Summary

Naomichi Marufuji has responded after an old WWE Backstage clip of Seth Rollins praising him for the stomp started circulating again.

In the 2019 clip, Rollins said Marufuji had perfected the move and openly credited him as the inspiration behind his own version. Marufuji later acknowledged the praise and teased the idea of facing Rollins one day.

The exchange lands at an interesting time because WWE and Pro Wrestling NOAH already have a working relationship. NXT talent has appeared for NOAH, NOAH talent has spent time around NXT, and that makes the idea feel less far-fetched than it might have in previous years.

Rollins has also stayed in the spotlight this week after walking off the set during a Good Morning Football appearance.

Social media

Marufuji reacted on X after the clip made the rounds, thanking Rollins for the credit and suggesting the two should have a match someday.

What Marufuji's message means for WWE and NOAH

Marufuji publicly floating a Seth Rollins match puts fresh attention on the WWE-NOAH relationship, even though no bout has been announced. Because both sides have already worked together through talent exchanges, the tease immediately feels more realistic than a random cross-promotional fantasy match.

It also adds another layer to Rollins' long-running connection to the stomp. Rollins has never hidden where the move came from, so a future meeting with Marufuji would come with a built-in story that wrestling fans already understand.

Sources

Naomichi Marufuji via X