Yota Tsuji sent shockwaves when he appeared during the October 15 episode of MLW Fusion. The IWGP Heavyweight Champion announced via vignette that he would be making his in-ring debut during the promotion’s Saturday Night SuperFight pay-per-view on November 7. Having the top guy for New Japan Pro-Wrestling makes MLW’s first PPV in seven years even more can’t-miss.
The decorated performer doesn’t just take any booking, especially when it’s such a journey to the United States. Tsuji even skipped the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door co-promoted event earlier this year after being critical of how AEW had handled his title over the years.
First of all, I’ve always wanted to come to the United States to be in shows for other promotions other than New Japan Pro-Wrestling,” Tsuji said via translation. “Some of the fans might kind of think that, okay, Tsuji doesn’t like the United States because he doesn’t come to AEW. That’s not really what it is. All I was saying is that AEW wasn’t really respectful to our IWGP heavyweight title.
So as long as other promotions are willing to pay enough respect to who we are, I always wanted to come down to the United States. And MLW has been giving me a few offers in the past. But unfortunately, due to schedule conflict, I wasn’t able to. But this November 7, the biggest pay-per-view show, everything worked out. New Japan and MLW have been building a really strong relationship these years. So, I am really grateful to be in this show and represent New Japan personally.”
Tsuji’s open challenge to anyone in MLW was answered by Trevor Lee. The inaugural MLW Southern Crown Champion is a veteran known for having good matches. This is an example of how much trust the company has in the former WWE and TNA performer.
Trevor Lee is someone who thinks that he is representing MLW. So that’s really good since I am representing New Japan,” Tsuji said. “I think he is a great man, a great opponent. To have that link, I am really excited to feel what he brings on, and feel what the MLW is all about.”
This match will come only a few days after the IWGP champ’s big three-way match against Kenny Omega and Oleg Boltin on November 3 in Hiroshima. A win at Power Struggle 2026 for Omega puts him in line for a future title opportunity.
I think this is my obligation to beat Kenny and make it to Wrestle Kingdom with me versus Oleg Boltin to represent what real pure New Japan puroresu is,” Tsuji said. “So that’s something I am really hoping to do. But even if we don’t do that and Kenny becomes my opponent at the Wrestle Kingdom…I think I would take this as a good opportunity for New Japan to kind of reconstruct the relationship with AEW to be more equal and in a healthier way. So that’s something I know I can accept as it is, even if it becomes me versus Kenny.”
Tsuji looks willing to take on all comers, no matter what promotion they may fall under. The 33-year-old’s ascension in the last two years really shined through, going from number 71 in Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s coveted PWI 500 in 2024 to number 7 in 2026.
In terms of the relationship with other promotions, what I’ve been saying is that I would like to have an equal relationship with other promotions,” Tsuji said. “For instance, CMLL and MLW, I think we have a good influence on each other. But whereas AEW, more of the problem is that AEW, not solely AEW, but also part of New Japan accepts the way we are treated. For instance, the IWGP heavyweight championship became a kind of early match at the past Forbidden Door. So that’s why I kind of said no to AEW. It’s the way they treat us.
“So, as long as we can build a healthy, equal relationship, I am not denying all the opportunities to work with other promotions. I would like to become the leader and for the IWGP heavyweight champion to lead our company in the way all the promotions are having a good influence on each other and working there towards for fans to deliver what they would like to see. And not only take advantage of each other, but more of unifying and working together. That is my goal.
With the MLW SuperFight taking place in Chicago at the sold-out Cicero Stadium, it’s a chance for Tsuji to take in all that the United States has to offer. This occasion may also be a way to seek redemption in other ways.
I was in Chicago this year for the G1 [Climax]. I had a day off there, so I had an opportunity to kind of explore the downtown for a little bit,” Tsuji said. “I really liked the city that had the mixture of modern and traditional. So I’m really excited to be back there. I went to the casino and lost. So, I’m hoping to get revenge this time.
MLW Fusion, Saturdays, 6:05/5:05c on YouTube, 9/8c on Veeps, and 10/9c on beIN Sports
