Several stars from TNA departed from the promotion at the start of the year as they had their contracts expire, making them free agents with the ability to re-sign with TNA or go to any promotion they wish. “Speedball” Mike Bailey, Steph De Lander, KUSHIDA, Aiden Prince, Bhupinder Gujjar, Jade Chung, and Trent Seven were among other talent who had contracts with TNA come due at the end of 2024.
The promotion announced KUSHIDA will return to MLW in the future. A date for his return was not announced. He last worked for MLW at the Fury Road event in September 2023, defeating Tony Deppen.
KUSHIDA was previously under contract with WWE from 2019-2022. Prior to signing with WWE, KUSHIDA made a name for himself as he was one of the most decorated junior heavyweights in NJPW history.
While in NJPW, he is a six-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and three-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion. KUSHIDA began working for TNA in 2022.
GREAT SCOTT! ⚡️ Kushida is BACK!
Get your tickets to see him in the FUTURE at MLW SuperFight 6, coming up Feb. 8 in Atlanta.
🎟️ https://t.co/2bQ4RGXBfV pic.twitter.com/NFfluWs0U8
— MLW (@MLW) January 12, 2025
