Yoshiki Inamura Believes Tetsuya Naito Skipping NOAH’s N-1 VICTORY Isn’t Something to Be Angry About

By: Ian McCord

One of the big talking points heading into Pro Wrestling NOAH’s N-1 VICTORY 2026 is the current GHC Heavyweight Champion, Tetsuya Naito, choosing not to participate in this year’s round-robin tournament.

Some of the competitors in this year’s N-1 have shared their opinions on Naito’s absence from the tournament. However, former GHC Heavyweight Champion Yoshiki Inamura remains unbothered by the subject.

In a recent interview with Pro Wrestling NOAH, Inamura said that he doesn’t see Naito missing the tournament as something to be angry about. Inamura believes Naito’s absence may help the champion stay in top condition for his GHC Heavyweight Title defense against the N-1 Victory winner in October.

From Yoshiki Inamura:

“I don’t think it’s a problem. Being a champion is proof of strength, and it also comes with a voice. Mr. Naito probably has his own reasons for not entering the N-1 tournament, and if he wants to be in top condition for the title match, sitting out the league tournament is one option. I don’t think it’s something worth getting so worked up and angry about.”

(English Translation via DeepL)

This will be Inamura’s fourth time competing in NOAH’s N-1 VICTORY tournament. The former GHC Heavyweight Champion will be competing in A Block alongside Yuki Iino, Kaito Kiyomiya, Alpha Wolf, Shane Haste, Chen, Kazuyuki Fujita, and Takashi Sugiura.

Inamura is set to face Yuki Iino at the N-1 VICTORY 2026 opener on September 12th at Korakuen Hall. This event and all other N-1 VICTORY tournament events will air live on Wrestle UNIVERSE streaming service.

Image Credit: Pro Wrestling NOAH