Tetsuya Naito has opened up about his in-ring future after claiming a memorable win in the final of the G1 Climax over Kazuchika Okada.
During the G1 Climax 33 Tournament Naito topped Block D with a 5-2 record and beat Hikuleo in the quarter-finals, before getting the better of Will Ospreay and finally Okada. The victory was Naito’s third in the prestigious tournament, with his previous wins coming in 2013 and 2017.
By virtue of grabbing the win, Naito will now head to Wrestle Kingdom 18 to challenge for the IWGP World Heavyweight Title.
However, the 41-year-old star is showing noticeable wear and tear on his body after an incredibly physical two decades in the industry, something the man himself is keenly aware of.
Speaking to NJPW after his victory over Okada, the star noted that despite this, he’s got more left in the tank than other stars had at the same age.
“I said as much on the mic, but I hate the word ‘forever’. Time waits for no man, after all, I heard that talk when I watched the match back on World. But to give the flip side to that comment, I was at Ryogoku as a fan when Chono [Masahiro Chono] won his last (in 2005), and backstage when Tanahashi [Hiroshi Tanahashi] won his last (2018). I think if you put Chono at 41 against Tanahashi at 41 and me at 41, I’m better than them, and I have more in the tank.”
Tetsuya Naito Knows Time Is At A Premium
Continuing on, Tetsuya Naito admitted that he’s closer to the end of his career but that’s only made him more determined to live in the moment.
“Well, if you watch those other matches back, they’re a lot less mobile at that point than I am now, I reckon. I definitely feel I have a lot further to go yet. At the same time, I know my time is limited. I have knee troubles, eye troubles. The end of the line, that image of retirement that was so far away for so long is now coming into focus a little.
But I think that’s just another reason to enjoy where I am as a wrestler and to live in the now, right now. I need to make the most of every moment. That’s not just in the ring, either. Being in the gym, it’s a big motivator for me to push harder, knowing I can’t afford to delay anything.”
Naito will be back in action on September 24th at NJPW Destruction where he’ll take on Jeff Cobb.