Tetsuya Naito Leaving NJPW, Plus Jeff Cobb & Bushi Exits (2025)

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Fred Richani of The Sports Courier goes live to react to legendary wrestler Tetsuya Naito leaving New Japan Pro-Wrestling, as announced on NJPW’s website. The Los Ingobernables de Japon leader was set to become a free agent in May 2025, following the exit of IWGP Tag Team Champion Jeff Cobb (likely headed to WWE) and the confirmed pending departure of Bushi.

Per NJPW, the company and Naito mutually agreed not to renew his contract, and Naito would complete his scheduled appearances through the Wrestling Dontaku series ending May 4, 2025, in Fukuoka.

Fred also breaks down why Naito’s exit is huge for New Japan, whether he could land in WWE or AEW, NJPW’s statements on Bushi and Jeff Cobb, and where New Japan goes from here.

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