Several Talents Set To Leave NJPW

New Japan Pro-Wrestling are reportedly set to lose several talents at the expiration of the contracts in the coming weeks.

Whilst Will Ospreay has signed with All Elite Wrestling, and Tama Tonga has announced his departure from the company, a report from Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter states that several others could join them in exiting the Japanese wrestling powerhouse.

No names were mentioned by Meltzer, although he did note that he expects many gaijin (non-Japanese) stars could be set to depart, noting how the gulf in pay between NJPW and WWE & AEW is becoming hard to ignore.

Many NJPW contracts traditionally expire at the end of January, with many choosing to re-sign with the promotion around the time of Wrestle Kingdom every January 4. One of the biggest names who is approaching the end of their current NJPW deal is that of Kazuchika Okada, although it is hoped that ‘The Rainmaker’ will soon re-sign, especially after Hiroshi Tanahashi took over as NJPW President, replacing the outgoing Takami Ohbari. Ohbari and Okada were said to have not gotten along during the former’s time in charge of the company.