Tetsuya Naito: It Took A Lot Of Balls For KENTA To Attack Me At Wrestle Kingdom 14

Tetsuya Naito may have had the performance of a lifetime throughout both nights of Wrestle Kingdom 14, but KENTA’s actions at the end of the second night did leave an impression on Naito.

As Naito was celebrating becoming the first man to simultaneously hold the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental titles, KENTA, who lost his NEVER Openweight title, attacked Naito from behind and held both of those titles up in the air. Naito isn’t necessarily angry with KENTA for his actions when talking to NJPW.

“You have to give him credit for turning the focus to himself. I said this at the press conference, but as a wrestler, I have to respect what he was able to do, completely wrecking the ending to that weekend. Look, there were probably a ton of guys in the back who were cursing me out behind my back after I won. Plenty of people who would want to do what KENTA did, but he was the one that ran out and did it. Especially after he lost the NEVER Championship, just jumping me like that took a lot of balls,” KENTA said.”

Though many in the Tokyo Dome were disgusted by KENTA’s actions and to some extent Naito as well, to a certain degree, Naito understands why KENTA would do something like this. In fact, Naito respects KENTA’s willingness to make the biggest moment of the weekend about himself.

“The professional wrestler Tetsuya Naito can appreciate it all, but the kid in me who watched as a fan all those years ago is furious,” Naito said. 

Now KENTA will get his chance to wrestle Naito for the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental titles at the New Beginning in Osaka show taking place on February 9. Fightful will have live coverage of the show.