Back on June 25th, the current IWGP World Heavyweight Champion SANADA successfully defended his title against AEW’s Jack Perry at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2.
SANADA was interviewed recently for the NJPW World website and was asked about the match against Jack Perry and it being the fourth bout on the card:
My opponent, Perry, I could see there was something to him, the fans had been behind him, and he had a good match with DOUKI in Chicago. I think he’s someone with a lot of upside. But I think with this being an away game, the most important thing was being able to show who I am in that environment and in that atmosphere. Where you are on the card, that’s important sure, but it was my job to show who SANADA is within that environment, and win on top of that. I did that and I’m grateful I was able to.
SANADA was also asked if he experienced any new horizons competing at Forbidden Door 2:
If anything I’ve seen nothing but new horizons. It was my first time in AEW, and it really reminded me that America, or Canada in this case, is the land of entertainment.
SANADA is scheduled to compete in the upcoming G1 Climax 33 tournament on July 15th. During the interview he was asked how he felt being the oldest member of the A Block:
That’s something new in itself. All of a sudden, I’m the grizzled vet, heh. You have all these young guys and then the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. I think having the champion there is what sets that block off, and it changes the way you look at it all.
SANADA concluded the interview with this comment about G1 Climax 33:
People are at their most boring when they’re on defense. Even with all this youth in A Block, I have to be the most youthful even though I’m the oldest. I’m the veteran but hunger wise, aggression wise, I have to think like a rookie. You know, since I’ve been champion, I’ve been in a lot of new situations, and I’ve gotten used to wrestling younger guys. Through the G1, I figure I can deal with the momentum these guys have- it’ll be a growing experience for them and for me at the same time.
You can follow Lewis Carlan on Twitter @ShootingUpNorth
If you enjoy Bodyslam’s content, you can help donate to the site here. You can also visit our PWTees store and buy Bodyslam official merchandise here.
You can listen to all of Bodyslam’s podcasts by following us on Spotify and subscribing to our YouTube Channel, or any of your favorite podcast platforms.
