(NOAH) Kenoh demands Tetsuya Naito "withdraw from the Ark": "I want him to end his career in New Japan"

Tokyo Sports

4th June 2026

Noah's "Mr. Troublesome" Kenoh (41) has demanded that Tetsuya Naito (43) of "Los Tranquilos de Japon (LTJ)" "withdraw" from the Noah ring.

Currently, Pro Wrestling Noah is holding the "Neo Global Tag League 2026." Kenoh is entered in Block B as part of the "MaruKen" tag team with Naomichi Marufuji. Their immediate goals are to win the league and capture the GHC Tag Team Championship held by the outsiders, LTJ'S Naito and BUSHI. Speaking to reporters, Kenoh bluntly stated, "Personally, I really want him to go back (to New Japan). He's not the kind of person who belongs in Pro Wrestling Noah." He issued an order for Naito, who left New Japan in April of last year, to return to his former home.

Kenoh expressed concern about the impact Naito's presence would have on the promotion. He argued, "What happened when they relied so heavily on Keiji Mutoh a while ago? What happened to the young wrestlers when they brought in legends, even at the expense of their own opportunities? They just became corrupted. Noah is a promotion that doesn't seem to learn from its mistakes." On the other hand, he also asserted that Naito's return would be beneficial for him, stating, "Considering Tetsuya Naito's wrestling career, he shouldn't be in Noah. I want him to finish his career in New Japan while he's still able to move. I think the fans want this too, and I hope so as well," revealing his side as a Naito fan.

What has boosted Kenoh's hopes is that CyberAgent, the parent company of Noah, will become a new shareholder of New Japan Pro-Wrestling. 

"Since we're the same company, he should just go (to New Japan)," Kenoh urged.

Having lost the belt to LTJ at the Nippon Budokan in January and allowing the belt to leave, Kenoh set his sights on regaining the coveted title, saying ""Marufuji and I have created a reason for LTJ to stay. We have to win the tournament quickly and take the belts back".

Kenoh, put up a valiant fight at the Hodogaya show on the 3rd, will he be able to get Naito to leave Noah through his own efforts?

Translated from Tokyo Sports

Picture credits: Tokyo Sports