Why THIS Wrestler Just Quit NJPW

The former title-holder walked out earlier this month.

Davey Boy Smith Jr.
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).

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.

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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.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.