Kaito Kiyomiya Says His Redemption is Only Possible by Defeating OZAWA in N-1 VICTORY Final

By: Ian McCord 

On October 4th, the next chapter in the rivalry between Kaito Kiyomiya and OZAWA is set to take place. This time the two generational talents are set to do battle in the finals of Pro Wrestling NOAH’s N-1 VICTORY 2026 at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium 2nd Gymnasium in Tokyo.

With the finals just days away, Pro Wrestling NOAH held a press conference ahead of the big event, with chaos ensuing between Kiyomiya and OZAWA.

Before things broke down, Kiyomiya’s opening statements told you everything you need to know about his feelings towards his rival. Kiyomiya shared that since OZAWA returned from excursion almost two years ago, he’s done nothing but make his blood boil. One of the most important things Kiyomiya said during those opening statements was that he feels he can’t hit the reset button and work towards the redemption he desires unless he defeats OZAWA.

From Kaito Kiyomiya:

“I’ve never been able to beat OZAWA, who’s sitting right here next to me. Ever since this guy came back, it’s been nothing but things that really make my blood boil, and honestly, I still can’t calm down. Still, I see what he’s doing as part of NOAH too. So, I guess he should just do whatever he wants. I think he should do as he pleases. It’s just that I absolutely hate the way he does things. I have my own version of NOAH inside me, and I believe that my version of NOAH is the strongest. I intend to prove that beyond a doubt. If there’s one thing I’m worried about, it’s that messy pin—I’m going to be careful about that. That said, unless I beat this guy, I can’t truly hit the reset button in my mind. Right now, the opponent I want to knock out the most is right here beside me, and I’m in this final match—exactly the situation I’ve been hoping for. I believe OZAWA is destined to be knocked out, so please come see it happen.”

(English Translation via DeepL)

OZAWA spent the majority of the press conference asking about Kiyomiya’s personal relationships and the science behind his backslide pin rather than talking about his feelings about the N-1 final itself. Kiyomiya was pushed to his limits by OZAWA’s off-topic questions and ended up grabbing OZAWA by the collar, asking how long he planned to keep bringing up private matters.

Following the photo shoot between the two finalists, OZAWA attacked Kiyomiya with his patented black crutch and then began choking him with a piece wrist tape.

Image Credit: Pro Wrestling NOAH

The only way out is through for Kiyomiya on October 4th. If the Mad Prince hopes to reclaim the top spot on the Ark, he must first defeat the man who he has yet to beat since joining TEAM 2000X: OZAWA.

If victorious in the N-1 Final, Kiyomiya will then be next in line for Tetsuya Naito and the GHC Heavyweight Championship at WRESTLE ODYSSEY II on October 25th at the Ryogoku Kokugikan.