Hiroshi Tanahashi issues statement on NJPW departures of Tetsuya Naito, BUSHI

NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi has issued a statement to fans addressing the news that Tetsuya Naito and BUSHI are departing the promotion.

It was announced overnight Wednesday that, after conversations regarding Naito’s wrestling future, he and NJPW mutually decided not to renew his contract with the company. NJPW wished Naito success and said he is leaving under the best possible terms.

Along with that, BUSHI — a stablemate of Naito’s in Los Ingobernables de Japon — is departing NJPW as well. NJPW announced that BUSHI’s departure comes at his own request and after careful consultation. Both he and Naito will make their scheduled appearances through May 4.

“I am sorry to deliver the news that surprised and saddened everyone today,” Tanahashi said in his message to fans. “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 organization in a way that respects his wishes. Please support Naito and BUSHI for the rest of [their] career.”

The 42-year-old Naito has been working with NJPW as a freelancer since his contract expired earlier this year. Tokyo Sports reports that he officially requested to leave NJPW on April 3. Negotiations for NJPW to retain Naito continued until this week.

One of the most popular wrestlers in NJPW, Naito is a five-time IWGP Champion and three-time G1 winner. His in-ring work has been hampered by accumulating injuries including knee and eye issues.

An eight-man tag match is set for NJPW Wrestling Dontaku night two on May 4 with Naito, BUSHI, Hiromu Takahashi & Shingo Takagi facing Shota Umino, Tomohiro Ishii, Taichi & TAKA Michinoku.