The world of wrestling thanks Kevin Kelly for his service in New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Kelly is no longer with the promotion, per an announcement made on Monday, November 13, 2023. Kelly was originally set to depart the company after the Wrestle Kingdom 18 event, but he is no longer able to be on the call for that event due to family commitments.
In the hours after the announcement was made, many stars and personalities in the world of wrestling took to social media to thank Kelly for his work in the company.
Kevin Kelly @realkevinkelly has been an incredible mentor to me. Thank you so much for all years of being the voice of Strong Style, and calling the most memorable NJPW moments. Very happy for him & his family and new opportunities!#ThankYouKevin https://t.co/8iTIgCz21n
— ROCKY ROMERO---- ---- ---- ----“Chico El Luchador” (@azucarRoc) November 14, 2023
Thank you, @realkevinkelly for all you did for New Japan and all of us in this time. I’m disappointed that my “family” reunion didn’t happen with you and @VelvetVoiceWS on commentary, but as they say, you never know. #ThankYouKevin https://t.co/KEYJRZVbLh
— “Brutal” Bob Evans (@brutalbobevans) November 14, 2023
------#ThankYouKevin https://t.co/own33o6zqu
— 渡辺大星/新日本プロレス リングアナウンサー (@njpw_twatanabe) November 14, 2023
Thank you @realkevinkelly! Your voice and your call welcomed a new generation of fans to the @njpwglobal product! Excited to see you continue your journey in @AEW. #ThankYouKevin https://t.co/32I9WVk58b
— Gerard Bonner (@bonnerfide) November 14, 2023
A true gem. Thank you Kevin!
— Alex Zayne - アレックス・ゼイン (@AlexZayneSauce) November 14, 2023
Nothing but love and respect, Big Kev. Thanks for making us seem much cooler than we really are. Enjoy those normal sized hotel rooms --
— ELP (@elpwrestling) November 14, 2023
Kevin is the man https://t.co/Sf6dI3X74M
— Will Ospreay • ウィル・オスプレイ (@WillOspreay) November 14, 2023
I wanted that one call with @realkevinkelly and I’m beyond disappointed that it couldn’t happen. But I’m eternally grateful for KK looking at the vast, wide landscape that is pro wrestling and trusting a 21 year old kid plucked from obscurity to carry on the legacy he created. … https://t.co/nSgprmHzsM
— Walker Stewart (@VelvetVoiceWS) November 14, 2023
I will miss seeing @realkevinkelly at #NJPW shows. He was always encouraging, supporting and helping me along my broadcasting journey! https://t.co/hj1GuesA0o
— Emily Mae ---- (@emilymaeheller) November 14, 2023
I can’t say enough good things about @realkevinkelly. Whether it is words of advice or words of encouragement; he’s always been real, supportive, and has always been one of the guys I trusted with how to approach specific aspects of this industry. There’s nobody like Kevin Kelly. https://t.co/gd5o0O8Syv
— Barrett Brown (野良犬) (@TCO_BarrettB) November 14, 2023
Thank you Kev -- @realkevinkelly https://t.co/zJi1Qw0hKa
— Kevin Knight/ ケビン・ナイト (@Jet2Flyy) November 14, 2023
Gonna miss you @realkevinkelly :( https://t.co/Q2FIqLSFCQ
— Oskar Leube オスカーロイべ (@pw_oskar) November 14, 2023
-- @realkevinkelly
— HENARE (@HenareNZ) November 14, 2023
Thank you sir! https://t.co/SjlYnCbspe
Truly, despite everything, I'm going to miss @realkevinkelly. https://t.co/MjrXj2HAh5
— Gideon Grey ギデオン・グレイ (@LordGideonGrey) November 14, 2023
Fans that enjoy Kelly's commentary work can still catch him as a part of the AEW Collision commentary team. Furthermore, fans can click here to check out Kelly's comments on leaving the company.
