David Finlay will battle Jon Moxley and Will Ospreay for the inaugural IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 on January 4.
In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Finlay discussed his mindset for the title bout, the expectations of people around him, and more.
You can check out some highlights from the interview below:
On other people’s expectations of him: “Some people expected me to be my father. Or they questioned why I wasn’t like Bullet Club leaders from the past. I’ve always had big boots to fill. This is my opportunity to make my own history.”
On his match at Wrestle Kingdom 18: “It’s the biggest match of my career. They’re both mega-stars. Moxley transcends wrestling. He had an incredible time in WWE, and he’s a cornerstone of AEW. Ospreay had an incredible year, which is something we seem to say every year. I’m going to be in the ring with two big stars, but this is my time.”
On his place in Japan: “I’ve been a constant for the past nine years. Mox is coming for a cup of coffee. Ospreay is leaving soon [to wrestle for AEW]. They say they love Japan and they say it’s so hard to leave, then they dry their tears with first-class tickets home.”
NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 takes place on Thursday, January 4, at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan.
