KUSHIDA has spoken about his signing with TNA Wrestling, which was announced earlier on Wednesday.
He appeared on The Battleground Podcast to talk about the move.
Speaking about his relationship with New Japan Pro Wrestling, KUSHIDA said:
I want to say my contract status is okay. This time, the contract status, the relationship between me and New Japan Pro Wrestling, can remain as it is. And there is no need to change, so I also signed with TNA.
I would like to thank Scott D’Amore [President of IMPACT/TNA] and Mr Sugabayashi [Chairman of the Board, NJPW].
He said that a big factor in choosing TNA was his friendship with Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin:
One of the reasons I chose TNA is because of my good friends Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin. These two people have influenced my life. I always felt that my work was close to these two people. So Sabin, Alex Shelley, KUSHIDA, all signed to the same company. I can’t believe it.
He spoke about his ambitions for 2024:
I believe I need to win the TNA title in 2024 to further advance my career. I want to become World Champion, X-Division Champion, and break down the borders that exist in this world.
With Kazuchika Okada booked to appear on TNA Snake Eyes in January, KUSHIDA was asked whether he would like to face him at some point:
Until now, it has not been necessary to fight in Japan, but I feel like there is a possibility in America. So I want to wrestle him.
He also had high praise for Will Ospreay, joking that he might wait a few years before getting in the ring with him:
I’d love to wrestle him after maybe he’s over 60 years old. He will probably peak this year maybe and the next year. I think he’s the best wrestler now, but professional wrestling is a long marathon. So someday I want to wrestle him.
