Former WWE NXT Superstar KUSHIDA was reportedly very unhappy with his role in the months prior to his departure from the company.

KUSHIDA’s contract expired earlier this week though it is unclear if he was offered a new deal.

According to Joe Lanza of the Flagship Wrestling Podcast, KUSHIDA had stayed in contact with several people from NJPW where he worked before signing for WWE in 2019.

KUSHIDA had shown displeasure at the way he was booked following NXT’s developmental shift in September 2021 and believed that the new creative regime wasn’t as behind has as the previous one.

The former Superstar specifically cited the Jacket Time comedy act with Ikemen Jiro as something he didn’t enjoy.

Those within NJPW are considering KUSHIDA’s return as practically guaranteed though he is still a free agent at this time.

The former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion is specifically interested in dropping his old Back to the Future-inspired gimmick, working heel, joining a faction, and doing an MMA-inspired character.

Due to his contract expiring, rather than being released, KUSHIDA is not subject to a non-compete clause.