NJPW’s Gabriel Kidd taking time away from pro wresting, says he’s ‘not well’

NJPW’s Gabriel Kidd is taking time away from pro wrestling to focus on his battle with mental health issues.

In a tweet posted on Wednesday morning, Kidd said that he isn’t well and — after 13 years of dedicating his life to pro wrestling and putting it first — he needs a rest. Kidd thanked his family and closest friends for giving him the wake-up call that he’s needed for a while. Kidd promised that he’ll be back.

https://twitter.com/GabrielKidd_/status/1496467527957897222

Last week, Will Ospreay sent out a tweet asking everyone not to engage with Kidd on social media after he had displayed some troubling behavior on Twitter. Ospreay said that it was a serious matter that was being handled.

Ospreay tweeted after Kidd’s announcement today: “Last week the Gabriel Kid that you all [saw] on this wasn’t the guy we all know. I know I’m the last person to ask this, however I ask you all for some leniency, please allow him the rest to ensure his health is first. He has gone through so much, he is returning home for help. I’ve got nothing but love and respect for him. Hopefully when he is healthy we can give you that match, because nothing excites me more than the challenge. Health first always, Whatever he needs we will give him the support.”

An angle setting up a future Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship match between Ospreay and Kidd took place in Revolution Pro Wrestling earlier this month.

Kidd was set to wrestle for Terminus this Thursday before having to be pulled from the show. Kidd also didn’t wrestle at last week’s NJPW Strong tapings in California.

At a taping for NJPW Strong last October, Kidd spoke to the crowd about struggling with his mental health while living in Japan for 18 months after the COVID-19 pandemic started. Kidd said he battled suicidal ideation and the two things that kept him going were his mother and pro wrestling.