AJ Styles: Naomichi Marufuji Is One Of The Best I Have Ever Seen, Facing Him Will Be Phenomenal

AJ Styles compliments Naomichi Marufuji.

AJ Styles will face Naomichi Marufuji at NOAH Destination 2024 on July 13. This will be a first-time match, and it comes as part of WWE’s continuing collaborations with other companies. WWE and NOAH worked together in 2023, as Shinsuke Nakamura faced the Great Muta at NOAH’s New Year show in 2023.

In an interview with Pro Wrestling NOAH’s YouTube channel, AJ Styles shared his thoughts on the matchup. 

“Marufuji, I know way too much than I should about you and how talented you are. You’ve been doing this for a long time, and your resume speaks for itself. But I’m not coming to Japan to lose. Let’s tear the house down on July 13th,” Styles said.

Styles went on to praise Marufuji, noting that he has been wrestling for a long time, and he respects the veteran. Styles expressed his hope that the bout will be a knock-down, drag-out battle. 

“Marufuji has been doing this for a long time. He’s been kicking tail for it seems like at least two decades. I respect and know a lot about him, so would this be an easy match? Not exactly. Will be a knock-down, drag-out? I hope so,” Styles said.

Styles was asked to comment on why he wanted to have a singles match with Marufuji. He spoke highly of the NOAH icon and said that it would be special to share the ring with him. Styles called Marufuji one of the best he had ever seen in a ring.

“Why would I want to have a singles match with Marufuji? Because I’ve never had a singles match or a match alike with Marufuji. I’ve never been in the same ring with him before. So to be in that ring with him, it’s gonna be special. Marufuji is one of the best I’ve ever seen in a ring. Not just NOAH, but any ring, and it’ll awesome, or should I say phenomenal, to share the ring either way him,” Styles said.

Click here to see what Cody Rhodes had to say about Naomichi Marufuji.

Naomichi Marufuji has said that he wants to see more WWE stars come to NOAH. Check out his comments here.

If you use any of the quotes above, please credit the original source with a h/t and link back to Fightful for the transcription.