It was announced today that Nobutaka Araya would be retiring from pro-wrestling on 7/26 in Korakuen Hall. Araya stated that he signed another contract last year knowing that he would retire from the ring this year and that at the age of 41, he felt it was time he explore other opportunities, mainly returning to being a “usual uncle”. The press asked what Araya felt his favorite match was and he replied his singles match in the Budokan against Satoshi Kojima from October 2003. Araya ended by saying he was glad to help create “package pro-wrestling” through his years in the opening match, and that he was especially glad to end his career in All Japan, hoping to see many of his friends and comrades over the next two months.
Araya will participate in the “CROSS OVER 2009″ series, and retire on 7/26 in Korakuen Hall. Also, the 5/17 Araya/Fuchi match will be the two’s last singles match against eachother.
