Yota Tsuji Apologizes For Calling Out Bushiroad At NJPW The New Beginning In Osaka

Tsuji clarifies his comments.

After Yota Tsuji defeated Jake Lee to retain the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at NJPW The New Beginning in Osaka, he said in the ring that the NJPW wrestlers are not cards in a game, and they’re risking their lives in the ring.

He directed his comment at NJPW parent company Bushiroad.

Tsuji’s comment was in response to the departures from NJPW, most recently EVIL, Hiromu Takahashi, and David Finlay. Tsuji spoke to reporters (via Tokyo Sports) after the show and apologized for bringing up Bushiroad. He explained what he was trying to convey.

“I want to apologize for using ‘Bushiroad’ in that way.  With dissatisfaction among the current roster, someone had to speak up. I felt everyone’s sense of reality regarding departures had become numb. I wanted to put a stop to this situation. That’s why I, as the champion, felt I had to make a statement. This is actually an opportunity. While fans are wondering, ‘Is everything okay?’ I want to lay bare the current state, drain all the pus, and then build New Japan Pro-Wrestling up even more.”

Tsuji reached a new contractual agreement with New Japan before The New Beginning in Osaka. He said even during negotiations, he’s wondering if he’s being viewed in the proper light as a pro wrestler.

“Financially speaking, I understand the business differences between the U.S. and Japan. But there must be a way. I want us to unite now. The main premise is that we are human beings. It’s true that sometimes, even during contract negotiations, I wonder if they’re truly treating us as professional wrestlers. I wanted to convey that we’re risking our lives in the ring.”

Tsuji is a double champion, and coming up is NJPW The New Beginning USA on 2/27. He’ll be defending the IWGP Global Heavyweight Title against Andrade El Idolo.