NOAH stars make new fans at Tokyo Verdy FC game
Pro Wrestling NOAH took centre stage at Tokyo Verdy FC’s home game at Ajinomoto Stadium on Saturday as five NOAH stars introduced football fans of all ages to the Emerald Ark.
N-1 VICTORY 2022 winner Kaito Kiyomiya, upcoming GHC National Championship challenger Masa Kitamiya, Naomichi Marufuji, Yoshiki Inamura and Alejandro were on hand to showcase NOAH to a new audience on a sun-kissed afternoon in Chofu.
J-League 2 outfit Tokyo Verdy FC, one the most decorated club’s in J-League history, welcomed the NOAH quintet for a special cross-promotion which captivated young fans in particular.
Following a welcome talk at the main gate and an on-field talk show, there was a range of activities to entertain the plentiful and enthusiastic crowd.
At the highly-popular Pro Wrestling NOAH special booth in the children’s park, former GHC Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, the Supernova Kaito Kiyomiya and Masa Kitamiya, took part in a special tug-of-war with fans.
The Beast from the East, Yoshiki Inamura, shocked fans as he trained with his 350kg tyre which was brought in from NOAH’s dojo in Saitama.
NOAH JR Army member Alejandro, who has spoken of his desire to became a fan favourite with children, taught young fans how to do forward rolls and to control their bodyweight on mats.
The buzz amongst the football fans was also felt by NOAH’s five stars who hailed the special collaboration with Verdy.
Kiyomiya, who challenges Kenoh for the GHC Heavyweight Championship on 25 September, said: “We want this to be a collaboration that will help to give us momentum! Football fans, please come to see Pro Wrestling Noah!”
Masked junior heavyweight Alejandro tweeted: “We hope that more people will visit Pro Wrestling NOAH’s events and we'd love to keep the collaboration going!”
Inamura, who posted a photo with Verdy mascot Reverun, said: “Thank you for attending our talk show, our event, so many of you. The weather was great and I enjoyed the event immensely! The amount of support was so enthusiastic! It was nice to have cheering.”
Marufuji said: “It was so fresh and fun, thank you!”
Kitamiya said: “We had a heart-warming welcome by the Verdy fans, thank you.”
Tokyo Verdy FC went on to draw their home game with Thespakusatsu Gunma 1-1.
Follow Tokyo Verdy FC on Twitter at https://twitter.com/TokyoVerdySTAFF
For more information on Tokyo Verdy FC visit their site at https://www.verdy.co.jp/
