A 16-year NJPW veteran is set to leave the company very soon.
Hiromu Takahashi is set to leave New Japan Pro-Wrestling, bringing an end to his long association with the company. New Japan confirmed on Monday night that Takahashi will be departing following his final scheduled appearance at New Beginning in Osaka on February 11.
“After careful consideration and discussions with NJPW management, Hiromu Takahashi, who has been a long standing member of the NJPW roster will leave New Japan Pro-Wrestling,” the company said in a statement. “We apologise to fans for the sudden nature of this announcement. Hiromu’s final scheduled appearance with NJPW will be at New Beginning in Osaka on February 11. New Japan Pro-Wrestling wishes Hiromu Takahashi the very best in his future activities and invites fans to show their support on his remaining appearances with NJPW.”
When Did Hiromu Takahashi Join NJPW?
Hiromu Takahashi joined New Japan as a Young Lion in 2010 and, after returning from an excursion, quickly established himself as the centrepiece of the junior heavyweight division. Over the course of his career, he captured the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship five times and won the Best of the Super Juniors tournament on four occasions. He also held the IWGP Tag Team Championship alongside Tetsuya Naito.
His departure follows another recent high-profile exit from New Japan, with Evil also leaving the promotion last month amid reports linking him with a potential move to WWE. There is growing speculation that, as more high-profile Japanese stars depart New Japan and are linked with WWE, WWE has plans to move into the Japanese market, similarly to how they have in Mexico with AAA.
