Tetsuya Naito Set to Depart NJPW – Tetsuya Naito’s tenure with New Japan Pro-Wrestling is coming to an end, as NJPW has officially announced that both parties have mutually agreed not to renew Naito’s contract. The longtime NJPW star will fulfill his scheduled commitments through the ongoing Dontaku tour, which concludes on May 4 in Fukuoka.
In an official statement released by NJPW, the promotion confirmed the mutual nature of the decision and emphasized that it was reached after “careful consideration and lengthy conversation.” The company also reassured fans that Naito’s exit comes on the best of terms.
“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.”
Although the public announcement is recent, reports suggest that Naito’s contract actually expired back on January 31, and he has been operating as a freelancer in the months since.
Naito has been a central figure in NJPW for nearly two decades, debuting with the company in 2006 and rising to prominence as the leader of Los Ingobernables de Japon. His list of accolades is extensive: he is a two-time IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, three-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, and six-time IWGP Intercontinental Champion, among other honors.
As one of NJPW’s most decorated and charismatic performers, Naito’s departure marks a major shift in the company’s landscape. While NJPW expressed regret over the announcement’s potential impact on fans, they also encouraged continued support for Naito as he wraps up his final dates with the promotion.
Naito’s next steps remain unclear, but speculation is likely to intensify in the coming weeks regarding his future plans, whether that involves continuing as a freelancer, joining another promotion, or even retirement.
Stay tuned to WrestlingAttitude, WA.Com On Facebook, Twitter/X, Bluesky and Google News for more.
Tetsuya Naito Set to Depart NJPW
