More on Tetsuya Naito & BUSHI Leaving NJPW, NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi Issues Official Statement on Naito’s Upcoming Departure

Apr 16, 2025

As noted before, New Japan Pro Wrestling recently announced that Tetsuya Naito will be leaving their company after May 4th due to the two sides not being able to come to terms for a new contract. Besides Naito, BUSHI was also announced to also be leaving the company on that date due to BUSHI had requested and was granted his release.

Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that Naito has been working without a contract for NJPW for some time due to talks between the two sides for a potential new deal had stalled. It was reported that Naito has been looking at his options for the future of his career over the last month.

It was reported that WWE had been interested in Naito in 2018 but he had turned down their offer at the time. In regards to AEW, those spoken to stated that he is not expected to be heading to AEW.

It was also reported that there are a number of talents like Naito who are currently working without a contract with the company.

Tokyo Sports reported that their sources stated that Naito had informed NJPW officials that he wanted to leave after the fourth round of contract negotiation on April 3rd lead to no new deal being reached. NJPW officials reportedly tried to continue negotiations with Naito but formally granted his request on April 16th.

In regards to BUSHI, it was reported that it is currently expected that he will continue to work with Naito after both of them depart from NJPW.

Following the departure announcement, NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi issued an official statement to fans about Naito’s upcoming departure from the company.

“I’m sorry for the news that surprised and sad everyone today. I talked to Naito yesterday. I told Naito, who loves New Japan, that I wanted him to stay in New Japan until the end, but his will was strong and I couldn’t change it. I will leave the group in a way that respects the person’s feelings. For the rest of the time, please support Naito and BUSHI.”