NJPW has long been considered the best wrestling promotion outside the United States, and veteran star Tetsuya Naito is a major reason why. The long-time leader of Los Ingernobles de Japon has not only been one of the company’s best workers over the last decade, but also among its most charismatic talents.
However, all good things come to an end, and on Tuesday, New Japan announced that the former IWGP Champion’s time in the promotion is over.
“In recent weeks, conversations have been ongoing between New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Tetsuya Naito regarding Naito’s future wrestling activities. As a result of those conversations, both parties have mutually agreed not to renew Naito’s contract with NJPW,” the company said in a statement.
If the NJPW legend takes his talents to WWE or AEW next, we look at eight dream matches we hope to see him compete in over the next year.
Penta
Tetsuya Naito and WWE star Penta are similar in that they are both great wrestlers who don’t need to talk to showcase their charisma. Either in their ring gear or mannerisms, the two men are among the coolest performers of the decade. They have never faced, and a potential dream match in WWE would be a big win for long-time wrestling fans.
Brody King
Brody King is the best big man on the AEW roster. His physical style is a sight to behold and would be perfect in NJPW. But since he won’t be heading over there any time soon, why not get a taste of classic strong style in a clash with Tetsuya Naito? The matchup would surely deliver and be a great high-profile opportunity for King.
AJ Styles
AJ Styles and Tetsuya Naito are two of the top performers of their generation. The duo faced off when Styles was leading the Bullet Club in NJPW. However, they are different men than they were back then. With the two 40-somethings in the final years of their career, it would be a shame if they didn’t have one last clash before they hang up their boots.
Chris Jericho
Chris Jericho and Naito had a fun rivalry during the WWE legend’s short run in NJPW. At 42 and with tons of mileage on his body, Naito is not the athlete he once was. Putting him in matches with other aging greats would play to the strengths he still has. That is why running back his feud with Jericho would make sense and deliver fun moments if he joins AEW.
Seth Rollins
Because of his immense success in WWE, there are many great wrestlers Seth Rollins has not faced during his career. And Naito is at the top of that list. Three years ago, a Naito signing would have been very unlikely. However, with a new regime in charge, it is a real possibility now. A match between Rollins and Naito is something fans have wanted for years, and may get it in 2025.
Cope
Adam “Cope” Copeland is trying to check off a lot of bucket list goals in AEW before he calls it a career. Facing legends from Japan is certainly among the things he would like to do in the near future. A match with Naito has to happen if he signs with AEW. They are two legends of the 21st century in wrestling, and it would be a major disappointment if it doesn’t happen in 2025.
Andrade
Naito and Andrade have deep ties to Los Ingernobles de Japan. It would make a great deal of sense for WWE to mine that history if the Japanese great joins the company. Furthermore, the Mexican badly needs an interesting foe to make something out of his second run in the company. Naito could certainly do that.
Samoa Joe
Samoa Joe is closing in on the end of his wrestling career, and there are still many great dream matches we have yet to see. One of the top of many long-time fans’ lists is a scrap with Tetsuya Naito. Now that he is a free agent, and with AEW having a good chance of signing him, Joe vs. Naito must happen in 2025.
