The wrestling news is coming hard and fast this week. New Japan Pro-Wrestling already announced the departure of Jeff Cobb, but it looks like he’s not the only one out the door. Tetsuya Naito and BUSHI are also leaving the famed company. NJPW broke the news on its official website.
“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 to not renew Naito’s contract with NJPW,” the promotion published on its website. “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 further success in any and all future endeavors.”
A similar statement was released regarding BUSHI’s departure.
“At his own request and after careful consultation, NJPW has come to terms with the departure of BUSHI following currently scheduled appearances ending on May 4 in Fukuoka.”
This comes at a puzzling time in NJPW. BUSHI and Naito were two of the major players remaining on a roster that has seen so many stars depart in recent years. Kazuchika Okada, Jay White, Will Ospreay, and Mercedes Mone are just a few performers who’ve jumped to other promotions.
At 42 years old, Naito is one of the most important stars in NJPW history. He’s a three-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, six-time IWGP Intercontinental Champion, and he’s held a slew of other titles along the way.
BUSHI is the same age and a fan-favorite in his own right. He’s held the CMLL World Welterweight Championship, IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, and others.
Fans show frustration with New Japan after Tetsuya Naito and BUSHI announcements
Fans reacted to the news across social media, with many wondering what is going on with Bushiroad, the company which runs NJPW.
“What is going on with Bushiroad?” posted Phil Lindsey on Bluesky.
“Aside from Zack Sabre Jr, who does NJPW really have left at this point? Who are they building up? These are serious questions as I haven’t really been following the product as of late,” posted Graham Matthews on Twitter. “Seems like they’ve lost a lot of talent in recent years and haven’t replenished the pot.”
“I wonder what this will mean for NJPW’s business because they always had Naito as a back pocket bailout option,” posted Ibou on Twitter.
This was huge news that few expected, especially at this. New Japan has lost several of its top names and there’s no clear path on who will fill them. Professional wrestling is all about big names and when a company is losing so many at once, it’s understandable why there’s such concern from the fan base.
For more news about New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Tetsuya Naito, BUSHI, and all things wrestling, stick with Daily DDT.