Hiromu Takahashi, a veteran of New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) for roughly 16 years, is departing the company. It was announced on February 3 that Takahashi, a four-time Best of the Super Juniors winner, will have his final NJPW match on February 11 following the New Beginning in Osaka event. This news has sparked widespread speculation about his future destination. On a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer discussed possible next moves for Takahashi, identifying three main options.
Meltzer noted, “We don’t know exactly where Hiromu is headed. I heard he’s going to leave something behind, but it could be a gap of at least two months or longer. Noah has been the most talked-about destination in rumors. People are also buzzing about WWE. There’s a chance he might land in AEW. WWE could be a possibility too, given the financial appeal, but their history with Japanese junior heavyweights hasn’t been strong. Although many expect WWE to handle things differently, the results have been mixed.” After the announcement, Takahashi told Tokyo Sports that he has one major goal left to achieve, though he didn’t specify where he needs to go to reach it.
Takahashi has previous ties to AEW through NJPW’s working relationship, having appeared on three Forbidden Door pay-per-views between 2023 and 2025, and challenging Kyle Fletcher for the AEW TNT Championship at the 2025 event. At the end of 2025, he captured the GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship at Pro Wrestling Noah, which he is set to relinquish during the company’s New Year’s show on January 1 in Amakusa. Considering that former Los Ingobernables de Japon teammates Tetsuya Naito and BUSHI have also moved to Noah, it’s plausible Takahashi could follow. Regarding WWE, he currently has no affiliation with them but might follow former LIJ member EVIL, who is reportedly joining WWE soon.
If you quote this article, please credit “Wrestling Observer Radio” with a hat tip to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
Fan Take:
This development is huge for AEW fans because Hiromu Takahashi’s potential arrival could bring a fresh, dynamic element to AEW’s junior heavyweight/division mix and help elevate their cruiserweight scene. His unique style and established fanbase from NJPW and beyond might also broaden AEW’s international appeal, injecting new excitement into the sport.
