Masahiro Chono will leave New Japan in February after spending his entire career in the company. It is a harmonious departure that contradicts President Sugabayashi’s statement the other day that his contract was all but signed and that he planned a six month “body remodeling” excursion. Chono refuses to call it a “resignation” and prefers to label it a “graduation” as he believes he no longer has a major role in New Japan so by becoming free will be able to explore whatever options he wants. As mentioned, it is a very peaceful separation and the likelihood is that Chono will continue to make special appearances, which is basically what he has been doing for a long time now. This decision seems to have come after Sugabayashi could offer Chono no concrete guarantee on his future role in New Japan.
Chono is the only “Musketeer” who stuck with New Japan in the dark days, when Muto, Hashimoto, and other key names like Kensuke Sasaki and Riki Choshu left the promotion. However, a clear shift in priorities in recent years has led to the successful transition into a youth-based company, with Nakamura and Tanahashi at the top, supported by other upcoming names and a few younger (than Chono) veterans like Nagata and Nakanishi. This has led to Chono being something of a novelty act along with Choshu and the nWo Japan founder probably feels he still has a bit more to offer the pro wrestling community at large.
Chono has always been an advocate of the “no fences” ideal where wrestlers can travel between promotions easily, which you could see on his “PREMIUM” shows a lot. So there is a possibility he may promote shows under the ARISTRIST banner of a similar style. No word as yet on whether his disciple, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, will follow him or remain with New Japan. Tenzan remains a long-term absentee due to all of his injuries and hasn’t been seen since the G1 Climax.
Three or four years ago, Chono leaving New Japan would have set off alarm bells and been a huge blow for the company but all the hard work in stabilizing the company and creating new stars means he can now “graduate” knowing New Japan is in a good state.
