Photo Credit: Pro Wrestling NOAH
By: Lewis Carlan
The Pro Wrestling NOAH N-1 VICTORY 2026 will begin on Sept. 12th will a full card of block matches as the anticipation for the tournament has kicked into high gear.
There are sixteen competitors in this year’s N-1 Victory with one huge name opting to skip the tournament. The current GHC Heavyweight Champion Tetsuya Naito decided in the infancy of his reign that he would not be participating in the tournament.
In a recent report by Tokyo Sports, longtime NOAH superstar KENOH didn’t hold back as he went after Naito. KENOH feels Naito is simply running away from competing at the N-1. He then stated that Naito is a champion who kills the excitement. KENOH vowed to win the N-1 and take the title from Naito.
On Aug. 29th, Naito teamed with BUSHI & RYUSEI as they defeated Dragon Bane, Alejandro & Katsumi Inahata.
During his post-match backstage interview, Naito addressed KENOH’s comments.
From Tetsuya Naito:
“Read that Tokyo Sports piece with KENOH’s comments. So — I’m Tetsuya Naito, the champion apparently ‘bringing the mood down.’ Sure, past N-1s have had the champion competing. But I want to take this company to No. 1, and repeating the past or copying New Japan isn’t how you get there. You’re entered in N-1, right? Complaining that much, I assume you’re winning it? October 25th, Ryogoku, GHC Heavyweight Championship — I’ll be waiting for whoever wins N-1. You, KENOH? Or someone else? See you all tomorrow at Kobe Sambo Hall. KENOH, you listening? Waiting on your answer.”
The stage is set as fans are waiting with high anticipation for a KENOH vs. Naito showdown for the GHC Heavyweight Championship. All KENOH needs to do is win the N-1 VICTORY 2026 tournament which will be a difficult task.
KENOH’s disdain for Naito and love for NOAH may be exactly what is required to carry him to victory in the tournament. We will find out as the N-1 VICTORY 2026 kick off day is right around the corner and KENOH is eager to get started.
Date:
August 31, 2026
Category:
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