Shun Skywalker Considering Relinquishing the NJPW World Television Title and Departing NJPW

By: Lewis Carlan

After making his debut for New Japan Pro-Wrestling on Aug. 15th and aligning himself with House of Torture, the newly crowned NJPW World Television Champion Shun Skywalker could be ready to depart the promotion.

Skywalker defeated KONOSUKE TAKESHITA for the NJPW World Television Title on Sept. 27th at Destruction In Kobe 2026. But only two days into his reign he has discussed relinquishing the championship and walking away from NJPW.

In a recent interview, as reported by Tokyo Sports, Skywalker gave the reasoning for his shocking consideration.

From Shun Skywalker:

“I’ve already achieved the goal I set for myself upon returning from Tenku. I’m considering immediately returning this title—which is like a bonus I never really needed in the first place—and I’m wondering if I have any further business with New Japan Pro-Wrestling. I easily won the Muro-Rambo, one of New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s ‘Strongest Warrior’ tournaments, and I took the TV Title in a single match from Takeshita, last year’s G1 Champion and former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. Considering the current level of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, I’m struggling more than anyone right now with the question of whether it’s actually good for the pro-wrestling world for Shun Skywalker to stay and keep fighting.”

Skywalker mentioned that he beat TAKESHITA in just under ten minutes and if things continue the way they are for NJPW, the promotion could come to an end. Skywalker stated there must be a pro-wrestler in the world that is worthy of doing battle with him and he would be more than happy to head to the ring where that pro-wrestler is, hinting he could be on the move again after recently departing Dragongate.

From Shun Skywalker:

“While the so-called ‘new generation’ was engaged in a ‘toss-up’ among themselves, it was Takeshita who swept them all away in one fell swoop. And Shun Skywalker knocked out that very Takeshita in just 10 minutes… If things continue like this, New Japan Pro-Wrestling might come to an end. If you look around the world, there must be a pro-wrestler worthy of facing Shun Skywalker. It’s entirely possible that I’ll head to the ring where that person is—by flying across the sky.”

It remains to be seen if Skywalker is actually ready to leave NJPW or if he is playing some sort of mind game with the other competitors within the promotion, only time will tell.

(All English translations via Deepl.com)