Originally published on ProWrestlingSheet.

NJPW wrestler Kushida has announced he'll be leaving the company at the end of the month.

Kushida took part in a press conference released by NJPW on Sunday in which he confirmed his contract expires on January 31 and he won't be signing a new deal. 

According to NJPW announcer Chris Charlton, Kushida told the press: 

This was an extremely tough condition made with Meij, Sugabayashi and Kidani. It was a very big decision in my life and I’m thankful they understood. I will head overseas and to see the world of pro wrestling.

The 36-year-old wrestler began his NJPW run in 2010 during the Best of the Super Juniors tournament. He went on to win the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship six times. He also won the IWGP Jr. Tag Team titles twice with Alex Shelley as the Time Splitters.

During the press conference announcing his decision, Kushida began to get emotional and shed a few tears. "I don’t know why I’m crying," he explained. "This is my decision and I’m not sad I made it. These are happy tears."

The press conference can be seen on NJPW World