Tetsuya Naito and Bushi could be coming back to the states.
Last month, it was confirmed that Naito and Bushi would be working the upcoming Summer Sizzler show for RevPro in a couple of days. It appeared that RevPro would be a permanent home for the former New Japan Pro-Wrestling stars, but that might not be the case.
Speaking to Tokyo Sports, the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion stated that he’s planning on working in the U.S. in August and September.
“I want to go to places where I haven’t been able to show Naito Tetsuya’s matches before and solidify my future plans. I’m not considering any domestic options at this point. If an offer comes in, I’ll certainly consider it, and as I continue to compete, if I feel like it, I might end up competing for a domestic organization by the end of the year.”
Now that doesn’t mean Naito and Bushi are done working shows in Japan as they do explain that they’re likely to end up wrestling back in Japan sometime later this year.
To recall, the former Los Ingobernables de Japón members confirmed back in April that they were leaving New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Reportedly, it came down to money for Naito and he opted to not re-sign when he didn’t see eye to eye with officials.
Bushi did re-sign with New Japan, but once he heard about Tetsuya Naito leaving the promotion then he requested his release. Bushi and Naito’s final match was on May 5, where Los Ingobernables de Japon teamed together one last time (BUSHI, Hiromu Takahashi, Shingo Takagi & Tetsuya Naito) to take on Just 4 Guys (Taichi & TAKA Michinoku), Shota Umino & Tomohiro Ishii. The former emerged victorious.
It’s not clear where Naito and Bushi could end up long term. It wouldn’t be surprising if they end up in a promotion like All Japan Pro Wrestling or Pro Wrestling NOAH, but that’s just purely speculation since there’s been no reports about either guy being in talks with those companies. Though Naito has notably slowed down, it should still be fun to see what he and Bushi can do with different talents overseas.
Could we see him in TNA? AEW is off the list as it’s rumored that Tony Khan has no interest in Naito, though anything is possible in the world of wrestling. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens when Naito and Bushi come overseas to wrestle.