2023 has been a year for change in New Japan Pro Wrestling. While things started in a rather predictable fashion, with Kazuchika Okada winning the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship from Jay White – things would start to get interesting with the New Japan Cup.
SANADA would defeat fellow Los Ingobernables De Japon member Tetsuya Naito, before leaving the group to join Just 5 Guys. SANADA went on to win the tournament, take the belt off Okada, and manage three title defenses. Despite all this, Naito still thinks SANADA has a long way to go.
Tetsuya Naito Feels SANADA Has Not Become A Superstar Yet
During an interview for New Japan Pro Wrestling’s official website – Tetsuya Naito would be asked about former tag team partner and factionmate SANADA. While he can’t deny the skills of SANADA, he feels he’s not a star yet.
“If I don’t say something that means there’s nothing to say. He’s the champion, but he isn’t standing out like he should. If you grabbed a random fan off the street somewhere in the world and asked them who the champion in New Japan is, they would have to really think about it at best, right? That’s where SANADA is. He won the New Japan Cup, and he took the belt, so there is no denying his ability. He just isn’t a superstar. That’s why when you asked me who I want to face the G1, I didn’t answer SANADA because he’s the champion, I answered with Shingo Takagi and Yota Tsuji. Kazuchika Okada would be a big final as well. Me and SANADA, not so much.”
The G1 Climax Has Had Mixed Results For Both Men Already
Both SANADA & Naito have had their first matches in the 2023 G1 Climax tournament – both finding themselves in the main event. During the first night of the tournament, SANADA would earn his first two points by defeating Hikuleo – the biggest man in his block.
Meanwhile, on the second night of action – Naito would lose to Jeff Cobb. Both men have six matches to go in the tournament, and have a high likelihood of both making the finals.
Do you think Naito & SANADA will make the finals of the tournament? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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