Los Ingobernables de Japon is losing two of its key pillarsTetsuya Naito and BUSHI are officially on their way out of New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
NJPW confirmed the news this week, announcing that both Naito and BUSHI will finish their runs with the company during the ongoing Wrestling Dontaku tour. Their final appearances are scheduled for May 4.
As for Naito, his departure has been in motion for a while. NJPW revealed that both sides agreed not to renew his contract, and that the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion has been operating as a freelancer since late January. According to Tokyo Sports, theyve already gone through three rounds of contract talks, and a fourth was reportedly on the wayuntil it wasnt.
Naito and Hiromu Takahashi recently lost the IWGP Tag Team Titles at NJPW Sakura Genesis to Jeff Cobb and Callum Newman. In a twist, Cobb is also on his way out of the company, with his final match set for April 19.
BUSHI, who has been a consistent presence in the junior heavyweight division and LIJ stable for years, is finishing up alongside Naito. Both men have been crucial to the factions identity and the companys storytelling for the better part of the last decade.
Where they go next remains a mystery, but their exits mark a major shift in NJPWs roster landscape.
Do you think Naito and BUSHI will land in AEW, WWE, or take their talents elsewhere? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know where you want to see them show up next.
Where do you want to see these now Ex-NJPW land next? WWE, AEW, TNA or somewhere else? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
