Legendary 17-time champion shuts down WWE appearance rumors; Confirms role for SummerSlam
A legendary 17-time champion has clarified the rumors of a potential WWE appearance. Pro Wrestling NOAH's Naomichi Marufuji has also confirmed his role in next month's SummerSlam Premium Live Event.
WWE recently collaborated with other wrestling promotions such as All Japan Pro Wrestling, Game Changer Wrestling, TNA Wrestling, Marigold, and Pro Wrestling NOAH. AJ Styles defeated Marufuji at NOAH Destination 2024 in Tokyo on July 13.
The Japanese wrestling promotion NOAH announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Marufuji would be part of SummerSlam as a guest Japanese commentator. Some fans thought that the four-time GHC Heavyweight Champion would be in the United States but that's not the case.
"It's conveyed differently to overseas fans... (like I'm going to appear at SummerSlam) Please note that I am a guest commentator on the PPV in Japan," Marufuji explained. [Translated from Japanese]
Naomichi Marufuji is considered one of the best Japanese wrestlers of his generation. However, Marufuji doesn't have the same fanfare as most of his contemporaries who perform at New Japan Pro Wrestling.
The 44-year-old legend is a 17-time champion at Pro Wrestling NOAH. In addition to being a four-time GHC Heavyweight Champion, he's also a nine-time GHC Tag Team Champion, a one-time GHC Junior Heavyweight Champion, a two-time GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion, and a one-time GHC Openweight Hardcore Champion.
AJ Styles represented WWE at NOAH Destination 2024
WWE has made strides in being open to working with other wrestling companies. TNA Wrestling has benefited from their collaboration with NXT, while other promotions recently welcomed top stars such as Charlie Dempsey (AJPW), Shayna Baszler (GCW), IYO SKY (Marigold) and AJ Styles (Pro Wrestling NOAH).
Styles represented the Stamford-based company at NOAH Destination 2024 earlier this month and faced off against Naomichi Marufuji. The Phenomenal One had a great career in Japan although he primarily wrestled at NJPW.
The former WWE Champion had nothing but praise for Marufuji following their match:
"A talented professional wrestler. If I could beat him, then I’ve beaten one of the best, and I needed to prove that to myself. I've lost against the best, and I've won against the best. And one of the best tonight was Marufuji. Excellent wrestler."
At this point in his career, Styles is a great ambassador for the company given his resume and in-ring skills. He's also hoping that there be more collaborations between the two wrestling promotions in the future.