The Great Muta’s Disgusted Reaction to Wetherspoons’ Ramen
WWE Hall-of-Famer The Great Muta, whose real name is Keiji Muto, recently found himself in a culinary predicament while visiting Manchester. Muto, a legendary Japanese wrestler, flew over to attend the For the Love of Wrestling fan convention at the BEC Arena. The event, Europe’s largest dedicated wrestling gathering, hosted a plethora of wrestling legends, including Muto himself, Mark Henry, Debra McMichael, and many others. After a busy weekend at the convention, Muto and Henry decided to unwind at the Bishop Blaize, a Wetherspoons pub located near Old Trafford. However, their dining experience took an unexpected turn when Muto was left repulsed by the food, particularly the ramen noodles.
A Critical Eye on Wetherspoons’ Menu
Muto, known for his intimidating mask and powerful moves like the Muta Lock and Shining Wizard, shared his dissatisfaction on social media. While he found the chicken katsu curry "okay," the ramen noodles were a different story. Posting on X, he wrote, "But as for ramen…what the heck is this?!" Accompanied by a picture of him pulling a disgusted face, Muto’s post quickly gained traction among wrestling fans and food enthusiasts alike. The ramen, priced at just £8.82 with an alcoholic drink, did not live up to the standards of the Japanese great, who has a keen appreciation for authentic cuisine. Despite his initial disappointment, Muto’s bad experience with the noodles was not enough to deter him from returning to the restaurant, where he later enjoyed a steak dinner.
A Legacy of Wrestling Excellence
The Great Muta’s career in wrestling is nothing short of legendary. Spanning 39 years, his influence stretched across multiple wrestling companies both inside and outside Japan. Muto’s prowess in the ring earned him nine heavyweight championships, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s greatest performers. His career peak in the 1980s saw him dominate the wrestling scene, but he continued to compete well into the 2020s, facing off against modern stars like Shinsuke Nakamura before his retirement in 2023. In March of the same year, Muto was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, an honor that recognized his significant contributions to the sport, despite never having fought in the organization.
A Trip to Wetherspoons with Mark Henry
Mark Henry, a former WWE superstar known for his powerful physique and 25-year career in the company, joined Muto at the Bishop Blaize. Both wrestlers, along with other friends and fellow athletes, shared a light-hearted moment that turned into a culinary critique. While Muto’s reaction to the ramen was widely shared, Henry’s presence added a layer of credibility to the experience, as fans appreciated seeing iconic figures from the wrestling world together. The pub’s proximity to Old Trafford, a famous football stadium, provided a unique backdrop to their visit, making it a memorable event for all involved. Despite the mixed reviews of the food, the outing allowed the wrestlers to bond and relax after a busy weekend of fan interactions.
A History of Criticism
The Great Muta is not the first wrestler to criticize Wetherspoons. In 2022, AEW superstar Mercedes Mone took to Instagram to express her dissatisfaction with the pub’s Full English breakfast. Posting a photo of the dish, she simply wrote, "oh," leaving little doubt about her disapproval. Mone’s critique added to the growing list of negative reviews, highlighting the pub chain’s struggles to meet the expectations of diners, especially those with a discerning palate. These incidents serve as a reminder that while Wetherspoons is a popular and budget-friendly option, it may not always hit the mark in terms of culinary excellence.
A Career Beyond the Ring
Beyond his wrestling achievements, The Great Muta’s impact on the sport extends to his influence on younger generations of wrestlers. His iconic moves and fierce persona have inspired countless athletes, and his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame is a testament to his enduring legacy. Muto’s decision to stick with home comforts by choosing the chicken katsu curry during his visit to Wetherspoons reflects his deep connection to his Japanese roots. His return to the pub for a steak dinner also highlights his ability to keep an open mind and enjoy different culinary experiences, even if some don’t quite measure up to his high standards. As a respected figure in the wrestling community, Muto’s candid feedback on the food only adds to his relatability and authenticity, making him a beloved icon both in and out of the ring.
