In the world of professional wrestling, some aren’t destined to have love careers. It can be an incredibly dangerous job, especially when you perform at the level of Tetsuya Naito.
Having spent many years as a main event player in New Japan Pro Wrestling, Naito has put his body through a lot of punishment.
In 2023, he remains a top name in the company – having won the 2023 G1 Climax tournament. However, Naito knows this could be his last big chance – and sees retirement becoming more and more clear.
Tetsuya Naito Knows His Time Is Limited, But Will Make The Most Of Each Moment
In an interview for NJPW1972, Naito would talk about his recent G1 Climax victory – which saw him defeat Will Ospreay & Kazuchika Okada on back to back nights. However, he knows he’s closer to the end of his career than the start. Naito was quoted saying the following.
“Well, if you watch those other matches back, they’re a lot less mobile at that point than I am now, I reckon. I definitely feel I have a lot further to go yet. At the same time, I know my time is limited. I have knee troubles, eye troubles. The end of the line, that image of retirement that was so far away for so long is now coming into focus a little.
But I think that’s just another reason to enjoy where I am as a wrestler and to live in the now, right now. I need to make the most of every moment. That’s not just in the ring, either. Being in the gym, it’s a big motivator for me to push harder, knowing I can’t afford to delay anything.”
One More Big Singles Match For Naito In 2023
Right now, Naito has one more major singles match set for 2023. He will face Jeff Cobb on September 24th for Destruction in Kobe. While Cobb won their match in the G1 Climax tournament, it has not been made for Naito’s Tokyo Dome contract.
Should Cobb win, he could call for another match with that main event on the line – but Naito is expected to win, then rest before January 4th. There, he will face the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, which will either be SANADA or EVIL.
Another potential singles match could come for AEW at their announced WrestleDream event – which is set to have heavy NJPW involvement.
How many singles matches do you expect from Naito in the last months of 2023? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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