The Great Muta On His Upcoming Retirement, How He’d Summarize His Career

The Great Muta is on his retirement tour, and the legendary star discussed his retirement and career in a new interview. Keiji Muto spoke with Fightful for a new interview as he continues his retirement tour that comes to an end in February, and you can check out some highlights below:

On what it means to have fans excited to see his retirement tour: “After I made my decision to announce my retirement, I feel that both my mind and body have become lighter. I am sure that NOAH, with its current momentum, will be the best for my final match, and the path to that stage. I am determined and ready to run through that rail with all of my strength until the end. I hope to share the moment of my final match with as many fans as possible.”

On his success both as Keiji Muto and as The Great Muta: “The Moonsault Press helped me make a name for myself in Japan. I started to use this move when I was younger, and I think this was the key element for my success. The Great Muta made a name for himself in the United States. But Keiji Muto and The Great Muta are like two sides of the same coin. Muto will get jealous when Muta is successful, and it goes the other way around when Muto is successful. The rivalry between them made things work out in the end, I think.”

On how he’d like his final match to go and who he wants it to be against: “It hasn’t been decided yet. I hope it will be something that everyone will look forward to, as this is the final bout.”

On being one of four people to win the IWGP, Triple Crown, and GHC Heavyweight Championships: “I am honored to win all of that gold, but I didn’t intentionally make it happen. It just happened before I knew it.”

On how he’d summarize his career: “I have fought with more wrestlers in the main event than any other wrestler in the world. Inoki-san, (Hulk) Hogan, Fujinami-san, (Ric) Flair, Choshu-san, Sting, Tenryu-san, Maeda san. This world is so big, but you can’t find anybody but me who has fought with such great wrestlers. I look forward to sharing the moment, the legacy I have with everyone for the rest of my final road. There is not much time left, but I hope all can enjoy Keiji Muto.”