Go Shiozaki Addresses His Departure From Pro Wrestling NOAH, Says There Were Things He Couldn’t Compromise On

Shiozaki opens up about his exit from the promotion.

Since the beginning of his in-ring career in 2004, Go Shiozaki has worked dates for Pro Wrestling NOAH. He has now opted to depart the promotion once again and enter free agency.

Shiozaki dove into his decision when he was interviewed by Tokyo Sports. Here’s what he had to say about the departure:

“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.”

Following up on that, Shiozaki was asked if he had any regrets about his decision, and he said:

“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.”

While with NOAH, Shiozaki was part of the launch of the Team NOAH brand, which presented shows under the Pro Wrestling NOAH banner. He shared some of the reactions that his colleagues in that group shared with him when they learned he was leaving the promotion.

Shiozaki added that he knows his decision will cause trouble for some talent and staff, but there were some things he 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.”

The five-time GHC Heavyweight Champion stated that he never wanted to be a freelancer, but reiterated that there were things he could not compromise on.

He feels he should not share the specifics of those compromises, but he expressed his gratitude to NOAH.

“No, not at all,” Shiozaki responded when asked if he ever wanted to be a freelancer. “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.”

As for the future, Shiozaki is unsure of where he’ll land.

“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.”

Shiozaki’s last match for NOAH was at their September 23rd event at Korakuen Hall. Shiozaki is in possession of the ZERO1 World Heavyweight Title and has held the championship since July 2024. He last defended it in December.