SANADA Taking “Indefinite” Leave of Abscense” From NJPW

As noted before, SANADA has been rumored to be potentially leaving NJPW following farewell messages he displayed during his matches at this past Sunday’s Wrestle Kingdom 20 event and Monday’s New Year Dash 2026 event in Tokyo, Japan.

NJPW officially announced that SANADA will be taking an “indefinite” leave of abscense from the company effective today. It was also announced that no return date for SANADA has been determined at this time.

NJPW’s official website:

SANADA to take indefinite leave

Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

Effective January 6, SANADA is on an indefinite leave of absence from competition. No return date is determined at this time.

We apologise to fans looking forward to seeing SANADA wrestle, and appreciate your understanding. 

SANADA has been with NJPW since April of 2016.