Why THIS Wrestler Just Quit NJPW

The former title-holder walked out earlier this month.

By Andy H Murray /

The Hannibal TV

Last week brought the news that former IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champion Davey Boy Smith Jr. had left New Japan Pro Wrestling, with creative frustrations thought to be the reason behind his departure (despite the lack of clarification at the time).

Advertisement

Per this week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter, this was certainly part of it, with Dave Meltzer writing that the former Harry Smith "hadn't been happy for some time," owing to "a lot of small issues and frustration about not being used."

On top of this, the writeup states that NJPW refused to give him confirmation that he wouldn't be booked on April's G1 Supercard (thus freeing him up to appear at WWE's Hall Of Fame ceremony) until the last minute.

Advertisement

There was also an incident where NJPW booker Gedo rejected a proposed Dynamite Kid tribute on a show, and the promotion reportedly blocked him from working for Impact Wrestling as well, citing - and this is a direct quotation - "f*cking Jeff Jarrett and TNA" as well as their mishandling of Kazuchika Okada from 2010 to 2011 as reasons.

Smith has recently signed with MLW amidst reported WWE interest. Good on him for taking control of his own future.

Advertisement