Go Shiozaki States He Needs To Find A New Ring To Compete In, Relieved About Starting Fresh

By: Lewis Carlan

On Sept. 30, the fans as well as wrestlers for Pro Wrestling NOAH were taken by surprise when it was announced that long time NOAH mainstay Go Shiozaki would be departing the company.

Go Shiozaki made his Pro Wrestling NOAH debut back on June 26, 2004 when he competed in a Battle Royal at the NOAH Accomplish Our Fourth Navigation 2004 event. He has wrestled for the NOAH for every year since 2004 with the exception on 2014 where he was exclusive to AJPW.

Shiozaki spoke with Tokyo Sports and opened up about leaving NOAH and what his next steps would be.

Shiozaki was asked about his departure from NOAH and he indicated that he feels relieved getting a fresh start and needs to find a new ring to compete in.

From Go Shiozaki:

“In terms of starting fresh, I feel relieved. Since this isn’t a retirement, I need to find a new ring to fight in.  I know this sudden announcement might confuse or worry fans, but I hope they’ll look forward to what’s next.”

Shiozaki was asked if he is feeling any regrets leaving Pro Wrestling NOAH.

From Go Shiozaki:

“I think I’ve been able to move on. Honestly, after leaving Noah, going to All Japan, and then returning to Noah, and then leaving again. I expect people will have a lot to say, and I’m prepared for that. But there are probably some people who are feeling uneasy, worried, or confused about this. I want to show them a performance in the ring that will dispel those feelings.”

The now former Pro Wrestling NOAH superstar discussed his future plans.

From Go Shiozaki:

“I still don’t know exactly where I’ll end up.  But, regardless of where I go, my wrestling style, as Go Shiozaki, will remain consistent, although it will certainly evolve. I want to find a wrestling ring where I can truly express myself as Go Shiozaki. I believe that I can experience something fresh and exciting in any promotion. That’s why I want to do things that are only possible as a freelance wrestler.”

Go Shiozaki should have plenty of options as a freelancer as it is a safe bet multiple promotions would love to have him inside their ring.

He would be the perfect challenger for newly crowned AJPW Triple Crown Champion Kento Miyahara. Shiozaki is a former Triple Crown champion himself and it would be interesting to see him attempt to regain that prestigious title.

Shiozaki would be a great addition to the BJW STRONG Division and would give a much needed boost to that promotion.

If NJPW shows interest, it’s a safe bet that Shiozaki would love to pursue the IWGP
World Heavyweight Championship and become  a Grand Slam Champion.

DDT Pro-Wrestling and Dragon Gate would be excellent destinations for Shiozaki as well.

One thing is certain, fans can expect Shiozaki to be inside a professional wrestling ring, whichever that company may be, very, very soon.

(H/T goes to NOAH’S ARKIVE for all English quote translations)