Possible Reason KUSHIDA Decided To Leave New Japan Pro Wrestling

Did booking help KUSHIDA choose to leave NJPW?

Following the announcement that he will be going “overseas” and leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling (see that here), all signs point to former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion KUSHIDA heading to WWE to be part of the NXT brand (read more here).

Some NJPW fans have seen it as a bit of a surprising move, but there’s a new report today saying that the promotion’s booking may have played a role in the decision to leave. According to Dave Meltzer in the most recent Wrestling Observer Newsletter, KUSHIDA had pitched going heel and joining the ranks of The Bullet Club. However, the company’s booker, Gedo, was of the belief that he would be best served as a “solid Junior Heavyweight” on NJPW’s side of the ongoing battles with the group.

Reportedly, these creative differences are just one reason for KUSHIDA jumping ship, but it should also be noted that it’s being said he has continued to handle himself professionally throughout. Additionally, this is said to be a reason why his final match with the company on January 29th will be a main event in his first-ever encounter with current IWGP Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi at Road To The New Beginning inside Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall.