KENTA Questions GHC Heavyweight Champion Tetsuya Naito’s Decision Not To Participate in the Pro Wrestling NOAH N-1 VICTORY 2026

By: Lewis Carlan

Recently, Pro Wrestling NOAH superstar KENOH went after the current GHC Heavyweight Champion Tetsuya Naito and blasted him for deciding to skip the N-1 VICTORY 2026 Tournament.

Now KENOH has company in the form of KENTA in his disdain for Natio’s decision.

In a new interview on the Pro Wrestling NOAH website, KENTA questioned Naito’s decision not to participate in the N-1 but instead worry about competing with New Japan Pro-Wrestling in terms of attendance numbers.

KENTA stated he believes everything is getting swallowed up in Naito’s own story.

From KENTA:

“Why isn’t Naito even in N-1? This whole ‘let’s beat New Japan’ framing — I really hate the way everything’s getting swallowed up into Naito’s own story. The mood where everyone just goes along with it, no one pushing back — I don’t like that either. Before we start worrying about attendance at Ryogoku, shouldn’t we be building up the heat around N-1 itself?”

First KENOH and now KENTA has voiced their concerns and frustration over Naito making the decision not to participate in the N-1 this year. One has to wonder if more competitors will come forward and speak up about Naito and his seemingly unpopular decision.

KENTA’s opening bout will be on Sept. 12 at Korakuen Hall and it will be a tough one against Manabu Soya in a B Block match-up.

Photo Credit: Pro Wrestling NOAH