Tetsuya Naito and BUSHI will leave New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
NJPW shared that they couldn’t agree on a new contract with Naito. He will still appear at shows until May 4, when the Wrestling Dontaku tour ends in Fukuoka. The company said they had many talks with Naito about his future. In the end, both sides agreed not to renew his deal.
NJPW shared “Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling. In recent weeks, conversations have been ongoing between New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Tetsuya Naito regarding Naito’s future wrestling activities. As a result of those conversations, both parties have mutually agreed not to renew Naito’s contract with NJPW.”
“Both parties have arrived at this decision after careful consideration and lengthy conversation. Naito’s contract ends on the best possible terms with NJPW, which joins fans in wishing Naito’s further success in any and all future endeavours.”
“New Japan Pro-Wrestling deeply apologises to NJPW and Naito fans for any concern this announcement may cause. Naito will make all of his scheduled appearances through the Dontaku series concluding May 4 in Fukuoka, and looks forward to your ongoing support.”
The company also confirmed that BUSHI is leaving. He will finish his scheduled matches by May 4 as well. NJPW said BUSHI asked to leave, and they agreed after discussing it with him.
NJPW shared “Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling. At his own request and after careful consultation, NJPW has come to terms with the departure of BUSHI following currently scheduled appearances ending on May 4 in Fukuoka.”
Both Tetsuya Naito and BUSHI have been major star in the company. Naito has wrestled for NJPW since 2006, and BUSHI has been with the company since 2012. It will be interesting to see what’s next for both stars will they make their way to AEW or WWE? Only time will tell.
