New Japan Pro Wrestling is set to lose another of its top stars as it has been announced that KUSHIDA will be leaving the company at the end of the month.

It was revealed during a recent New Japan Pro Wrestling press conference that KUSHIDA would be finishing up with the company at the end of January.

New Japan’s announcer, Chris Charlton posted a transcription of the conference for English speaking fans, with KUSHIDA admitting it wasn’t an easy decision and that he will now head overseas to explore professional wrestling.

This is another blow for New Japan who has now lost The Young Bucks, Cody Rhodes, and KUSHIDA, whilst Kenny Omega has also stated he is taking a break from the company.

Sugabayashi has 3 points: 1) Ibushi will be taking the next tour off due to his concussion. 2) Takashi Iizuka is retiring. He will have a retirement ceremony on February 21. 3) KUSHIDA will leave New Japan at the end of his contract on January 31.

— chris charlton (@reasonjp) January 7, 2019

KUSHIDA: As Sugabayashi said, I will leave NJPW on January 31. This was an extremely tough condition made with Meij, Sugabayashi and Kidani. It was a very big decision in my life and I’m thankful they understood. I will head overseas and to see the world of pro wrestling.

— chris charlton (@reasonjp) January 7, 2019

KUSHIDA: I am contracted with this company until the end of January so I won’t be talking much about beyond then. But it has been my dream for a long time to travel the world with professional wrestling. And that’s what I will be doing.

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— chris charlton (@reasonjp) January 7, 2019

KUSHIDA: if there was anything left for me to achieve and do, I wouldn’t be leaving. But I’ll put my all in this last month. There’s been a lot of people who have influenced me over these 8 years. Liger, Tana. Shibata, Makabe, Tiger Hattori. They all enjoy wrestling.

— chris charlton (@reasonjp) January 7, 2019