by: J. Curbelo
It was last Sunday when 54 year old Yuji Nagata dethroned Kento Miyahara to win All Japan Pro Wrestling’s Triple Crown Championship, achieving the coveted feat of having held NJPW, NOAH and now AJPW’s top prizes.
Nagata claims to have felt rejuvenated by Keiji Muto retiring. Despite belonging to New Japan, he promises to dedicate himself to All Japan and bring back the feeling of King’s Road to their rings.
Congratulations to Yuji Nagata!
Yesterday in Korakuen he seized AJPW's Triple Crown, become the oldest wrestler ever to do so at 54, and completing a Triple Crown, GHC and IWGP Grand Slam!#njpw #ajpw pic.twitter.com/X7m3ZMlzUB
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) February 19, 2023
“Blue Justice” is the fifth man to accomplish the “Grand Slam” after Keiji Muto, Kensuke Sasaki, Yoshihiro Takayama and Satoshi Kojima. However, his legend status was already well cemented before this match. “That day, a lot of people came over to cheer for me. Even people who I personally know but don’t usually watch pro wrestling were in attendance,” he said, while laughing.
This victory seems to be only the beginning for the new champion, as he claimed that the announcement of Keiji Muto’s retirement brought him to a realization. “It’s great that he left on a high note by giving NOAH a great financial boost. I couldn’t expect less from Muto-san,” Nagata told the press.
Muto and Nagata have history all the way back to the 2001 G1 Climax finals, where the latter overcame his now-retired opponent. Yuji Nagata expressed that seeing Muto make history in other companies, regardless of being a New Japan original, has inspired him to go for this championship.
Good morning.
I went to bed at 10:00 last night and woke up at 5:30 this morning.
After training in the morning, I will go to Sakura City and then return to Togane City.
I woke up early, so Yuji Nagata is the oldest, 54 years old, and I will do my best today as well.
— 永田裕志 (@nagata769) February 24, 2023
“My Triple Crown championship match drew a full attendance, which proves that fans can still be interested in All Japan and come to the show. I will make it more exciting. I will revitalize its economy and bring many fans to AJPW,” promised Nagata. He is scheduled to have his first title defense next month against Shuji Ishikawa, but what’s next afterwards?
Just like he said in our exclusive Q&A with him, Blue Justice claims to be ready for any challenge, no matter who stands in his way.
Date:
February 24, 2023
Category:
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