(NOAH) Passion from New Year's Day!!

Weekly Pro

22nd January 2025

Soya defeats his comrade, Kitamiya, to defend his GHC National Championship for the fourth time.

Manabu Soya made his first challenge for the GHC Heavyweight Championship at the Ariake Arena event on January 2, 2024. Although he was defeated, he proved he possessed the caliber to contend for the title in such a major venue.

Subsequently, despite being sidelined from March due to an elbow injury, he undertook a complete physical transformation. Upon returning with a powerfully muscular physique, he transformed into the "Captain of Passion."

At the September 14th event at Korakuen Hall, he captured the GHC National Championship, securing his first-ever singles title in Noah. He was then set to enter the major event at the start of 2025 as the reigning champion, marking a year of tremendous upward momentum.

Masa Kitamiya stepped up to challenge Soya, who is currently in peak form. Although his ability is certain, he has never worn a singles belt. 

The way he always falls just short of the finish line is reminiscent of the Soya of the past. As the challenger, he aims to finally conquer this "nemesis"—an opponent he has failed to defeat in three previous singles matches—and achieve his long-held dream of winning the title.

The match unfolded as a clash of raw power—a contest truly befitting these two competitors. There were moments where they even turned their opponent's signature moves against them, vividly demonstrating their fierce, unbridled rivalry. As the back-and-forth action intensified, the atmosphere grew increasingly electric, as if the two were feeding off each other's energy.

In the end, Soya crushed Kitamiya, who had thrown his entire being into the challenge. With this victory, Soya successfully defended his title for the fourth time.

Looking every bit the champion with the red belt around his waist, Soya spoke backstage about Daiki Inaba—a name Kitamiya had also coincidentally mentioned. The three of them are comrades who, back in September 2025, vowed to lead Noah as the standard-bearers of their generation. In the ever-shifting landscape of the Noah ring, one gets the sense that these rugged men—led by Soya—are poised to make a powerful impact.

Picture notes

~ Manabu Soya used a Saito Suplex during the match