Kaito Kiyomiya: "I'm Not Leading Noah"— The Former Champion Reveals His Inner Conflict and the Formidable Presence of "Invader" Tetsuya Naito

ENCOUNT

16th September 2026

"It wasn't exactly what I expected, was it?"... These were the words Kaito Kiyomiya (Pro Wrestling Noah’s "Mad Prince") used to describe his current state and the situation surrounding the promotion.

He became the youngest-ever GHC Heavyweight Champion and has won the N-1 VICTORY tournament twice. Despite such an impressive track record, he insists, "Right now, I’m not the one leading Pro Wrestling Noah." In this first part of the interview, we asked Kiyomiya about the current GHC Heavyweight Champion, Tetsuya Naito, and this year's N-1 tournament.

The reason Naito praises him is that he hasn't yet reached a level where he poses a genuine threat.

In May 2024, Kaito Kiyomiya formed his first-ever unit: ALL REBELLION. While he played a central role in this group, which aimed to revitalize the new generation of Pro Wrestling Noah, the unit eventually disbanded after just over two years of activity as the individual members began to develop their own distinct identities and ambitions.

"There was a certain joy in working with teammates after having forged my own solo path for so long, and I learned a lot—including the difficulties involved. Ultimately, though, we each went our separate ways; there were parts that didn't work out, I suppose... If things had gone smoothly, I imagine we’d still be together today. That said, the bonds I formed and the time I spent with those members remain a treasure to me. And I think that by us (the younger generation) acting with such high spirits, we helped lift the mood of other athletes our age... In that sense, I do believe we brought a new vitality to the Pro Wrestling Noah ring. After all, our fundamental concept was 'for the sake of Pro Wrestling Noah.'"

Less than two weeks after the dissolution of ALL REBELLION, a singles match against Tetsuya Naito was arranged for the July 18th Osaka event - a bout designated to determine the next challenger for the GHC Heavyweight Championship. Kiyomiya lost the match after Naito used a feint—pretending to execute a *Corriente*-style *Destino*—to catch him in a surprise roll-up pin.

"I view Naito as an icon of the pro-wrestling world. Of course, I’m well aware that he was Mutoh's opponent for Keiji Muto’s retirement match." 

(Interviewer: 'It’s been three years since then.')

"So much has happened in the last few years... I never would have predicted things would turn out this way. Personally, I see him as an 'outsider'—a New Japan wrestler. However, since so many fans come to the venue specifically to see Naito, I realized this was a chance to spread the appeal of Pro-Wrestling Noah. 

In that sense—even though he’s technically an 'outsider'—there are many aspects of him I respect; and given my current standing, I’m certainly not in a position to act superior. As he competes in Noah, I feel his conditioning has improved, and when I’m in the ring with him, I’m struck by just how immense his 'pro-wrestling ability' is. He looks like he’s having fun out there, which suggests he has a lot of confidence. I felt I was facing a hungry, intense Naito—someone who is clearly evolving. I lost the match, of course, so I feel nothing but frustration regarding the result."

However, regarding the fact that Naito has been publicly acknowledging Kiyomiya's abilities, Kiyomiya takes a more measured view.

"Well, I feel like I still have some breathing room as long as I’m being praised. It means I haven't reached the point where I’m a genuine threat yet. I think I’ll only truly be in a position to threaten the top tier once people stop praising me. It’s on me, of course—I ended up just watching the N-1 VICTORY from the sidelines last time."

Fighting It Out Against Super-Heavyweights by engaging in a battle of wits. 

The "N-1 VICTORY", a singles tournament to determine the strongest wrestler in Noah, kicked off at the September 12th event at Korakuen Hall. Kiyomiya was entered into Block A, a group packed with powerhouses and former GHC Heavyweight Champions like Shane Haste and Yoshiki Inamura, as well as Kazuyuki Fujita and Alpha Wolf.

"I believe the N-1 is the tournament that best showcases Pro Wrestling Noah to the public. Looking at Block A... aren't there just too many huge wrestlers? I can sense the company's intentions there—it really makes me think, 'They're up to something' (laughs). I feel like the company is testing me, but conversely, I see it as a chance to truly demonstrate my wrestling ability. Just looking at the schedule for the official matches is enough to make your head spin. However, since the theme of this N-1 is conveying the appeal of pro-wrestling, I want to put my brain into overdrive and figure out the best strategies to take on these super-heavyweights in every single match."

Kouga is making a "triumphant return" in Block B. Although his identity was initially shrouded in mystery, he stated at a press conference that it had been "a year" since he was last seen; it is safe to say that Yu Owada—also known as "Owada-san"—has returned to the Pro Wrestling Noah ring. 

"His physique is completely different—he’s massive; it’s insane. I keep a close eye on all of OZAWA’s matches, so I honestly have no idea how the bout against Kouga is going to play out."

(*This interview was recorded prior to the event. It continues in the second part, to be released on the 17th.)

Translated from ENCOUNT

Picture credit: ENCOUNT