KUSHIDA Aims To Move To NJPW’s Heavyweight Division, Cites Mercedes Mone As Inspiration For Change

KUSHIDA is determined to evolve.

KUSHIDA is determined to evolve.

The six-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion returned to New Japan Pro-Wrestling in June 2022 after he spent a few years with WWE. Since then, he has continued to reestablish himself as one of the most buzzworthy wrestlers on the roster. In recent months, he has also competed for IMPACT Wrestling, and he made a one-off appearance on AEW Dynamite when he challenged Darby Allin for the TNT Championship. Moving forward, KUSHIDA wants to make more noteworthy moves.

Speaking with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, KUSHIDA described how he is trying to evolve into a heavyweight. He cited Mercedes Moné’s NJPW in-ring debut at NJPW Battle in the Valley as an inspiration, as he noted that the growth of the women’s division marks a substantial shift for the company. With that in mind, KUSHIDA stated that he is determined to create more change in NJPW.

“Mercedes Moné had a match at Battle in the Valley in San Jose, and I think that was a great beginning for this. Japan still has a culture that cherishes tradition, so there are arguments both for and against the IWGP women’s championship. Japanese people don’t like ‘change.’ I want to create an atmosphere to challenge from junior heavyweight in 2023. We can change little by little. I think we can challenge and create change more in New Japan Pro-Wrestling America. That is why I chose this lifestyle that is back and forth between Japan and the U.S. It is great that we can challenge a lot of things in New Japan Pro-Wrestling America. That is why the top title says NJPW Strong Openweight championship, and KENTA has that. I think that title is very innovative for Japanese wrestlers. I am looking forward to Mercedes Moné’s reign, and I will show you that I can overturn the weight difference,” KUSHIDA said through a translator.

KUSHIDA also discussed his general goals, and he made it clear that he is focused on the growth of NJPW in the United States. He stated that he wants to make the brand bigger than ever and carry it on his back.

“My goal was for myself before, and now I am carrying everybody’s goal so we make New Japan Pro-Wrestling of America bigger than ever. “It is a very exciting time for me, and I want to carry it on my back,” KUSHIDA said.

Catch up on our coverage of the February 23 episode of IMPACT Wrestling here, and check out the post-show review on our YouTube channel.

KUSHIDA will compete at IMPACT No Surrender on February 24. Check out the card here.

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