Tetsuya Naito understands why Chris Jericho is such a big star.
Speaking to NJPW, Naito discussed his upcoming bout against Jericho and offered some praise for his opponent.
"He was different from what I expected, different from other American wrestlers. He was probably switching things up because he was in New Japan," said Naito. "Besides just his wrestling, I understood why he’s been a top start for many years. He has a nimble mind. He’s put it all together to get to the point he’s at now. I can see why New Japan kisses his ass, because he’s a good marketer (Grins). Actually, that all works in my favor because it sets a bigger stage for me to kicks his ass on."
Naito continued, "It’s all because he was able to take that title from me in Osaka. I know that New Japan wants to use his name for overseas expansion, but I want them to stop kissing up to him. That’ll happen once I take back that title. I’ve said this many times before, but they should focus on showing the pure New Japan style to the world, instead of altering it."
Naito has previously said that he will end Jericho's career at Wrestle Kingdom 13. Jericho has made that same threat. With the bad blood reaching a boiling point and Jericho once again attacking Naito at the NJPW Fan Fest, their IWGP Intercontinental Title bout was changed to a No Disqualification match.
