Further Details On Tetsuya Naito's NJPW Exit

Further details about Tetsuya Naito's impending departure from New Japan Pro-Wrestling have been revealed.

Tokyo Sports has reported that Naito informed NJPW on April 3 that he wanted to leave the promotion, with Naito's intentions being made clear following the fourth round of contract negotiations. Talks between the two sides continued until Naito's request to finish up with New Japan was formally granted on April 16.

NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi revealed in a statement on NJPW's Japan website that he spoke to Naito yesterday and told him he wanted Naito to stay. Naito did not change his mind, however.

"I am sorry to deliver the news that surprised and saddened everyone today. 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 organisation in a way that respects his wishes. I ask for your continued support for Naito and BUSHI," Tanahashi said.

Naito's Los Ingobernables de Japon stablemate BUSHI will also finish up with NJPW on night two of Wrestling Dontaku on May 4. Tokyo Sports noted Naito and BUSHI are expected to continue working together following their New Japan departures.

Naito was recently a champion in New Japan, with him and Hiromu Takahashi dropping the IWGP Tag Team Titles to Callum Newman and Jeff Cobb at Sakura Genesis on April 5, only a couple of days after Naito told NJPW he wanted to leave. The tag titles are currently vacant as NJPW have granted Jeff Cobb's request to leave the promotion, with Cobb believed to be WWE-bound.

H/T POST Wrestling

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