(NOAH) "There are things I can't compromise on" - Go Shiozaki candidly explains his reasons for leaving Pro Wrestling Noah. "I want to experience things that are only possible as a freelancer".

1st October 2025

Tokyo Sports

What are his thoughts? 

Go Shiozaki (43), who left Pro Wrestling Noah on the 30th after his contract expired and became a freelancer, granted an exclusive interview. Immediately after his sudden announcement of leaving the promotion at noon today, Shiozaki expressed his complex feelings in an interview. He expressed his gratitude to Pro Wrestling Noah, his former home, and revealed the reasons behind his decision to leave. Where will this man, who has left the Ark again, go next?

Q: You have just announced your departure from Pro Wrestling Noah? 

SHIOZAKI: In terms of starting fresh, I feel relieved. Since this isn't a retirement, I need to find a new ring to fight in.  I know this sudden announcement might confuse or worry fans, but I hope they'll look forward to what's next.

Q: You have no regrets about my decision? 

SHIOZAKI: I think I've been able to move on. Honestly... After leaving Noah, going to All Japan, and then returning to Noah, and then leaving again*...I expect people will have a lot to say, and I'm prepared for that. But there are probably some people who are feeling uneasy, worried, or confused about this. I want to show them a performance in the ring that will dispel those feelings.

Q: What was the reaction of your teammates in TEAM NOAH?

SHIOZAKI: Some people told me, "Don't quit. Please stay." I truly feel that I'm causing trouble for the wrestlers and staff by making this decision, but there were certain things I simply couldn't compromise on. But I believe that the connection within the pro wrestling ring never truly breaks, and that includes the wrestlers in TEAM NOAH. 

Q: So, you'll be working as a freelancer starting October 1st?

SHIOZAKI: Yes, that's right, I'll be a freelancer.

Q: Did you originally have the desire to be a freelancer?

SHIOZAKI: No, not at all. As I said earlier, there were certain things I couldn't compromise on, and that's simply why I couldn't change my decision. What those things are? That's not something I should talk about, and I don't intend to reveal it in the ring either. I'm truly grateful to everyone at Noah, and I believe that showing my skills in other promotions is a way to repay their support.

Q: What are your future plans? 

SHIOZAKI: I still don't know exactly where I'll end up.  But, regardless of where I go, my wrestling style, as Go Shiozaki, will remain consistent, although it will certainly evolve. I want to find a wrestling ring where I can truly express myself as Go Shiozaki. I believe that I can experience something fresh and exciting in any promotion. That's why I want to do things that are only possible as a freelance wrestler. 

Q: By the way, have you talked to Katsuhiro Nakajima, your former ally and a fellow freelancer?

SHIOZAKI: I did tell him. His reaction? He just said, "Oh, is that so?" We might cross paths somewhere down the road, or we might not. That's the beauty of professional wrestling, isn't it?

Translated from Tokyo Sports

Picture credits: Tokyo Sports

Notes

Shiozaki leaving again: Naomichi Marufuji kind of indicated that Shiozaki will not be coming back again.