Tetsuya Naito has responded to rumors he made ‘unreasonable demands’ to New Japan Pro Wrestling ahead of his looming exit from the company.
Naito spoke with Tokyo Sports to address his imminent departure from the company. The former multi-time IWGP World Heavyweight Champion shed light on a couple of subjects, including rumors of a financial dispute with his longtime promotion.
“I don’t recall making any unreasonable demands,” Naito said. “I had no intention of saying things like, “Go up because I’m in it,” or “Go down because he’s not in it,” but I just want the value of a wrestler’s match to be properly evaluated. I’ve been saying this for years. The number of wrestlers is increasing, so I can understand that it’s inevitable to some extent…”
Elsewhere during the interview, Naito claimed NJPW “didn’t try that hard” to retain him, expressing hope his departure will prompt the leadership to reconsider contract negotiations with existing members of their roster.
“It’s true that I may have been selfish. But they didn’t try that hard to keep me. In fact, it’s been over a month since my contract expired (as a member wrestler) and the next negotiation.
“I don’t intend to ask now, ‘Why didn’t they do this?’, but if this doesn’t change, I think the same thing will continue next year and beyond. I hope that my departure will lead to them reconsidering whether there needs to be any changes regarding contract renewals,” Tetsuya Naito said.
Naito won’t be leaving NJPW alone. Fellow Los Ingobernables de Japón member BUSHI will depart the promotion as well. Naito’s final appearance for the company will coincide with the conclusion of the Wrestling Dontaku tour in Fukuoka on May 4.
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