(NOAH) Katsuhiko Nakajima leaves Noah...will he challenge in America? "I stopped him many times", Director Takeda understands his decision.

27th September 2023

Tokyo Sports

Noah has suddenly announced that Katsuhiko Nakajima (35) will be leaving the promotion, causing a huge stir. 

Nakajima's contract will end at the end of September, and last match will be held over two events in October (Korakuen Hall on the 20th and Fukuoka International Centre on the 28th). Nakajima apologized on social media, saying "I'm sorry for surprising you with this sudden announcement." While apologizing, he explained the reason for his departure, " After much consideration, in order to improve myself and level up." As for the future, he simply wrote, "I will proceed in search of a spectacular view". 

According to CyberFight director, Narihiro Takeda, who oversees Noah, Nakajima expressed his intention to leave during the contract renewal meeting. "Of course I dissuaded him. Every year, we have various discussions with the wrestlers we sign, but sometimes we can solve the problem and sometimes we can't. I didn't have any quarrel with him, and tried to stop him many times, but in the end he had strong feelings, and it was my own lack of strength" Takeda said. 

Nakajima made his pro wrestling debut in WJ in January 2004 at the age of 15, and grew up in Kensuke Office (later Diamond Ring) led by Kensuke Sasaki. He joined Noah in January 2016, and was active at the top, winning the GHC Heavyweight twice. The departure of a mainstay wrestler will be a blow to the promotion, but Takeda reflects, "There is no doubt that Noah needs an indispensable wrestler, but as a promotion we will continue to expand our market. I'd like to think positively that if one wrestler at the top is eliminated, then a new one will emerge." He then added with understanding about Nakajima's decision, "I think hid desire to take on a new challenge at the turning point of his 20th anniversary next year is very strong." 

When he becomes a free agent in October, where will Nakajima go? It is said that he is highly interested in going overseas, and it has also been suggested that he may compete in America (such as WWE or AEW). Pay attention to his future trend.

Translated from Tokyo Sports

Picture credit: Tokyo Sports