At the moment, Tetsuya Naito stands at NJPW as an independent player without a binding contract in place.
The renowned ex-IWGP World Champion divulged to Tokyo Sports that his previous deal with NJPW terminated on January 31.
The news suggests that, up until now, three successive rounds of talks regarding the potential of a new contract have reached a deadlock. However, further discussions are on the agenda. Naito describes NJPW as holding his primary interest.
Naito expressed, “If I choose to leave, I’m unsure of my next steps. Yet in my youth, I used to think ‘perhaps I’ll retire around 40’, and I do admit that due to my physical deterioration, I’m unable to perform certain tasks that I could only a few years ago. I am conscious of the inevitability of time, and instead of prolonging my career with an inkling of dissatisfaction, I feel that it might be more beneficial to simply follow my heart.”
His words were edited with: “I’m comfortable speaking my mind. The decision to sign or not is not one I’ve made yet, but if I come to terms with fighting another year at the New Japan ring, I will sign. But if I do harbour doubts, I won’t go ahead. I basically yearn to live in the moment and envisage my feelings during such times. In other words, Tranquilo… there is no point in forcing a resolution.”