>The decision to disband Suzuki-gun came from the top, as Bushiroad upper management continues to wield more and more influence on the on screen product
>The majority of SZG is working on handshake deals, as has been the case for many years. The Karl Anderson debacle has spooked the office into insisting that all core roster members be locked into contracts. With so many SZG members unsigned, upper management wanted them either all signed or broken up, to reduce the possibility of jumping somewhere together as a fully formed unit. This call was not made by the booking office
>There is a strong possibility that many of the unsigned SZG members (aside from Minoru Suzuki, who already works plenty of freelance) will opt to work freelance, with the feeling New Japan will still use them for tournaments and the bigger tours. We can confirm Yoshinobu Kanemaru was one of the few SZG members who at one time were under New Japan contract, but it is unknown if that remains the case. El Desperado is not under contract. Taichi was at one time working on a handshake agreement, and it can be reasonably assumed he is not under contract. Lance Archer is under contract to AEW. Minoru Suzuki has always been freelance. TAKA Michinoku is not under contract. Zack Sabre Jr is said to be under contract, although we could not officially confirm. DOUKI’s contract status is unknown
>We can confirm Dragongate has made offers to both SHO and YOH (to be clear, separate offers, not as a proposed package/tag team) of New Japan. SHO, who has not been happy with his lack of push after initially being pleased with the opportunity to work as a single, was told a big push would be waiting for him with Dragongate, who see both SHO and YOH as perfect fits. SHO is showing more interest than YOH, who we were told is happy with his New Japan spot and not likely to jump. SHO does what he is asked in his House of Torture role and has not been a problem
All proven false
