(NOAH) "I'm so frustrated... I should have won the MVP" ~ Noah's Kaito Kiyomiya wins third Fighting Spirit Award

11th December 2024

Tokyo Sports

Noah's GHC Heavyweight Champion, Kaito Kiyomiya (28), was selected for the Fighting Spirit Award for the third time in five years at the 51st annual Tokyo Sports Pro Wrestling Awards 2024. His name was mentioned for both the MVP and Special Achievement Awards, but he was unable to secure enough votes. Five wrestlers were nominated in the Fighting Spirit Award, but he won the runoff against Stardom's IWGP Women's Champion, Mayu Iwatani, by one vote. Kiyomiya, who visited the Tokyo Sports newspaper office in Koto City, Tokyo, bit his lip and said "It's really frustrating. With Noah aiming to reach the top of the wrestling world, I had to win the MVP as the head of the group." He has successfully defended the GHC Heavyweight title, which he won in May, seven times so far, and the selection committee also praised his performance when he appeared in other promotions, such as at New Japan's January 4th Tokyo Dome, and ALL TOGETHER. 

On the other hand, it is true that he was unable to break through the stronghold of New Japan, which was monopolized the MVP award since 2011. "I've been trying to change the way New Japan's MVPs are perceived for the past year, and I'm happy that I was recognized with the Fighting Spirit Award because I've been working hard, but I feel like I can't continue like this."

In his eighth defense (January 1st, next year at the Nippon Budokan, Tokyo), he will face the "Expose Style Pro Wrestler" OZAWA (28). "Next year, I want to make this a fight that will help spread Kaito Kiyomiya's name to the world" 

A new battle begins with the goal of winning the MVP. 

Translated from Tokyo Sports

Picture credit: Tokyo Sports