NJPW modifies its contract policy and abandons the rigid January-to-January model

The contractual situation of New Japan Pro-Wrestling seems to be undergoing a change in dynamics compared to what had been customary in previous years. Traditionally, the company worked with one-year agreements, from January to January, but the reality of 2025 has shown a much more flexible and, in some cases, improvised scenario.

According to Fightful, several contracts that were set to expire in January 2025 were not immediately renewed. Many wrestlers signed their new agreements months later, in spring or summer, despite continuing to work for the company thanks to a verbal agreement during that period. Most of these contracts, despite being signed later, only extended until January 2026, although some talents stated that their current ties go beyond that date.

The classic NJPW model of 'January to January' is no longer a strict rule, and renewals seem to depend more on each wrestler's particular case.

This new approach is also reflected in the relationship of certain names with other companies. Wrestlers like Gabe Kidd and Clark Connors began working more frequently with AEW in 2025 under appearance agreements, balancing those commitments with their responsibilities in Japan. A sign that the contractual ecosystem is becoming less rigid.

Fightful also spoke with free agent talent who tried to have conversations with the company and received no response. One of those cases involved a high-profile American wrestler, willing to work for a reduced price, but who never received communication from NJPW. The lack of a U.S. schedule and the effective disappearance of the Strong brand have been key factors: with fewer dates in the United States, the company decided to let several contracts linked to its old structure in North American territory expire.

All signs point to NJPW completely reorganizing its contractual approach and international strategy, reducing its reliance on operations on U.S. soil and opting for more adaptable agreements. A move that can offer freedom to certain talents, but also leaves in the air the stability of those looking to establish themselves in the company in the long term.