44-year-old veteran wants a first-time-ever match against Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes has always been open to new opponents and challengers, and Pro-Wrestling NOAH's Naomichi Marufuji would like to have a first-time-ever bout with The American Nightmare.

Naomichi Marufuji is a decorated veteran of Pro-Wrestling NOAH and has spent over two decades in the promotion. Besides honing his craft at NOAH, Marufuji has competed outside Japan against notable independent names.

In an interview on Pro-Wrestling NOAH's YouTube channel, Marufuji expressed his interest in having a match against Cody Rhodes, as they've never collided inside the squared circle. The 44-year-old veteran also spoke highly of how WWE Superstars carry themselves and feel different compared to other wrestlers.

"I still want to try Cody Rhodes. I think that the players in WWE are like the stars of a movie. So, they're among the best in the world. There's a part of people who want to experience it for themselves," Marufuji said. (From 09:45 to 10:15)

Check out the video below:

---

Naomichi Marufuji recently faced a major WWE name in Japan

It's common for a wrestler to work in other countries outside the United States to make a name in professional wrestling. Several notable names from Japan have crossed over and stayed with the Stamford-based company for years to come.

AJ Styles, Finn Balor, Shinsuke Nakamura, and more have joined the company after making a name for themselves in the industry, especially in Japan. However, the landscape of WWE changed when the new regime allowed superstars to crossover for a match or two.

Last month, AJ Styles and IYO SKY headed to Japan to compete outside the company. The Phenomenal One went head-to-head against Naomichi Marufuji and won. Meanwhile, SKY defeated Utami Hayashishita at Marigold's Summer Destiny.

As of now, AJ Styles hasn't returned to weekly television after a loss to Cody Rhodes in Scotland. Elsewhere, Damage CTRL turned face on Monday Night RAW.

If you use any quotes from the article, please credit Pro-Wrestling NOAH and provide an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.