Nishimura, Naruse, Takemura leave New Japan

[Hunter's Torn Quad 0]

Osamu Nishimura officially left New Japan today, to begin a new life as a freelancer. Nishimura had been hinting at this for a while, and his rank in New Japan has slipped a lot in recent times, so it isn't as surprising as some of the other departures. Nishimura said he had spent sixteen years in New Japan, but wants to be a "free bird" in 2006 and said this is a completely harmonious parting. Nishimura said he won't come back to New Japan for the time being, as he has new lands to explore, such as Mexico and America (he even suggested a WWE tryout, though it could be all talk), but like so many others, could be back some day.

 

Masayuki Naruse also left New Japan today after secondary talks. It was pretty clear after first talks that New Japan had no desire to keep him, as it was them who suspended talks, not Naruse, in almost a first. Naruse spent four years in New Japan, winning the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title in his debut match, but besides the brief "Giant Killer" era, never really making his presence felt. No word on his future yet.

 

Hiroyoshi Tenzan left talks without a contract for the third time today, but is 90% satisfied with his deal now, and it looks like he will remain. Tenzan showed a smiling face, suggesting he is set on staying, and said he is so satisfied that he'll be willing to hold final talks over the phone or fax machine. Despite numerous undercarders leaving, the top line seems to have remained intact, shades of when SWS raided New Japan's undercard, but didn't get any top names (though Muto very nearly went).

 

Chono went to New Japan offices today and offered no comment leaving it, but seems to have signed his deal according to second hand sources. Morning Update: Chono laughed off the wrestlers leaving, as if they are making a mistake, and said the focus should switch to the ring soon. With the Akebono & Yoshie team a question mark now, Chono wants to set up a "generation vs. generation" tag match to determine ChoTen's next challengers.

 

Yanagisawa held final talks too. Not sure on what happened yet, some rumours suggest he has gone freelance, but could still appear in New Japan when needed. Morning Update: Yanagisawa has separated from the company, and said that only if the terms are suitable will he return to New Japan. He seems interested in a MMA return, hinting at a Pancrase invasion.

 

Morning Update: Sanspo confirms that Katsushi Takemura is gone from New Japan, although surprisingly is the only news site to do so.

 

New Japan announced that Kanemoto won't be on the 1/28 Korakuen show. Kanemoto was scheduled to talk today, so this could be a sign that he suspended or resigned, but nothing has been announced yet. Morning Update: Kanemoto said in his blog that his contract talks have been pushed back to the 27th now, so it could be a "one time only" session between he and management.