Tetsuya Naito, the winner of the G1 Climax 33, held a press conference on Monday, August 14, where he shared his thoughts on his victory and what the future holds for him. This was Naito’s third win in the tournament, and he expressed his happiness at achieving this milestone. He also discussed the traditional path that the G1 winner takes, leading to the main event at the Tokyo Dome on January 4.
During the press conference, Naito was asked about his mindset regarding Wrestle Kingdom, the biggest event in New Japan Pro Wrestling. In response, Naito humorously questioned the existence of contracts and the briefcase deal. However, he maintained that his goal has always been to headline the Tokyo Dome show.
Another topic that came up was Naito’s confrontation with Jeff Cobb after his G1 victory. Naito playfully suggested that even if he were to lose to Cobb in a quick match, it wouldn’t affect his position in the main event at the Tokyo Dome. This remark showcased Naito’s confidence and nonchalant attitude towards his opponents.
When asked about the significance of this G1 victory compared to his previous wins, Naito acknowledged the challenges he faced due to his injuries and age. He emphasized that he didn’t have the luxury of thinking about future opportunities and felt that he had more at stake this time. This win held greater importance for him.
Naito also reflected on his history with Kazuchika Okada, his opponent in the G1 final. Having wrestled Okada numerous times before, Naito considered this victory to be even more significant because he defeated someone he had a close connection with during their time as Young Lions. This win added another layer of meaning to his G1 triumph.
Looking ahead to Wrestle Kingdom, Naito was asked about his potential opponent. He stated that regardless of who stands across the ring from him, his focus is on being in the main event at the Tokyo Dome and delivering his best performance. Winning the match and experiencing the electric atmosphere of the Dome is his ultimate goal.
When questioned about the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, Naito expressed that his primary motivation is the Tokyo Dome main event, rather than the title itself. He admitted that he was initially against the creation of the new belt, but winning it could change his perspective. For now, his main drive is to stand in the spotlight at the Tokyo Dome.
In conclusion, Naito thanked everyone for their support and expressed his excitement to see the fans at the upcoming matches. His journey to Wrestle Kingdom is set, and fans can expect Naito to bring his best to the Tokyo Dome on January 4.
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