As noted before, KUSHIDA announced in a press conference earlier this month that he will be leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling once his current contract expires after January 31st. KUSHIDA is currently rumored to be signing with WWE as part of their newest batch of indies signings for the Performance Center.
In an update to KUSHIDA’s NJPW status, Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that a big turning point for KUSHIDA’s decision to leave NJPW involved potential plans for the Bullet Club stable last year. Meltzer reported that KUSHIDA reportedly went to management requesting a change in direction for his career and suggested both a heel turn and joining Bullet Club.
NJPW’s head booker, Gedo, reportedly refused his request and instead felt KUSHIDA needed to remain in the Junior Heavyweight division due to being their most reliable face star representing the “home team” New Japan. The other notable stars in the division either represented other stables or were heels, such as Will Ospreay in CHAOS and Taiji Ishimori in Bullet Club. Another big reason for the refusal was due to the lack of notable or full-time face stars on New Japan’s side that could easily replace KUSHIDA’s spot in the division.
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