Kaito Kiyomiya Says He Views Upcoming Match With Tetsuya Naito as an Interpromotional Showdown

By: Ian McCord

On July 18th, at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s SUMMER EPIC 2026 in Osaka, former GHC Heavyweight Champion Kaito Kiyomiya is set to clash with former IWGP Heavyweight Champion Tetsuya Naito in a special singles match billed as the Uncontrollable vs. The Prince of Madness.

After Los Tranquilos de Japon’s Tetsuya Naito and BUSHI were defeated by the ALL REBELLION team of Kiyomiya and Harutoki on the fourth day of the NEO GLOBAL TAG LEAGUE, Naito challenged Kiyomiya to a one on one match that was accepted by the Prince of Madness.

On July 16th at NEO GLOBAL TAG LEAGUE Final at Korakuen Hall, Naito and Kiyomiya found themselves teaming together in a special 8-man tag match. The two teamed with BUSHI and KENTA defeating Masa Kitamiya, Takashi Sugiura, Tetsuya Endo, and HAYATA.

Prior to picking up the win for his team, Naito attacked Kiyomiya by drop-kicking his partner’s left leg. Moments later, BUSHI attacked KENTA, ending their short lived partnership before the match had ended.

Kiyomiya, visibly frustrated, got into the face of the Uncontrollable Naito after the match only to be greeted by a low blow and a smile.

Naito then got on the microphone and told Kiyomiya how much he’s looking forward to their first ever singles match, telling him he hopes he’s not disappointed by the man he believes is at the center of NOAH.

Kiyomiya, who was unable to answer Naito due to being attacked, took to social media to respond. Kiyomiya states that he’s looking at this match with Naito as a showdown between NJPW and NOAH due to the separate paths both men have walked in their careers.

From Kaito Kiyomiya via X:

“I’m just as excited as you are. But this match is a showdown between the path Mr. Naito has taken in New Japan Pro-Wrestling and the path I’ve taken in NOAH. I see it as a showdown between our organizations. I’m going into this match prepared to lose everything.”

(English Translation via DeepL)

Kiyomiya will have the chance to show Naito what he is made of on July 18th when the two face off at NOAH SUMMER EPIC 2026 in Osaka.