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Kenoh: ‘I Want To Create An Exciting Era For NOAH’

Pro Wrestling NOAH’s reigning GHC heavyweight champion spoke about his title win, moving from junior heavyweight to heavyweight, and what is in store for his reign as champ

Justin Barrasso

Kenoh: ‘I Want To Create An Exciting Era For NOAH’
Kenoh: ‘I Want To Create An Exciting Era For NOAH’ /

Pro Wrestling NOAH has a familiar face as its newest champion.

Kenoh defeated Jake Lee two weeks ago to winNOAH’s GHC heavyweight title, igniting his third reign with the belt. His first two title runs (79 days, 71 days) were especially short, so this three-peat is a chance to create a masterpiece with one of wrestling’s most prestigious championships.

A 16-year veteran of the industry, Kenoh has wrestled for NOAH since 2014. The 38-year-old was trained by Jinsei Shinzaki, who once starred in WWE as Hakushi. Kenoh’s run in NOAH is extremely decorated as a singles and tag champ, including twice winning the N-1 Victory tournament.

Courtesy NOAH
Courtesy NOAH

Speaking through a translator, Kenoh connected with Sports Illustrated to discuss his victory against Lee at Demolition Stage in Fukuoka, the transition from wrestling as a junior heavyweight in Japan to a heavyweight, and his goal as champion.

Justin Barrasso: You had a sensational match against Jake Lee in the N-1, then again last monthwhen you defeated him for the GHC heavyweight championship.

Kenoh: I think my desire to win was stronger than his. That is what led to the win.

JB: Jake Lee had a really impressive seven-monthreign as champion, but he could not defeat you. Now that you are champion, you have no shortage of challengers, including Manabu Soya, Jack Morris, and Takashi Sugiura. What is your first goal as champion?

Kenoh: My first goal is a defense against Manabu Soya at the Ariake Arena on January 2. I want to be a symbolic wrestler as NOAH continues to grow, showing why NOAH is the highest level of pro wrestling.

JB: For those unaware, Soya is your former KONGO partner.

Kenoh: We had been together as KONGO for a long time and have been tag team partners, and both of us have also won the All Japan Pro Wrestling World tag team belts, so, I am looking forward to the matchup.

JB: You first won the title in 2017, which you defended twice. Then you had another reign in 2022, but it was cut short. Is your goal to have a long reign as champion?

Kenoh: Of course. I want to create an exciting era for NOAH. I believe that GHC title fights are at the highest level in the world. This is my chance to create a long title reign.

JB: Similar to Kenny Omega, you set an example for all wrestlers when you moved in 2016 from junior to heavyweight. Was that process difficult?

Kenoh: The GHC heavyweight champion is the one who will lead NOAH. That is why I switched from junior heavyweight to heavyweight.

JB: There are many talented free agents in the wrestling world, such as Dolph Ziggler and Shelton Benjamin. Would you like to wrestle them for the title? Or are you focused on NOAH’s current roster?

Kenoh: For me, my focus is NOAH’s roster. I would challenge any of them, anytime.

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Justin Barrasso
JUSTIN BARRASSO

Justin Barrasso has been writing for Sports Illustrated since 2014. While his primary focus is pro wrestling and MMA, he has also covered MLB, NBA, and the NFL. He can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com and followed on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.

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