Kevin Kelly Leaves NJPW

NJPW confirms long-serving English-language commentator's departure.

by Andy H Murray
Kevin Kelly
NJPW

New Japan Pro Wrestling and long-serving English-language commentator Kevin Kelly have formally parted ways.

NJPW announced Kelly's exit in a statement released on Tuesday, reading:

Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Kevin Kelly, who has been the English voice of New Japan broadcasts since King of Pro-Wrestling 2015, has departed NJPW to pursue outside opportunities.
Kevin was originally planning to join the English broadcast of Wrestle Kingdom 18 on January 4, but will be unable to attend due to family commitments.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling joins fans in their gratitude for the work Kevin has done to grow the English-speaking audience for NJPW, and for countless memorable calls over the years. We wish Kevin the very best in his future.

Kelly, who has since taken up a position in AEW Collision's announce booth, has been replaced by Walker Stewart, who confirmed he was taking the position in October.

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Kelly cited the following as the reason for his departure back in September:

A broadcaster since 1991, Kelly was best known for his WWE stint from 1996 to 2003 before connecting with NJPW in 2015. He became a vital cog in the 'King of Sports'' global expansion, providing English commentary alongside a variety of partners including Steve Corino, Don Callas, and more recently, Chris Charlton, increasing the promotion's accessibility to Western audiences.

Channel Manager
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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.