Photo Credit: Pro Wrestling NOAH
By: Ian McCord
On August 9th, the Uncontrollable Tetsuya Naito is set to challenge Shane Haste for the GHC Heavyweight Championship at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s LEGACY RISE 2026 at Korakuen Hall.
After defeating Kaito Kiyomiya at SUMMER EPIC 2026, the former five-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion Tetsuya Naito became the No. 1 contender for Shane Haste’s GHC Heavyweight Championship.
In an interview with Tokyo Sports, Naito was asked about the criticism he received for not giving Shane Haste a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship after being defeated by him during the G1 Climax 33 back in 2023.
From Tetsuya Naito:
“I never actually said I’d refuse Shane’s challenge. I remember that loss clearly, and I’ve always wanted to get my revenge someday. It’s been a while, but now the chance has come—right here at Korakuen Hall.”
This will be Naito’s first time challenging for the GHC Heavyweight Championship and he noted that he has never felt any attachment to the GHC, even as a fan. However, Naito mentioned that since joining NOAH he has become more interested in it, and wonders how wrestlers and fans of the promotion would react to him winning the championship.
From Tetsuya Naito:
“As far as the GHC is concerned, I’ve had absolutely no attachment to it—not even back when I was a fan. But it’s true that since I started stepping into the NOAH ring this past January, I’ve gradually become more interested in it. If a man who’s always been so committed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling were to win this title match, he’d find himself right at the center of NOAH. I’m looking forward to seeing how the other wrestlers and the fans at NOAH would react if that happened.”
When talking about the idea of joining NOAH as a full time competitor, Naito said that it is not something he is considering and that he has been enjoying his time as a freelancer.
From Tetsuya Naito:
“At this point, I’m not even considering it. I spent 19 years with a promotion, and I find my current experience incredibly fresh and enjoyable.”
It was noted in the article that the legendary Keiji Muto had joined Pro Wrestling NOAH three days after he won the GHC Heavyweight Championship, a reality that could become a possibility for Naito if he so chooses. Naito mentioned Muto and how he himself is curious about finding out how much power the GHC Heavyweight Title holds.
From Tetsuya Naito:
“I don’t know just how much Keiji Muto cared about which promotion he was with. But now that you mention it, I’m curious—does the GHC Heavyweight title really hold that much power? I guess I won’t know until I try to win it.”
Before dining and dashing on the Tokyo Sports reporters, Naito made an interesting comment, saying that if he defeats Haste at LEGACY RISE 2026 this Sunday, people should check the news on August 12th.
From Tetsuya Naito:
“The title match is on August 9th, huh…? If I happen to win it, you’d better check the news on the 12th, don’t you think?”
(Quotes courtesy of Tokyo Sports, English Translation via DeepL)
Tetsuya Naito will have the opportunity to add another Heavyweight Title to his resume when he battles Shane Haste on August 9th at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s LEGACY RISE 2026 at Korakuen Hall. This event will air live on WRESTLE UNIVERSE streaming service.
Photo Credit: Pro Wrestling NOAH
Date:
August 5, 2026
Category:
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