Naomichi Marufuji Wants To Lead Pro Wrestling Noah Over Jake Lee: 'I Can't Let Him Steer'

Since leaving All Japan Pro Wrestling near the tail end of last year, Jake Lee has quickly ascended the ranks in Pro Wrestling NOAH, cementing his status by defeating Kaito Kiyomiya for the GHC Heavyweight Championship on March 19. Now he's slated to defend his title against a 20-plus year NOAH veteran and four-time GHC Heavyweight Champion, Naomichi Marufuji. With NOAH's Majestic 2023 show just days away on May 4, he wants to make it clear that while he respects Lee, only one of them can be atop the card.

"His steering a ship could be interesting," Marufuji told NOAH of Lee potentially leading the promotion. "But I have to do that now. So, I can't let him steer. Because I am the man who has been in NOAH all this time."

That isn't to say Marufuji is downplaying Lee's ability or role in the ring or with NOAH, however. On the contrary, there is nothing but praise for his overall body work. "Considering Jake's age, body condition, and career, there is no doubt he is better than me," he added. Yet the current believe is that his mental strength will prove to be the difference when the two collide, and nothing else, noting the awareness he has of his own body's limitations. "He is more anxious than me, I think."

Now 43 years old, Marufuji has won five different championships during his time with NOAH, including the GHC Tag Team Championships on eight occasions with seven different partners. On May 4, we'll see whether or not NOAH experiences a changing of the guard as it were, when he and Lee square off.