Earlier this month, the former six-time IWGP Jr. Heavyweight champion announced his departure from New Japan Pro-Wrestling after being with the promotion for nearly ten years.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter speculated that one of the reasons KUSHIDA decided to leave the company was due to his bid of turning heel and joining the Bullet Club being turned down. However, it appears that isn’t the case whatsoever according to the man himself.
KUSHIDA addressed the rumors on a recent NJPW podcast, stating that he’s leaving the company because he feels it's simply time to go: (Translation via Chris Charlton)
“I think if you start shooting down rumors then it just never stops, but allow me this one: people actually said I wanted to join Bullet Club and couldn’t and that’s why I’m leaving. This isn’t even slightly true.
I’ve performed on the greatest stage w/amazing people, amazing opponents, supported by amazing staff. I have NO complaints about this company…I just feel I have to go. My size, being a junior, those didn’t factor once in the decision. The rumors are disappointing.”
As previously mentioned, the former IWGP Jr. Heavyweight champion has been in the company for nearly ten years. In addition to capturing the title mentioned above, KUSHIDA is a former two-time IWGP Jr. Tag Team champion. The soon to be former New Japan wrestler has done everything that the Junior heavyweight division has offered during his time with the company, so KUSHIDA leaving to pursue different opportunities in professional wrestling isn’t much of a shock.
KUSHIDA is still under contract with the promotion, with his final match set to be against IWGP Heavyweight champion Hiroshi Tanahashi at the Korakuen Hall on Jan. 29 at Road To New Beginning.