Tetsuya Naito Reportedly Currently Working as a Freelancer for NJPW, Fourth Round of Contract Talks Expected to Take Place Soon

Tokyo Sports reported that Tetsuya Naito is currently working without a contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling.

It was reported that Naito’s contract with NJPW had expired at the end of this past January and he has been working as a freelancer for the company since then.

It was also reported that Naito and NJPW officials have held three separate rounds of talks for a potential new deal but these talks ended with it being put on hold each time.

In an interview with the outlet, Naito stated that he has been raising questions about the disparity in the number of matches he has had in the company since the last time he renewed his deal in 2024.

“I understand that I am being treated as a valuable product, but wrestlers who have time off can do maintenance or even obtain qualifications for after retirement. But wrestlers who are constantly wrestling don’t have that kind of time, and their bodies gradually become worn down. I told them that the difference between the two is too drastic, but they basically didn’t accept it, and I have the same doubts this year, so I’m holding off… I can’t make the decision to fight for another year if I don’t have a clear mind about it.”

Naito also gave his thoughts about him having yet to make a decision regarding potential retirement plans for his in-ring wrestling career.

“I haven’t decided what I will do if I quit, but when I was younger, I thought I would retire at around 40. I strongly feel that my remaining time is limited, and rather than continuing to be dissatisfied, I feel like it might be better to just do things the way I want to.”

Naito also gave his thoughts about his upcoming new round of talks with NJPW for a potential new deal.

“I feel comfortable because I can say what I want to say. I haven’t decided whether I will sign or not, but if I think, okay, I’ll stay in the ring with New Japan for another year, I’ll sign, and if I have doubts, I won’t. So, I want to cherish how I feel at the time.”

Naito is currently scheduled to defend his IWGP World Tag Team Championship with Hiromu Takahashi against United Empire (Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman) at this April’s Sakura Genesis 2025 event in Tokyo, Japan.

Naito has been working for NJPW since November of 2005.