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Former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and New Japan Pro-Wrestling veteran Tetsuya Naito has confirmed he will leave the promotion. He has been part of the company for two decades.
The 42-year-old superstar passed a public audition held by NJPW in 2005. He made his in-ring debut the following year, losing to Takashi Uwano. Over the years, Naito established himself as one of the most charismatic wrestlers in the industry. The leader of Los Ingobernables de Japón became a multi-time champion, winning the IWGP Heavyweight Title thrice and the IWGP World Heavyweight Title twice.
The promotion has announced that Tetsuya Naito will depart after completing his scheduled appearances.
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"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."
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Naito is set to work through the Dontaku series, concluding May 4, 2025, in Fukuoka.
"Naito's contract ends on the best possible terms with NJPW, which joins fans in wishing Naito 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." [H/T: NJPW's official website]
Check out NJPW's announcement on X below.
Tetsuya Naito isn't the only former champion who will leave New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Besides Tetsuya Naito, multi-time champion Jeff Cobb is also set to depart New Japan Pro-Wrestling. NJPW confirmed that the 42-year-old's final match for the company will take place on April 19, 2025, against Hiroshi Tanahashi.
Reports have suggested that Cobb could be on his way to WWE, but nothing has been confirmed as of this writing.
