DDT announced a short time ago on social media that Kazusada Higuchi, who is currently out with injuries, has decided to retire. This is due to cervical spine issues found during a recent physical and continuing his career would be dangerous. So the decision was made he will retire, with a retirement ceremony held on 4/5 but he will not have any more matches.
Initial thoughts…This really surprised and saddened me as, since the pandemic, he became one of DDT’s top stars and a KO-D Openweight Champion after leaving Eruption behind (it was winding down as Hideki Okatani left then Yukio Sakaguchi & Saki Akai retired), but that brought one of the signature memories I’ll have of Higuchi-Flagbearer for DDT. He carried the promotion’s flag with him to the ring as champion and waved it with pride. A true champion who understood what being the face of the promotion meant and stood for. He was a wrestler in every way-looks, demeanor, performance, results. Someone I would want to build around. The injuries the last couple years were unfortunate as it took him away from helping build up younger wrestlers, especially Naomi Yoshimura (who also was out long-term with injuries) and Yuki Ishida as Harimao, and I hate to see him have to walk away because of this but it’s the right decision and I appreciate his doing a retirement ceremony and getting a proper sendoff. Hopefully DDT can find a role for him much like with Akai (she works part-time in the front office and makes occasional appearances on commentary). Higuchi-san, thank you for your hard work. Rest well and heal up and enjoy post-wrestling life.
More as it becomes available.
UPDATE: Harimao will also disband after 4/5. Ryota Nakatsu will team with Yoshimura & Ishida against Shunma Katsumata, Kota Umeda & Koki Iwasaki.
You can also watch today’s press conference replay FOR FREE on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/live/ZdkMFJguPm4?si=R4JlplZF4u8hlYPK