Shiozaki has opened up on his Pro Wrestling NOAH exit.
On September 30, Pro Wrestling NOAH announced that Go Shiozaki would be leaving the promotion after opting not to renew his contract, ending his second spell with the company that lasted from 2015 to 2025. His departure also closes the book on a career in NOAH that began in 2003 with his first run, which lasted until 2012.
Speaking with Tokyo Sports, Shiozaki addressed his departure from Pro Wrestling NOAH, making it clear that he has no plans to retire from in-ring competition. Instead, he explained that his focus is on finding the right ring to call home.
“In terms of starting fresh, I feel refreshed. I’m not retiring, so I just need to find the next ring to fight in. I realize this sudden announcement might confuse fans or make them wonder, but I hope they’ll look forward to what comes next.”
-Go Shiozaki
Shiozaki was then asked if he had any regrets about his decision, to which he responded by stating that that isn’t the case and he intends on blowing away any uneasy feelings inside the ring.
“I think I’ve managed to switch gears. To be honest… I left NOAH, went to All Japan Pro Wrestling, left again, rejoined NOAH, and now I’m leaving again… I’m sure there will be a lot of things said, and I’m prepared for that. But I know this decision might leave some feeling uneasy, anxious, or confused. I want to show fights in my next ring that blow those feelings away.”
-Go Shiozaki
In his second stint with the promotion, Shiozaki helped launch Team NOAH alongside Atsushi Kotoge, Hi69, Muhammad Yone, and Akitoshi Saito, with the unit going on to produce their own events under the banner.
After revealing how his Team NOAH colleagues reacted to the news, Shiozaki admitted that while he understands his decision may cause difficulties for others, there were certain issues he simply could not compromise on.
“Some said, ‘Don’t quit. Stay with us.’ I know this decision will cause trouble for the wrestlers and staff. But there were some things I couldn’t compromise on… Still, I believe the connection on the pro wrestling ring never breaks. That goes for Team NOAH wrestlers too.”
-Go Shiozaki
When asked if he had ever intended to become a freelancer, Shiozaki denied it outright before doubling down on his refusal to compromise with the promotion.
Shiozaki maintained that the details of any disagreements would remain private, though he expressed gratitude toward his now-former home promotion.
“No, [I had no intention of becoming a freelancer] at all. Like I said earlier, there were things I couldn’t compromise on, and I just couldn’t give in. What was it? That’s not something I should talk about. I don’t plan to show it in the ring either. I’m really grateful to everyone at NOAH this time, and I think fighting in a different ring will be a way to repay them.”
-Go Shiozaki
Regarding his future plans, the 43-year-old remains uncertain about his next destination but vowed to bring the same Go Shiozaki to the ring that fans have cheered for across the past two decades.
“I still don’t know where I’ll go. However, Go Shiozaki’s matches will remain the same, even if they evolve. I want to find a ring where I can truly be Go Shiozaki. Well, I think I can experience fresh fights no matter which promotion I join. That’s why I want to do things that can only be experienced as a freelancer.”
-Go Shiozaki
Shiozaki’s final Pro Wrestling NOAH match took place on September 23 at Korakuen Hall. A record-setting five-time GHC Heavyweight Champion, he departs the promotion still holding the ZERO1 World Heavyweight Championship.
LIDET UWF World Champion and G-REX Champion Katsuhiko Nakajima recently shared Shiozaki’s Tokyo Sports interview on X, fueling speculation that an AXIZ reunion in GLEAT, or perhaps elsewhere, could be on the horizon.
As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on what the future holds for Go Shiozaki as soon as we hear more.
H/T to Fightful for the translation.
