Tetsuya Naito Leaving NJPW After Nearly Two Decades – Bushi Also Leaving

In a move that few wrestling fans saw coming, Tetsuya Naito is officially parting ways with New Japan Pro-Wrestling after nearly 20 years with the company. NJPW confirmed the news via a press release, revealing that both sides have mutually agreed not to renew his contract. Naito isn’t leaving alone either—fellow Los Ingobernables de Japon member Bushi is also set to exit the promotion.

Naito will fulfill his remaining obligations with NJPW through May 4. After that, he’s free to explore new opportunities across the wrestling world. While there’s been no announcement yet about his next destination, NJPW made it clear that the split was amicable.

Behind the scenes, it turns out Naito had been operating without a contract for some time. According to Fightful Select, the veteran star and NJPW had been in discussions for a new deal, but ultimately couldn’t come to terms. The report also indicates that several other NJPW talents are in similar contract limbo, working without signed agreements.

Alongside Naito and Bushi, Jeff Cobb is another name expected to depart, with heavy speculation linking him to a WWE debut. This follows a growing trend over the past few years that’s seen some of NJPW’s top stars—like Kazuchika Okada and Will Ospreay—head to AEW or WWE in search of new challenges.

Naito’s departure hits differently, though. Apart from brief stints in CMLL, ROH, and various indies, NJPW has been his wrestling home since the very beginning. A founding member of Los Ingobernables de Japon and one of the promotion’s most beloved and decorated stars, Naito’s exit marks the end of an era. Bushi, while not a day-one NJPW talent, has been a consistent presence for more than a decade and was instrumental in the faction’s identity and growth.

What’s next for the Los Ingobernables de Japon leader? Time will tell. But one thing’s for sure—wherever Naito shows up next, the wrestling world will be watching.

Stay tuned to WrestlingNewsBlog.com for updates on this developing story and the latest on NJPW’s shifting landscape.