One New Japan star isn’t going anywhere.
With all the contracts in New Japan Pro-Wrestling coming up, the promotion announced one renewal as Yuji Nagata has officially re-signed. The 56-year-old’s contract was set to expire at the end of the month.
Nagata has been with New Japan Pro-Wrestling for over two decades. The veteran made his debut in 1992 and wrestled in Japan off and on throughout his wrestling career. The New Japan star has nearly done it all; Nagata is a former two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, a former NEVER Openweight Champion, and a two-time IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champion. He’s also won the G1 Climax, The New Japan Cup, and the World Tag League.
Nagata has a pretty accomplished career so far, yet he wants to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship one more time before his career ends. "If I win that, I'll be ready to retire at any time.” Nagata told Tokyo Sports in an interview. "There are many people who come back after retirement because they had regrets about quitting. I want to do everything I can and then retire. After that, I'll work as a promoter and producer, creating various show areas in Chiba Prefecture. "
Though Nagata has won the G1 Climax and the IWGP Heavyweight title in the past, it’s been over 15 years since he was last on top of the mountain. Since then, wrestling has evolved so much throughout the years that it’ll be harder for the New Japan star to get to the level that he once was. Still, everyone loves an underdog story and Nagata has the skills to reach the top of the mountain again. Will he get the opportunity to become the new IWGP Heavyweight Champion? We’ll surely find out soon!
Zack Sabre Jr. is busy dealing with Hirooki Goto, though the New Japan Cup is scheduled to start on March 7. There’s no confirmation on the participants of New Japan’s annual tournament, but if Nagata is a part of the tournament then it'll be very interesting to see how officials book his run. Nagata has a compelling story on trying to capture the IWGP Heavyweight title one last time before retirement so if can work if Officials take it seriously.
Nagata has some momentum on his side as the veteran is fresh off a victory over Daiki Nagai, Katsuya Murashima & Shoma Kato in a six-man tag team match at New Year’s Dash. Yuji teamed with Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Satoshi Kojima.