Updated 4/16/25 @ 6:45 PM ET
According to an update from Toyko Sports, is remaining with NJPW.
The report notes that Bushi had already signed a contract, but when Naito asked to leave, he rushed into the contract renewal meeting and asked to leave at the same time. “If Naito didn’t sign the contract, I had decided to quit too. I didn’t have a vision for myself in the New Japan ring after Naito left…I never thought the contract would be terminated, but nothing has been decided at this stage. For now, I have received offers from Gamma, Gurukun Mask, and Asuka Pro Wrestling, so I will think about it carefully.”
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NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi has issued a statement regarding the departures of Tetsuya Naito and BUSHI from the promotion.
News of these departures broke late Tuesday night and into the earlier hours of Wednesday morning.
A message from President Tanahashi to all fans
Regarding today’s announcement about Tetsuya Naito and BUSHI, here is a comment from Hiroshi Tanahashi, CEO of New Japan Pro-Wrestling Co., Ltd.:
From Hiroshi Tanahashi, CEO:
“I’m sorry to have shocked and saddened everyone with this news today.
I spoke with Naito yesterday. I told him that I wanted Naito, who loves New Japan, to stay with the company until the very end, but his will was firm and I couldn’t change it. We will respect his wishes and have him leave the company.
I ask for your continued support for Naito and BUSHI during the remaining time of their reunion.”
NJPW announced late Wednesday Japan time that Naito and the promotion were unable to come to terms on a new deal and mutually decided to part ways. He will however, continue his appearances for the promotion through May 4.
Naito revealed in a recent interview with Tokyo Sports that has been working as a freelancer with NJPW since February 1. The report also notes that he requested to leave NJPW back on April 3 newspaper that since February 1st, he had been competing as a de facto freelancer. NJPW continued to negotiate to keep him, but finally accepted his request on Wednesday.
As of this writing, the future for both Naito and BUSHI are unknown.