In the summer of 2024, Tavion Heights stepped out of its comfort zone and country lanes for an experience unlike anything it had ever encountered before. during a recent interview with “Wrestling without competition” The “WWE NXT” star opened up about the tour, which he was taken to Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan.
“I always like to say that Tavon Heights was made in Japan because I just felt like it was sink or swim for me,” Heights said. “I go from American wrestlers, people who speak English, when you do these matches and you go out there with a guy who doesn’t speak English and it’s like man, we’re just in this moment.
During his early NXT days in the United States, Heights usually relied on his No Quarter Catch Crew partners, as well as veteran competitors on the other side of the ring, to help him during matches. Japan, however, offered him a new challenge.
“In Japan it’s like, man, the only people holding it together is you and me,” he said. “It was big for me. It was growth.”
Heights’ international adventure lasted a month, and NOAH regulars Yoshiki Inamura, Keno, Manabu Soya and others battled him in the squared circle. In between broadcast acts, the former Olympian also spent time honing his skills alongside Hall of Famer The Great Muta (also known as Keiji Muto).
Heights has been highly praised by the Great Muta
“Big Muta, he gave me a compliment that was unmatched,” Heights recalled. “He just said, ‘Your belly-to-belly (suplex) is so unique and it’s yours.’ The force with which you hit it and the arc cannot be replicated.” Speed has been something I’ve struggled with since coming here, and that’s like a compliment from Big Muta. “No, that intensity and the pace you use to finish your signature is unique to you.” Keep that. Everything was encouraging. It’s like, hey, Tavion, you shouldn’t change too much. Do your thing, man, because people are going to freak out about it, so while you’re trying to learn the game, don’t lose yourself.”
In August 2024, Tavion Heights and “NXT” star Josh Briggs exercise were observed with both the Great Muta and Naomichi Marufuji in Japan. Marufuji, a nearly 30-year wrestling veteran, is a decorated NOAH Champion, having held the GHC Tag Team, National, Hardcore Open and Heavyweight titles. MutaWWE Hall of Fameofficially retired from in-ring competition in early 2023 after a nearly four-decade career. However, wrestling talent in NOAH and beyond continues to learn from him.
With Heights, his professional career is still in its infancy. After a successful run in amateur wrestling, he signed a contract with WWE in 2022 and later joined its ‘NXT’ brand. Four years later, he is a regular on NXT, most recently facing Myles Borne in a Weapons Wild Match at NXT’s Halloween Crash.
If you use any of the quotes from this article, please credit “No Contest Wrestling” with ah/t to Wrestling Inc. for transcription.
