "AJ is the modern day master of execution. I wonder if I'll face Marufuji one day" Unified WWE Champion Cody Rhodes talks about the forbidden match

ABEMA TIMES

5th July 2024

The announcement of a forbidden match between AJ Styles and Naomichi Marufuji at Pro Wrestling Noah's "ABEMA presents DESTINATION 2024" to be held at the Nippon Budokan on July 13th, has sent shockwaves through both the Japanese and American wrestling worlds. Cody Rhodes, who was once active wrestling in Japan, and is currently the "top of the top" WWE World Unified Champion, gave an interview about this much-anticipated match. 

Cody, who was recently injured in a crazy table smash during an attack by Jacob Fatu, a member of Bloodline, when asked about his injuries said bravely, "I broke two ribs, but they're just micro-fractures. It's nothing serious, it's a common occurrence".

When asked about the AJ vs Marufuji match, the champion made a surprising and enthusiastic comment about his rival, "AJ Styles is the modern day master of execution. He always tried new things, and was one of the people who revolutionized the industry without being bound by rules. It's rare, but AJ has become more perfect as he's gotten older". Next he spoke about Marufuji passionately explaining that, "I think Marufuji is a very important figure in modern wrestling and sports entertainment. We call the time-delayed rope work, that Marufuji often uses "Marufuji". I often use the "Marufuji Forearm" in matches too". "Marufuji" is a common language in pro wrestling. He also added "I'd like to fight him someday". Cody, who is scheduled to take part in the WWE Japan show in July, was asked about Japan in an interview and revealed that "widely established nickname "American Nightmare" was born in Japan. 

Crowned with the long-awaited unified WWE championship at this years Wrestlemania, and following AJ Styles triumphant return to Japan to compete in Noah earlier than himself, the Japan show will be significant for him, as it marks a new start in his career. Looking forward to his triumphant return as champion, he said, "The Japanese fans are all so warm, especially for us who come from the outside. I can't wait to wrestle in front of you all"    

Translated from ABEMA TIMES

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