Tetsuya Naito Parts Ways with NJPW After Long Career

FUKUOKA, Japan – Tetsuya Naito, one of the most prominent stars in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), will not be renewing his contract with the organization, NJPW announced early Wednesday morning.

The decision follows a series of discussions between Naito and NJPW regarding the wrestler’s future. The company confirmed that Naito’s existing contract, which reportedly expired on January 31, will remain intact through the highly anticipated Wrestling Dontaku tour, concluding on May 4 in Fukuoka.

In a statement released on their website, NJPW expressed gratitude for the mutual decision and emphasized that it comes after careful consideration. “Both parties have arrived at this decision after careful consideration and lengthy conversation,” the statement read. “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 endeavors.”

Naito has been a fixture in NJPW since 2006, becoming a fan favorite despite an initial rocky reception that included being voted out of the Wrestle Kingdom 8 main event. His career took off after he returned from a CMLL tour and helped form the Los Ingobernables de Japon stable. Throughout his time with NJPW, Naito has claimed the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship twice, the IWGP Heavyweight Championship three times, and the IWGP Intercontinental Championship six times.

Fans of NJPW and Naito can expect to see him in action until the conclusion of the ongoing tour. Naito has expressed appreciation for the support he has received over the years but is now pursuing opportunities as a freelancer.

Naito’s departure is coupled with the announcement that BUSHI, another member of Los Ingobernables de Japon who has been with NJPW since 2012, will also be leaving the promotion on May 4.

“New Japan Pro-Wrestling deeply apologizes to NJPW and Naito fans for any concern this announcement may cause,” the company’s statement concluded, urging fans to continue supporting Naito during his remaining appearances with NJPW.

In recent years, Naito’s impact on the wrestling world was highlighted by his induction into the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame in 2022, marking a significant milestone in his career. As he steps away from NJPW, fans remain hopeful for what the future holds for him in professional wrestling.