Former World Champion Taking ‘Indefinite Leave Of Absence’ From NJPW

NJPW

A former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is taking an “indefinite leave of absence” from NJPW, as confirmed by an official announcement from the company.

At NJPW’s New Year Dash 2026 event on January 5, SANADA seemed to confirm that he was exiting the promotion, with a “goodbye” message appearing on the LED screen of his guitar.

With speculation whirling around his future since them, NJPW has now confirmed that SANADA will be gone indefinitely from the company, with no return date currently known for the 3-year-old.

As confirmed on NJPW.com, the statement reads:

“SANADA to take indefinite leave.

“Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

“Effective January 6, SANADA is on an indefinite leave of absence from competition. No return date is determined at this time.

“We apologise to fans looking forward to seeing SANADA wrestle, and appreciate your understanding.”

SANADA stated that he was going on a trip in his backstage comments after his New Year’s Dash appearance, so it remains to be seen whether he will be pursuing a move to another company or taking a break from the ring entirely.

SANADA has been appearing for NJPW since 2011, and in 2023 became the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion – a run that lasted 271 days.

We will provide further updates on SANADA’s future as they become available.

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