Several NJPW Contracts Approaching Expiry

NJPW have lost plenty of their big stars over the last few years, with the likes of Jay White, Will Ospreay and Kazuchika Okada departing the promotion and heading over to AEW. The same can be said for major Stardom stars too, including the likes of Giulia (who headed to WWE) and Mercedes Moné. It may be contract season soon again for some top NJPW talent, as Dave Meltzer reports in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that there are several contracts approaching expiry. 

He states that several contracts expire at the end of January in 2025, noting that some of those are foreign talents. For instance, Meltzer mentions names such as reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion Zack Sabre Jr, former NEVER Openweight & IWGP Tag Team Champion Jeff Cobb, United Empire member Callum Newman, and former NEVER Openweight Champion Henare. 

In the case of Zack Sabre Jr, Meltzer explains that he has declared that he intends to remain committed to NJPW despite the likelihood of receiving offers elsewhere. When it comes to Jeff Cobb, Meltzer mentions that he formerly received an offer from AEW, but previously turned it down. ZSJ is set to defend his title against AEW’s Ricochet at the upcoming Wrestle Dynasty event on January 5.