Q&A with Tetsuya Naito, on his departure from NJPW & future plans

By: Thom Fain

In a rare exclusive interview, the  iconic Tetsuya Naito revealed the calculated passion behind his “Tranquilo” philosophy. The leader of Los Ingobernables de Japon no more, he intends to re-form a new group with the same ethos alongside BUSHI. Naito spoke candidly about defying expectations, his health, and why sometimes the most powerful statement is made through deliberate disrespect.

They met me for lunch and then on the scouting deck of the Fukuoka Airport, seemingly at ease with their decisions to leave New Japan Pro-Wrestling, the so-called King of Sports, for the world of freelancing.

Editor’s Note: Shortly after this interview, Naito met with Mr. Okamoto of Tokyo Sports and revealed the extent to which he’ll be working with doctors on maintaining his body for this next stage of his career: eye surgery and stem cell therapy for his surgically repaired right knee.

Monthly Puroresu:

Your big return to New Japan from excursion in Mexico was way back at Wrestle Kingdom 4. What would a more wise Tetsuya Naito tell his younger self?

Tetsuya Naito:

My advice would be: Enjoy the moment to the fullest, because you don’t know if it’ll come again. That’s what I want to say.

Monthly Puroresu:

The next thing that I want to ask is that a lot of fans are concerned about you health. How are your knees? And are doctors optimistic that you have many years left inside the ring?

Tetsuya Naito:

That’s something I wish I could know myself. But whatever happens, it won’t change what I do inside the ring. I’ll continue to show the fans around the world my wrestling style.

Monthly Puroresu:

And when you re-emerge in a wrestling ring, will you be the same Tetsuya Naito that fans across the world know and love – or will you change things up, like a re-invention?

Tetsuya Naito:

Will I change or not?  You know the answer, right? Exactly. Tranquilo – take it easy.

Monthly Puroresu:

Both you and I went through frustrating times negotiating with Bushiroad. Rossy Ogawa, for instance, had a public dismissal from the company and STARDOM. And some wrestlers there told me that they didn’t know if they could trust the new leadership. How have things changed since Takami Ohbari left (as President)? And what is your honest assessment of Kidani’s handling of the wrestling business?

Tetsuya Naito:

I’m a wrestler first and foremost, so I don’t really understand business stuff. I think they’re trying as hard as they can, but I don’t really like them that much.

Canon EOS Kiss 35mm ‘92 | Canon 20mm f/1.7 | Lomography Color ‘92 Sunkissed

Monthly Puroresu:

There’s been misinformation [about your departure from NJPW], you said from in Tokyo Sports. And it’s been re-circulated on the internet – can you tell us why they were so careless with your current situation?

Tetsuya Naito:

The news reports are still just information in the form of articles, but in Okamoto’s case… Because we’re so close, I try to express myself in various ways which includes through my character. Well to be honest, I don’t really think much about it. That’s why there are various ways of expressing things in the media, so I don’t check everything myself.

I don’t understand why the report was wrong. That’s what I’m telling you. Please listen carefully to what I have to say and think about it.

Monthly Puroresu:

A lot of fan-driven narratives take hold on social media, right? It’s hard for independent wrestlers to take charge of their own story.

Tetsuya Naito:

It’s difficult for people to correctly know the truth, and that’s what they spread. I know it’s hard, but everyone please use your imagination and think about many different things. The answer is, of course, tranquilo – take it easy.

Monthly Puroresu:

At what point did you realize that this is the end of the road for your in New Japan?

Tetsuya Naito:

I’ve always had doubts and dissatisfaction with New Japan. I made the decision in January or February this year.

Monthly Puroresu:

How should wresting promotions approach talent improvement, and has New Japan effectively grown young new stars? BUSHI said you know, the New Japan dojo is vey good.

Tetsuya Naito:

I definitely think the dojo is wonderful, however… There was a period where they neglected the training of wrestlers, and I think that has ended up having a big impact now.

Monthly Puroresu:

You said it took five contract negotiations before President Tanahashi joined the discussion. Is your relationship with him going to be alright?

Tetsuya Naito:

I don’t hate President Tanahashi. I decided to become a wrestler for New Japan because Tanahashi was there, so I don’t hold any grudges.

Canon EOS Kiss 35mm ‘92 | Canon 20mm f/1.7 | Lomography Color ‘92 Sunkissed

Monthly Puroresu:

Kenny Omega said, looking at things from AEW, that it took him by total surprise that you left New Japan. Have you heard from Kenny; Matt, Nick (Jackson) or anybody since you announced that you were leaving?

Tetsuya Naito:

Kenny, Matt, Nick – unfortunately I don’t have their contact information, and I never contacted them myself. I haven’t been in touch with anyone at AEW at all, unfortunately. Aren’t they surprised at the news of Naito becoming a freelancer?

Monthly Puroresu:

Kenny Omega or Kazuchika Okada. Did you realize it was a special time, and is that chapter coming to an end?

Tetsuya Naito:

Hmm. That’s difficult. Jay White; Will Ospreay, Kenny Omega, Kazuchika Okada. It was so much fun getting to wrestle them, and I’d like to get in the ring with them again someday.

Monthly Puroresu:

I want to ask about this new era of cross-promotion Japanese wrestling. Do you think it was good for the workers when NOAH and NJPW started working together again, and, during that period what type of advice did Keiji Muto give you?

Tetsuya Naito:

I haven’t spoken much with Muto, so I haven’t received any advice from him.

Monthly Puroresu:

There’s a lot of competition for good wrestlers here in Japan among LIDET and CyberAgent and Bushiroad. That’s good for the workers, right?

Tetsuya Naito:

Right, yes. Japanese professional wrestling is in a new era.

Monthly Puroresu:

You know like Unagi Sayaka opened a lot of eyes with freelancing showing you can still make a lot of money. Sareee is another who proved you can make a lot of money freelancing. Is that going to be Naito’s path forward? To freelance and find opponents you want in different companies?

Tetsuya Naito:

Hmm. I don’t know myself. Should I go right or left? It all depends on how I feel at the time. That’s right, it’s Destino’s fate that decides.

Monthly Puroresu:

LIJ is every bit as important as foundational ’90s factions, to this generation. What do you think, will you and BUSHI take Los Ingobernales de Japan to a new company – or does that stay with NJPW?

Tetsuya Naito:

I think Los Ingobernables de Japon was able to entertain fans from all across the world and in Japan. What will happen to L.I.J supporters from now on? I don’t know, but BUSHI and I are still connected.

Monthly Puroresu:

How long do you intend to continue wrestling? And will you continue working inside of the business once you hang up your boots?

Tetsuya Naito:

Whether it’s a year or ten years from now, even I don’t know. But I want to tell everyone to please take a good look at Tetsuya Naito right now, at this very moment.