IWGP World Heavyweight Champion SANADA looks back on his experience at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door.
SANADA issued an open challenge for the show, and “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry accepted it. Before the pay-per-view, SANADA sparked some controversy, as he stated that he was expecting a bigger challenger. SANADA ultimately emerged victorious at the event.
Speaking with NJPW’s official website, SANADA discussed his match with Perry. The champion was the favorite going into the bout, and when asked whether that dynamic more pressure on him, SANADA explained that it does. He also stated that his brief time in AEW helped him feel how important the IWGP label is.
“It does, it really does,” he said. “When you’re chasing this title, there isn’t anything you have to protect, not just the belt itself but the image behind it. When I was over with AEW, I felt how important that IWGP label is.”
SANDA continued by recalling how CM Punk complimented the title, and the fact that CM Punk knew who he was meant a lot to him.
“I got to chat with CM Punk, and he was like ‘that belt is the coolest,'” SANADA said. “You know, for a CM Punk to know who you are and what you’re doing, that speaks to how widely the IWGP Champion is known.”
The champion was also asked about the match’s place on the card; his clash with Perry was the fourth bout in the lineup. SANADA responded by praising Perry and noting that he was grateful that he had the opportunity to show the world what he could do.
“My opponent, Perry, I could see there was something to him, the fans had been behind him, and he had a good match with DOUKI in Chicago,” he said. “I think he’s someone with a lot of upside. But I think with this being an away game, the most important thing was being able to show who I am in that environment and in that atmosphere.
“Where you are on the card, that’s important sure, but it was my job to show who SANADA is within that environment, and win on top of that. I did that and I’m grateful I was able to.”
AEW star Wheeler Yuta recently reflected on AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door. Click here to see what he had to say.
Catch up on our coverage of the July 7 episode of AEW Rampage here.
