In an interview with Tokyo Sports,, Konosuke Takeshita talked about his relationship with Shinsuke Nakamura, which led to him talking about competing in the NJPW G1 Climax Tournament.
Takeshita is the third ranked competitor in the B Block standings.
“I am often told, ‘Do it for your own sake,’ and ‘Don’t be nice. I always keep that in mind when I fight. That’s why I can’t play even one half-hearted or lukewarm match in this official G1 tournament. The mentors are watching me. I think my mentor would not be happy to see me win, but would say, ‘You deserve to win. They would say, ‘You deserve to win. In order for me to be on the same level as my mentor someday, I absolutely have to go through the G1. I will go there without hesitation.”