Major Details On Kushida Leaving WWE & His Future

Kushida already knows what he wants to do after WWE.

On Monday it was reported that Kushida was leaving the WWE. Since then we have heard a number of different things including that he could be back with New Japan Pro Wrestling by June. Now we have new details on Kushida leaving WWE and what is next for him as he has already pitched ideas to New Japan.

In a report from Tokyo Sports, they cited that a WWE official stated that Kushida was either released or his contract was canceled by the company. That would make it seem as if it was not his choice to leave the company. This would also play in line with Fightful saying Kushida leaving may be due to “budget cuts” and Meltzer reporting he is not expected back with New Japan till June.

According to Voices of Wrestling, they state that it was well known within New Japan Pro Wrestling that Kushida would be leaving WWE and has already been in contact with New Japan wrestlers. It was also reported that he has already pitched things for his return to the company.

The report notes that multiple pitches have been made for his return including being repackaged. It was pitched that he could return as part of a heel unit, showcasing an MMA-style gimmick, and working more like a heavyweight. Kushida has been a junior heavyweight and one of the most decorated junior heavyweights in the last decade or two.

Voices of Wrestling also noted how Kushida “frequently expressed his displeasure with the way he had been used” since the change over to NXT 2.0.

This has been a very interesting story as it keeps developing and we will continue to monitor what is going on with Kushida. If we do hear anything else on this story, we will have it here and on the PWUnlimited YouTube Channel.