"I am probably the closest to him" - AEW star on Shinsuke Nakamura
An AEW star recently opened up about his relationship with WWE Superstar Shinsuke Nakamura. The star in question is Konosuke Takeshita. Takeshita is one of the participants of the NJPW G1 Climax 34 Tournament. So far, he has bagged four victories in seven matches. He is currently ranked as the third competitor in his B block.
Amidst the G1 Climax Tournament, Takeshita did an interview with Tokyo Sports. During the chat, he discussed his relationship with former WWE United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura.
"Isn't [Shinsuke Nakamura] the top of the top as a Japanese player? In terms of achievements and influence. I am probably the closest to him as a Japanese wrestler, and I have met and talked with him many times, and he has said to me, 'The future is Take-chan.' It's a heavy cross to bear, but more than anything, it's my confidence," he said. [H/T: Fightful]
AEW's Takeshita and WWE's Nakamura both hail from Japan and are two of the most popular wrestlers from The Land of the Rising Sun. In a past interview, Takeshita seemingly revealed that he considers Nakamura as his mentor and the latter has entrusted him to carry his legacy forward.
AEW star Konosuke Takeshita comments on the G1 Tournament
Speaking in the same interview with Tokyo Sports, AEW star Konosuke Takeshita also disclosed how important it is for him to win the NJPW G1 Climax 34 Tournament.
"I am often told, 'Do it for your own sake,' and 'Don't be nice. I always keep that in mind when I fight. That's why I can't play even one half-hearted or lukewarm match in this official G1 Tournament. The mentors are watching me. I think my mentor would not be happy to see me win but would say, 'You deserve to win. They would say, 'You deserve to win." [H/T: Fightful]
Konosuke added that he wants to be on the same level as his mentor someday.
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