After Purotesu Today reported on some pending GLEAT departures at the end of the year, the promotion announced more on their website, and they’re major…
First up, after rampant rumors about his status, CIMA is leaving the promotion on 12/31. Contract expiring and they couldn’t agree on an extension. CIMA will continue to appear as a freelancer and will appear on at least 6 events next year to make up for the events he missed these last 2 months due to injury after his potential departure was revealed in November.
Second, Ryo Aitaka is also leaving the promotion. Contract expiring. He will continue to compete as a freelancer, including in GLEAT, and also plans to focus more on work as an actor.
Also departing is Commissioner Masato Yoshino, who is retiring on 12/31 when his contract expires. He and CIMA have been with the promotion since the beginning after leaving Dragon Gate (Yoshino had already retired as a wrestler due to injuries). The position will not be filled.
Finally, Executive Director Kiyoshi Tamura will also retire on 12/31 at the end of his contract. No plans for a replacement.
Aitaka’s last match will be on 12/30, a Lidet UWF Single Bout vs. Katsuhiko Nakajima. All except Aitaka had been with GLEAT since the promotion was formed.
Not yet announced-clarification on the promotion’s YouTube plans. If you missed it before, they will terminate their paid channel membership program in one week.