Tetsuya Naito says SANADA is not a superstar.
Naito and SANADA previously fought alongside each other as members of Los Ingobernables de Japon. Earlier uin 2023, SANADA left the group to form Just Five Gives. He also won the New Japan Cup and later defeated Kazuchika Okada to win the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at NJPW Sakura Genesis 2023.
Speaking with NJPW's official website, Naito, a three-time IWGP Heavyweight Championn=m was asked to share his thoughts on SANADA. He stated that there is no denying the champion's ability, but he is not a superstar.
"If I don’t say something that means there’s nothing to say. He’s the champion, but he isn’t standing out like he should. If you grabbed a random fan off the street somewhere in the world and asked them who the champion in New Japan is, they would have to really think about it at best, right? That’s where SANADA is. He won the New Japan Cup, and he took the belt, so there is no denying his ability. He just isn’t a superstar. That’s why when you asked me who I want to face the G1, I didn’t answer SANADA because he’s the champion, I answered with Shingo Takagi and Yota Tsuji. Kazuchika Okada would be a big final as well. Me and SANADA, not so much," Naito said.
SANADA recently stated that the new generation of NJPW wrestlers lacks sex appeal. Check out his comments here.
Naito and SANADA are both competing in the NJPW G1 33 Climax. Keep up with our coverage of the tournament here.
Eddie Kingston has challenged NJPW's Shingo Takagi to a match at AEW All In or All Out. More information is available here.
