Naomichi Marufuji on Will Ospreay: ‘He is the perfection of modern wrestling’

This past Sunday, Pro Wrestling NOAH celebrated Naomichi Marufuji’s brilliant 25-year career

Pro Wrestling NOAH celebrated the career of the great Naomichi Marufuji this past weekend, showcasing the Naomichi Marufuji Debut 25th Anniversary Show at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.

Marufuji has flourished in wrestling for the past quarter century. He debuted in August of 1998 and has succeeded in multiple promotions. Since 2000, his star has shined brightest in NOAH, where he has been a staple for more than two decades.

A four-time GHC heavyweight champion, Marufuji was honored with an anniversary show this past Sunday, where he wrestled a spectacular main event against Will Ospreay, who was the opponent of his choosing.

“Ospreay was the only one for this match,” said Marufuji, speaking through a translator. “I think he is the perfection of modern wrestling.”

The match is available through NOAH’s Wrestle Universe streaming service, and it was incredible. Even at 43, Marufuji remains appointment-viewing. Physical, athletic, and dripping with charisma, Marufuji forced Ospreay, who is 13 years younger than him, to keep up with his pace.

“He is a great fighter,” said Marufuji. “I think the word ‘genius’ is appropriate for him.”

Incredible sequence from the Ospreay vs Marufuji match!! This exceeded all expectations, sensational match.pic.twitter.com/j4LVnjTal1

— Ciarán (@CiaranRH93) September 17, 2023

That same description also applies to Marufuji. A former junior heavyweight champion, he evolved wrestling’s style as a heavyweight. Changing weight classes in Japan is especially difficult, but Marufuji is the type of rare talent that forced the industry to adapt and evolve with his creative approach. He credits that ingenuity and innovativeness to the legends in wrestling who came before him.

“In 1998, Giant Baba said, ‘Can you make your debut?’ and I said, ‘Yes!’” said Marufuji. “That is when my wrestling career started. I was lucky to have been exposed to Baba for a short time, and I was lucky to have got to know him and pro wrestling.

“I was also blessed with seniors and rivals such as [Mitsuharu] Misawa, [Kenta] Kobashi, [Jun] Akiyama, and Kenta. I truly believe this is my calling, and I am honored to do it.”

Misawa formed NOAH in 2000, becoming the first-ever GHC heavyweight champion. His promotion has become synonymous with Marufuji, who is NOAH’s past and present.

“I have been in NOAH for a long time because of Mr. Misawa, and in many ways, I compare my way of life to his,” said Marufuji. “I want to be like Mr. Misawa as a person. But as a wrestler, I should not become Mr. Misawa–I must be Marufuji.”

🗣 @noah_marufuji_: “Ospreay, thank you for coming in this ring today. I am honoured that I could fight you. Thank you”#noah_ghc #njpw @WillOspreay pic.twitter.com/4bzbQ5l4cH

— Pro Wrestling NOAH Global (@noahglobal) September 17, 2023

A respect for the past and a desire to progress has turned Marufuji into a star. Twenty-five years into his career, he still has goals left to fulfill. One is returning to the United States, where he wants to open up more pathways for wrestlers from Japan.

“If there is an offer, I would like to go,” said Marufuji. “I think it is a way to increase the overall fanbase, and I want to do something that will lead to the future by giving young people of today a lot of experience outside Japan.”

Another goal is to become the top champion in NOAH. That would mark his fifth title reign as GHC heavyweight champion, tying Go Shiozaki’s record.

“As long as I am a wrestler, I will aim for the top,” said Marufuji. “That means winning the GHC heavyweight title once more.”