By Mark Pickering
Shinsuke Nakamura looks forward to facing Ulka Sasaki.
As previously announced, WWE's Shinsuke Nakamura will return to NOAH and face Ulka Sasaki at NOAH The New Year 2025 on January 1.
Nakamura appeared at a press conference on December 27 and discussed the upcoming match against Sasaki. The WWE United States Champion went face-to-face with the former UFC star at the press conference in Tokyo.
"I am enjoying one thing, being able to fight against Ulka, who I lured into the ring two years ago. The Nippon Budokan is the place where I made my debut. There's no reason not to bring the belt (WWE US Championship) as a triumphant return," Nakamura told Fightful at the press conference.
Sasaki was confident ahead of his match against Nakamura. He expressed his belief that he would win, as he stated that he knew he would emerge victorious. He also said that he didn't like Nakamura as a wrestler.
"People think that I will lose but I'm going to win, I know I'm going to beat him. To be frank, I like Shinsuke Nakamura but I don't like professional wrestler Shinsuke Nakamura," Sasaki said.
Later in the press conference, Nakamura noted that Sasaki was welcome to use the Kinshasa if he wanted to, but he thought his opponent was just playing games.
"The other day, I heard that Ulka did the Kinshasa at Korakuen Hall (19 December). You're welcome to use it but I think he’s playing games," Nakamura said.
Meanwhile, Sasaki emphasized that he was hungry, and he would do anything to win.
Nakamura’s participation marks his return to NOAH for the first time since his dream match with the Great Muta on January 1, 2023, which helped to kickstart the partnership with WWE and NOAH.
NOAH THE NEW YEAR is available to order with English commentary on ABEMA Live.
The event will steam in the USA, Korea, Thailand, and the Philippines. For all other regions, the event will be added to Wrestle Universe at a later date.
Fightful will have coverage of NOAH The New Year 2025 once it airs on January 1.
