AJ Styles Reflects On NOAH Match With Naomichi Marufuji

AJ Styles took a trip over to Japan this weekend, competing in a Japanese promotion for the first time in over eight years as he took on Naomichi Marufuji in singles action at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Destination event. Following a fantastic 25-minute battle, Styles picked up the victory with a Styles Clash, before the two men showed each other respect after the bell. 

In an interview following the match, Styles commented on the greatness of Marufuji, and said that if anyone besides himself is allowed to be called phenomenal, then it is Marufuji. 

"A talented professional wrestler. If I could beat him, then I'd beat 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. One of the best tonight was Marufuji. Excellent wrestler. If anybody else could call themselves phenomenal besides AJ Styles, it is Marufuji. He gave me everything that I wanted in a match and more. He's a class above the rest. I think a lot of his experience paid off tonight as he took me to the edge. He made it very difficult tonight. I was struggling out there, I won't lie to you. One of Japanese finest was in the ring with AJ Styles tonight. A lot of Japanese matches get five star ratings from people that really don't matter. But when you watch it back, you understand because it's always the fans that make the match. It's not the wrestlers, we're just there. The fans always, always make the best matches. The Japanese fans are one, if not the best in the world. If you wanna experience what it's like to be respected as a professional wrestler, come to Japan. They understand what it takes to get to where we're at and I have nothing but appreciation for the Japanese fans."

It was revealed during Destination that WWE’s crossover into NOAH would be continuing with NXT’s Tavion Heights and Josh Briggs competing in the upcoming N1 Victory tournament.

H/T Fightful