More on Naito & Bushi leaving NJPW (Patreon)

Tetsuya Naito and Bushi are leaving NJPW.

On April 1, Tokyo Sport reported that Tesuya Naito was working without a NJPW contract. While some believed it was an April Fool's Joke, it was quickly established to Fightful that it was legitimate and that Naito and NJPW had been at an impasse regarding potential contract extensions.

We're told that the 42-year old Naito has been exploring his options over the last month. He's battled injuries over the past couple of years that have affected his in-ring work, but has remained a draw for NJPW.

There are a number of NJPW talent who haven't signed new deals and have continued working with the company.

WWE had been interested in Naito back in 2018, but he claimed he turned down the offer. We were told that Naito isn't expected to come to AEW.

Naito will finish up with NJPW in early May, and we're told eventually he could be back. Bushi is also leaving NJPW.