Pro Wrestling NOAH great Naomichi Marufuji is in his 25th year as a professional wrestler having debuted back in 1998 for All Japan Pro-Wrestling. Marufuji, who is 43 years of age, will be celebrating his 25th year with a huge 25th anniversary show on September 17th at Korakuen Hall In Tokyo.
Naomichi Marufuji will be facing NJPW superstar and current IWGP US Heavyweight Champion Will Ospreay in the main event of his 25th Anniversary show. Will Ospreay had made it known that the reason he became a professional wrestler was in fact because of his admiration for Naomichi Marufuji.
During a recent interview with Tokyo Sports, Marufuji was asked about his upcoming match with Will Ospreay and the great respect Ospreay has for him:
I’m honestly happy that Ospreay, a world-famous professional wrestler, calls me “my hero”. As a pro wrestler, it’s a great blessing for me. But on that matter, he knows me so well, so on the day of the match, I have to use my pro wrestling brains to the best of my ability and do something that he wouldn’t have thought of in order to win. So, if I can beat Ospreay, I will gain even more confidence and move into the title race. I want to show young children that they can work a little harder without relying completely on others.
Marufuji also discussed his debut match back in August 1998 for AJPW while working for the legendary Giant Baba:
Giant Baba said to me, “Can you make your debut?” and I said, “Yes, I can!” That’s when my professional wrestling career started. Although I may not be as physically as good as when I debuted at the age of 18, I’m still a lot younger emotionally. It’s natural that the training is tough, but it was a job that I’ve always admired, so I’ve never once thought about quitting. Although the time was short, being able to interact with Baba-san was a treasure. I was lucky enough to find pro wrestling, and I truly believe that is my calling.
(H/T goes to NOAH’S ARKIVE for the transcription and translation)
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