Minoru Suzuki is currently on a stateside tour that is bringing the popular star to shows all over the country. His appearances for AEW have generated a lot of buzz, but Suzuki is also working for Game Changer Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling, under its NJPW Strong banner.
In an interview with NJPW’s official website, Suzuki described how this unusual run came to be. He stated that he got several offers, and the combination of them was just too enticing to pass up. Though he will miss this G1 tournament due to his ongoing trip to the United States, the 53-year-old is enjoying this opportunity to take on new challenges.
“You know they say as you get older, you stop taking on two things- adventures and challenges,” said Suzuki. “People get old and think it’s for the young to be doing. But I’m the opposite. I have to move on, have to challenge myself. That’s where my motivation comes from.”
It’s easy to call Suzuki a legend, as his remarkable career dates back to 1988. But when the interviewer used this term to describe the former IWGP Intercontinental Champion, he fired back by making it clear that he doesn’t want to be described that way. Suzuki stated that he’s not a “has-been” whatsoever, and he’s still got plenty of matches left.
“I appreciate the thought, but the word ‘legend’ is for the has-been,” said Suzuki. “I’m still alive.
“…Whether you’re in Japan or anywhere else, don’t treat me like one of those ‘legends’. When it comes to my speed in the ring, how hard I train, the way I put my body together, I’m the measure of anyone 20, 30 years younger than me. But some people want to put me on that legend pedestal. Well, I’m kicking that pedestal down and smashing you over the head with it. You don’t get to choose for me.”
Suzuki then doubled down on his stance by making it clear that “legends” are figures from the past, whereas he’s still a prominent part of the present.
“Never lump me in with that kind of wrestler,” said Suzuki. “They’re from the past, they’re done, and I’m nowhere near finished yet.
As for his stateside tour, Suzuki repeated his emphasis on the feeling that this stretch of shows is all about the adventure. He expressed that his mission during this run is to overcome anyone who stands in his way.
“Like I said, it’s adventure, challenge and conquest,” said Suzuki. “I’m chewing up everyone and spitting them out.”
When asked about the Forbidden Door and the potential for competing in more crossover bouts, Suzuki stated that major companies want him, and if the “conditions” line up, he’ll face (and defeat) any and all challengers.
“It isn’t about my interest in them<” said Suzuki. “They want me. There’s a lot of companies in the US. If they want me there, and the conditions are right, well I’ll head there and tear apart anybody put in front of me.”
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