NJPW has confirmed that one of its top stars is stepping away from the ring. In a short statement released on Tuesday morning, the company announced that former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion SANADA would be taking an indefinite leave of absence, effective immediately.
The official statement from the promotion provided no specific timeline for a potential return. They wrote, “Effective January 6, SANADA is on an indefinite leave of absence from competition. No return date is determined at this time. We apologise to fans looking forward to seeing SANADA wrestle, and appreciate your understanding.”
The announcement follows speculation generated by SANADA himself in recent days. At the New Year Dash event, he carried a guitar that displayed the handwritten message, “Goodbye NJPW.” He clarified his intentions with comments made immediately following his match, suggesting a permanent departure.
“I’m leaving this ring for good today,” SANADA said. “I’m going on a journey.”
SANADA first joined NJPW in 2016, quickly making a name for himself as a member of Los Ingobernables de Japon. After years with the faction, he left in 2023 to join Just Five Guys, a move that propelled him to win the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. His career trajectory shifted again in 2024 when he betrayed that stable to join the Bullet Club War Dogs. Following a split between the War Dogs and House of Torture in 2025, SANADA chose to align himself with the House of Torture.
With SANADA’s departure now official, NJPW moves forward into its first major tour of the year, The New Beginning. The tour is expected to feature on the fallout from Wrestle Kingdom and New Year Dash.
