Tetsuya Naito says the world title match should main-event NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18.
Ahead of NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18, there has been some discourse about the match order, as the card will also feature a buzzworthy bout between Bryan Danielson and Kazuchika Okada. Meanwhile, Tetsuya Naito is set to headline the show, as he will challenge SANADA for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
Speaking with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, Naito made it clear that he believes the title match should close the show.
“I understand some people would think differently. "It’s good that there are different opinions. I know Okada and Bryan are famous worldwide–but so what? I want New Japan Pro-Wrestling to have more confidence and pride in the NJPW wrestlers and our matches," Naito said, speaking through a translator.
NJPW used a fan vote for the Wrestle Kingdom main event in 2014. The clash between Shinsuke Nakamura and Hiroshi Tanahashi was seen as a main-event-level match. Nakamura and Tanahashi won the vote over the world title match between Kazuchika Okada and Tetsuya Naito.
Kazuchika Okada previously said he wanted the world title match to headline Wrestle Kingdom, but he would accept a fan vote if that was what the fans wanted. Check out his comments here.
Fightful will have live coverage of NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 as it airs on January 4.
