Major Free Agent Breaks Silence On Future Plans

Published: May 5, 2025 by Dave Adamson | Last Updated: May 5, 2025 by Dave Adamson

Dave has been a website writer for WrestleTalk since October 2022, having previously written for Den of Geek, among a number of wrestling, movie and television-related sites. Dave has been around the independent wrestling scene for more than a decade, including behind-the-scenes.

AEW

With his final match under an NJPW contract now in the record books, a major international free agent has broken his silence on his future.

On April 16, NJPW revealed that they mutually agreed to not renew the contract of Tetsuya Naito.

May 4 marked the final match in Naito’s career as a New Japan Pro-Wrestling star, taking place at Wrestling Dontaku.

After the match, Naito made comments that hint at his future, confirming that he doesn’t plan on retiring just yet.

As can be seen below this news story, Naito addressed his career backstage at NJPW Wrestling Dontaku, stating fans will see him again.

Noting that he isn’t sure when and where he’ll return, but telling fans not to get sentimental as he will be back, saying:

“I’m not sure if it will be the next tour, or next year, or the year after, I don’t even know if it’ll be the New Japan ring, but you’ll see me again, somewhere.”

If you use this transcription or any portion of it please credit WrestleTalk.com and link to this page.

As for the “somewhere” in question, a previous report suggested that Naito wasn’t expected to be AEW-bound.

The report also notes that, previously, Naito hasn’t been interested in making a move to WWE, either.

Tetsuya Naito joined NJPW as a Young Lion in November 2005, making his debut in May 2006.

A former two-time IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, he has also competed on AEW television.

AEW Forbidden Door in June 2023 would see Naito team with Sting and Darby Allin in a victory over Le Suzuki Gods (Chris Jericho, Sammy Guevara & Minoru Suzuki).

If you use this transcription or any portion of it please credit WrestleTalk.com and link to this page.

Tetsuya Naito's backstage comments after his final scheduled NJPW match:

"I'm not sure if it will be the next tour, or next year, or the year after, I don't even know if it'll be the New Japan ring, but you'll see me again, somewhere."pic.twitter.com/c0hl79SyWI

— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV) May 5, 2025