TNA introduced final month that KUSHIDA had signed a full-time cope with the promotion. Regardless of being affiliated with NJPW, the previous IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion had been making common appearances for the Nashville-based group since summer time 2022. Throughout an interview with Denise Salcedo, KUSHIDA spoke about his choice to formally signal with TNA.
“I did not know Affect Wrestling would [become] TNA till Scott [D’Amore] introduced it in October,” KUSHIDA stated. “Even earlier than that, I used to be on the lookout for a second dwelling exterior of Japan. I spent 2023 working with varied promotions, however I stated to Scott, ‘I wish to deal with Affect Wrestling in 2024 in America.’ I suppose the title that TNA holds is the right one to improve my profession. The settlement was signed with the settlement of the highest bosses of each firms that the connection with New Japan would stay as is.”
KUSHIDA’s most up-to-date look for TNA got here on the primary evening of “Affect Wrestling 1000” final September. Since then, he has been primarily wrestling for NJPW, teaming up with Kevin Knight because the Intergalactic Jet Setters. KUSHIDA will return to TNA this weekend for the promotion’s Onerous to Kill pay-per-view. He and El Hijo del Vikingo will problem Chris Sabin for the X-Division Championship in a three-way match. It’s going to be the previous “WWE NXT” wrestler’s first title alternative within the firm since difficult Lio Rush for the X-Division Championship final 12 months at Victory Highway.
In the event you use any quotes from this text, please credit score “Denise Salcedo” with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.