Kenoh Blasts Former Rival Katsuhiko Nakajima, Extends An Offer

By: Thom Fain

All Japan Pro-Wrestling has been struck with several controversies of late, with fans trying to decipher what’s real (and what is all part of the ride) after Triple Crown Champ Katsuhiko Nakajima appeared to vacate the company’s top title – something one-time rival and Pro Wrestling NOAH champion Kenoh picked up on yesterday in comments published by Tokyo Sports.

The GHC Heavyweight champ suggested the door is always open for Nakajima to rejoin NOAH and reclaim his lost philosophy, and what better time than now – he could in effect follow Shuji Ishikawa, Takao Omori, Yoshitatsu and Black Mensa out the All Japan door. Kenoh noted that AJPW looks pretty foul from his perch atop the NOAH mountain, and has for a couple of months.

Wrestling Inc’s Max Everett reported earlier this week that the Triple Crown drama is all part of the ongoing storyline in AJPW, which he tweeted is being produced by a booking committee with some new backstage faces involved.

Suwama, AJPW’s Ace during the 2000s (and current back office executive), spoke about All Japan’s status to Tokyo Sports in no uncertain terms, explaining that Nakajima’s arrival is what brought on the chaos and that he could be “brainwashed” and having his strings pulled. While the blame for AJPW’s backstage drama wasn’t placed on any one person, Suwama appeared to add more fuel to the fire – although he’s a known showman, and AJPW has enjoyed more packed houses and media attention in recent months than most of its recent history.

【ノア】拳王が〝洗脳状態〟中嶋勝彦救出に名乗り　全日本の若手には「みんなノアにきたらいい」｜東スポWEB #noah_ghc #ajpwhttps://t.co/kBiUJxsbZm

— 東スポ　プロレス格闘技担当 (@tospo_battle) January 17, 2024

After inviting All Japan’s young wrestlers to NOAH, Kenoh offered his help to Nakajima, pointing out Nakajima’s recent change of style where he appears to be bearing the flag of Antonio Inoki’s Strong Style.

“I want to save Nakajima. There’s no doubt that he’s been brainwashed. We worked together for about two years. Nakajima, you can come back. You don’t even know if there’s a future for All Japan Pro Wrestling.” – Kenoh, 1.17.24

Kenoh has his own troubles in front of him in the form of Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr, who has remained in Japan as a crowd favorite among the NOAH faithful following a spectacular 2022 run with the GHC National strap. Wagner Jr. eventually lost to the up-and-coming double champion (and Good Looking Guy) Jack Morris.

We know that Nakajima and Kento Miyahara are real life best friends, though, and it’s tough to see him back in NOAH after shooting to the top of AJPW – barring another jointly promoted show, which is entirely possible, since the two promotions are members of the newly formed United Japan Pro-Wrestling group.

The UJPW will host a supershow at the Nippon Budokan on May 6 with multiple promotions involved.

Suwama: “Since Nakajima’s arrival, everyone is questioning what is going on”