Kenoh States He Has Waited Over Three Years To Defeat Tetsuya Naito, Naito Responds

By: Lewis Carlan 

Back on Jan. 21st 2023, Tetsuya Naito defeated Kenoh in the main event of New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Wrestle Kingdom 17 in front of over 5,500 fans at the Yokohama Arena. Their match was the final bout of the Kongo vs. LIJ Best Of Five Series as the two now defunct factions were locked in a major inter-promotional feud at the time.

Now over three years after their epic battle, Tetsuya Naito and Kenoh are set to go to war once again, only this time inside a Pro Wrestling NOAH ring with the GHC Heavyweight Championship hanging in the balance.

On Nov. 9th, Tetsuya Naito will defend his GHC Heavyweight Title against the challenge of four time champion Kenoh at Korakuen Hall in a highly anticipated match-up.

It’s no secret the disdain each has for one another which has been apparent during to the numerous heated exchanges they have unleashed on social media.

A press conference was held on Oct. 26 which included an official signing ceremony as both Naito and Kenoh came face to face.

Photo Credit: Pro Wrestling NOAH

During the press conference, Kenoh assured any doubters that he will win the GHC Heavyweight Championship.

From Kenoh:

“Everybody thinks the title won’t change hands at a weekday Korakuen. I’ll overturn all of that. I’ll pull off a surprise that makes you think NOAH is fun! Come see it at the venue!”

Photo Credit: Pro Wrestling NOAH

Kenoh then stated he has waited over three years to get an opportunity to defeat Tetsuya Naito:

From Kenoh:

“Do you even need to ask? I’ve wanted to beat him for 3 years and 9 months.”

Naito issued a response to Kenoh and indicated he will defend the GHC Heavyweight Championship with ease on Nov. 9th.

From Tetsuya Naito:

“I don’t remember opponents I’ve beaten. But seeing Kenoh on the mic yesterday was nostalgic. On 11/9, I’ll defend with ease.”

By stating he will defend this title against Kenoh with ease could be a catastrophic case of over-confidence on the part of Naito. Then again, it could be Naito’s master plan of trying to live inside the head of Kenoh rent-free for the next few weeks.

Regardless of Naito’s game plan, Kenoh will arrive at Korakuen Hall fully prepared for war. The four time GHC Heavyweight Champion has waited over three years to defeat Tetsuya Naito and on Nov. 9,  he can accomplish that desire and become a five time GHC Heavyweight Titleholder in the process.

That would definitely be the icing on the cake for Kenoh.