KUSHIDA was looking for a change in NJPW.
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, KUSHDA reportedly wanted to turn heel and join Bullet Club in early 2018. However, NJPW booker Gedo didn't go for the idea as he wanted KUSHIDA to remain neutral and part of team NJPW, feeling they lacked a top Junior Heavyweight.
Will Ospreay was part of CHAOS, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Desperado and Taka Michinoku were part of Suzuki-gun, and Hiromu Takahashi represented LIJ. Even though Bullet Club lacked a top Junior Heavyweight, Taiji Ishimori, returning as Bone Soldier, ended up joining the group in May 2018, becoming their Junior Heavyweight Ace.
"Good Guy" Tama Tonga got word of the report and commented on social media.
Kushida wanted to join #BulletClub??? Wish I had known this...another great talent lost -- https://t.co/rpzFyEygRh
— 'Good Guy' Tama Tonga (@Tama_Tonga) January 17, 2019
KUSHIDA is set to finish up with NJPW at the end of the month. He will face Hiroshi Tanahashi on Jan. 29 in his final match for the company. He is expected to sign with WWE and be part of the NXT brand.
