KUSHIDA Returns to NJPW at New Japan Road, Confronts Taiji Ishimori

– Former WWE Superstar KUSHIDA made his long-awaited return to NJPW today at the latest New Japan Road event in Tokyo, Japan. KUSHIDA appeared at the event live following Taiji Ishimori successfully defending the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship against Hiromu Takahashi in the main event. It was the former IWGP Junior Heavyweight and Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion’s first appearance in New Japan in three years.

Per NJPW’s website, KUSHIDA got on the microphone and announced he signed a new contract “to spend the rest of my wrestling life in NJPW.” He congratulated Ishimori on his win but noted that Ishimori was wrong about having no challengers left now that he’s here.

KUSHIDA also revealed that he’s still currently living in Orlando, Florida following his WWE NXT run in the post-show backstage press conference. He added that the’s ready to give it all that he’s got He stated the following:

“I literally just signed my NJPW contract. Right now I’m still living in Orlando, Florida, but I’ll be moving to Los Angeles to make it easier to travel back and forth between there and Japan. I want to use the benefit of my experience and put the rest of my efforts and pro-wrestling life into furthering NJPW around the world. Antonio Inoki once said “it’s better to make the jungle than it is to protect it”. I think we’re on the verge of something really cool here. I’m excited for it. I left the junior heavyweight division three and a half years ago, and Taiji Ishimori, Hiromu Takahashi, El Desperado have pushed the division up. They sold the place out tonight, and had this incredible match. So if I don’t take that belt, then there isn’t a place for me in NJPW. To make a place for myself, I’ll give it all I’ve got.”

KUSHIDA exited WWE earlier in April after signing with the company in April 2019. You can see a video of KUSHIDA’s return below: