Tetsuya Naito Announces He’s Leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling
New Japan Pro Wrestling announced today that it has mutually agreed with Tetsuya Naito not to renew his contract, officially closing the book on one of the most iconic careers in the company’s modern history.
The move marks the departure of NJPW's biggest active star and one of the most important figures in shaping the promotion's identity over the last decade. It comes at a time when the company has already seen major names like Shinsuke Nakamura, Kenny Omega, and Kazuchika Okada walk away in recent years.
NJPW issued the following statement:
“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,” read a statement on NJPW’s official 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’s further success in any and all future endeavours.”
A Shocking Exit
While the departure is described as amicable, it marks a seismic shift for NJPW, which now finds itself without its biggest active star. Naito has been the emotional heart of the promotion for over a decade, from the rise of Los Ingobernables de Japon to his crowning achievement at Wrestle Kingdom 14, where he became the first-ever double champion, holding both the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental titles simultaneously.
A Legacy of Greatness
Throughout his NJPW run, Naito was known for his charisma, unpredictability, and emotional connection with the audience. His ungovernable persona turned him from a rejected babyface into one of the most beloved antiheroes in wrestling. He was a five-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, the longest-reigning IWGP Intercontinental Champion in company history, a two-time G1 Climax winner (2013 and 2017), and a consistent top draw at the Tokyo Dome.
Physical Decline and Uncertain Future
In recent years, however, Naito has struggled with injuries. His pace slowed noticeably, and his appearances were increasingly limited to tag team matches, often serving to protect his worn-down body. The last six months in particular signaled that the physical toll of his style had finally caught up with him. Whether Naito intends to continue wrestling elsewhere or quietly wind down his in-ring career remains to be seen.
Tanahashi Speaks on Naito’s Exit
Hiroshi Tanahashi, NJPW President and one of Naito’s greatest rivals, shared the following message to fans:
“I am sorry to deliver the news that surprised and saddened everyone today,” Tanahashi said. “I spoke with Naito yesterday. I told him that I wanted Naito, who loves New Japan, to stay in New Japan until the end, but his will was firm and I could not change it. He will be leaving the organization in a way that respects his wishes. Please support Naito and BUSHI for the rest of [their] career.”
An Era Comes to a Close
Naito's departure also comes alongside the quiet exit of BUSHI, another member of Los Ingobernables de Japon, signaling the potential end of an era not just for Naito, but for the stable he helped define.
In the broader context, Naito's exit is the latest in a long list of major departures for NJPW. For a company already grappling with creative and financial instability, losing a central pillar like Naito leaves a massive void at the top of the card—and plenty of questions about what comes next.