Tetsuya Naito & NJPW In Shock Split

NJPW is getting ready to wave goodbye to another major star as Tetsuya Naito has shocked the wrestling world by walking away from the company.

As well as being the leader of Los Ingobernables de Japon, Tetsuya Naito is one of New Japan’s biggest stars and until very recently was one-half of the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions alongside Hiromu Takahashi. Naito has held the top prize in New Japan Pro Wrestling four times and has headlined Wrestle Kingdom on four different occasions.

Tetsuya Naito threw his NJPW future in doubt recently in comments to Tokyo Sports where he explained why he had yet to renew his contract with the company:

I understand that I am being treated as a valuable product, but wrestlers who have time off can do maintenance or even obtain qualifications for after retirement. But wrestlers who are constantly wrestling don’t have that kind of time, and their bodies gradually become worn down.

I told them that the difference between the two is too drastic, but they basically didn’t accept it, and I have the same doubts this year, so I’m holding off… I can’t make the decision to fight for another year if I don’t have a clear mind about it.

And now it seems Naito has made up its mind.

Tetsuya Naito & NJPW Part Ways

NJPW has released a statement confirming that after talks with Tetsuya Naito, both parties have agreed to go their separate ways after the company’s current tour ends at Wrestling Dontaku on May 4:

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 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.

Tetsuya Naito will be the final NJPW opponent for another star who is widely believed to be on their way to WWE imminently.