At NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18, Tama Tonga clinched his fourth NEVER Openweight Championship title by overcoming Shingo Takagi. Issa from Pro Wrestling Illustrated covered the post-event press conference, where Tonga announced that January would mark his final month with New Japan Pro Wrestling.

Tonga expressed his desire to pursue opportunities closer to his family, emphasizing his longing to be with them more frequently. Despite his departure, he conveyed his deep affection for Japan, NJPW, and its roster.

This is Tama Tonga’s last month with #njpw

He wants to find work closer to home as he misses his family and leaving them at home is not something he wants to continue to do (as this was his childhood)

He loves Japan, this company and every wrestler #njwk18 pic.twitter.com/K5zM30oq2R

— Issa - PWI 📸 Contributor (@IssitaMarie) January 4, 2024

But it is time to be home with his family‼️

— Issa - PWI 📸 Contributor (@IssitaMarie) January 4, 2024