Ryu Lee will be staying with New Japan Pro Wrestling going forward.
The former IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion made a surprising return during the 2019 World Tag League tournament event, where Lee – who changed his name to Ryu Lee in NJPW – challenged legend Jushin “Thunder” Liger to a match at Wrestle Kingdom 14.
It’s been confirmed by
Voices of Wrestling that the former CMLL star has signed a one-year deal with New Japan. Following his nasty split with the Lucha Libre promotion in September, Lee has mostly been working Ring of Honor shows. The 24-year-old will fight Shane Taylor for the ROH World Television Championship at Final Battle this Friday.
It was reported that CMLL – who has a partnership with New Japan and ROH – was forcing both promotions to choose between its talent and RUSH & Lee. While CMLL was able to get Lee off the World Tag League tournament, it’s clear that New Japan will still be working with the former IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion going forward.