WWE Not Interested In Impending Free Agent

WWE won’t be joining the race to sign a popular veteran.

Just two days after it was announced that Jeff Cobb was on his way out of NJPW, it was confirmed that Tetsuya Naito would also be leaving the company.

Naito has long been established as an NJPW legend, having held the World Championship four times, while he’s also headlined Wrestle Kingdom on four occasions. However, injuries have taken their toll in recent years, greatly impacting his in-ring performances.

In the hours after the news broke, NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi issued an apology, revealing he had attempted to get Naito to change his mind.

The announcement was followed by a report that Tetsuya Naito and NJPW had failed to come to terms on money, with the star looking for “a lot more” than the company was willing to offer.

Tetsuya Naito Won’t Sign With WWE

As reported by Fightful Select, there isn’t interest from WWE in Naito, but even if there was, there would be concerns he’d be able to pass company physicals. Sources noted they would be “surprised” if AEW offered Naito anything more than occasional appearances when the situation calls for it.

There are those in NJPW who believe that Naito could still make sporadic appearances with the company, but it will likely come down to money. However, he could also work with NOAH.

By contrast, Jeff Cobb is expected to start with WWE soon after also leaving NJPW. However, the star reportedly won’t be Randy Orton’s mystery opponent at WrestleMania.