Is Kevin Kelly Leaving NJPW? All About His Career and Life Journey
by Aishwarya R | Updated Sep 06, 2023
Who is Kevin Kelly?
Kevin Kelly is a versatile American sports broadcaster and a well-known figure in the world of professional wrestling. Born on May 9, 1967, he has held various roles within the wrestling industry, making him a respected and multifaceted talent. Kevin Kelly is most recognized by his ring name, which he has used throughout his wrestling career. Kelly's notable contributions include his role as an English-language commentator for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) since 2015, where he has provided commentary for NJPW events, helping to bridge the gap for English-speaking fans.
In addition to his NJPW work, he also serves as a commentator for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) on their Saturday Collision program. Kevin Kelly has a rich history in wrestling, having previously worked for WWE from 1996 to 2003, Major League Wrestling in 2004, and Ring of Honor (ROH) from 2010 to 2017, showcasing his extensive experience and knowledge in the wrestling world. His presence as a commentator and pundit has made him a recognizable and respected voice within the industry. Here is a bio of Kevin Kelly:-
Name
Kevin Kelly
Birth Name
Kevin Foote
Gender
Male
Occupation
Sportscaster, Radio Host, Wrestling Commentator
Date of Birth
May 9, 1967
Place of Birth
New York City, New York, U.S.
Age
56
Is Kevin Kelly Leaving NJPW?
Yes, Kevin Kelly's tenure with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) is coming to a close. Kelly, who has served as the English play-by-play announcer for NJPW since 2015, recently indicated that he will be leaving the organization in the near future.
While responding to a fan on social media, Kelly mentioned his impending departure and stated that it would be up to NJPW to officially announce the news. Despite his exit, he also confirmed his intention to continue his commentary duties for NJPW's upcoming events, including Destruction in Ryogoku and Wrestle Kingdom/New Year Dash.
Kevin Kelly's departure from NJPW marks the end of an era for the promotion, as he has been a prominent voice in English-language broadcasts and has contributed significantly to the global reach of NJPW.
Fans will likely miss his insightful commentary and deep knowledge of the wrestling world. As we await further details and an official announcement from NJPW, Kelly's remaining appearances will be a chance for fans to bid farewell to a beloved commentator who has played an integral role in enhancing the NJPW experience for English-speaking audiences.
Kevin Kelly Early Life
Kevin Kelly, the accomplished sportscaster and professional wrestling commentator, hails from New York City, New York. However, his family made a significant move when he was just ten years old, relocating to Stuart, Florida. It was in this sunny coastal town that Kelly spent his formative years, and it likely played a role in shaping his interests and career path.
After completing his early education, Kevin Kelly pursued higher learning at Florida State University, where he dedicated himself to his studies. He successfully graduated from the university in January 1990, marking the beginning of his journey toward becoming a prominent figure in the world of sports broadcasting and professional wrestling commentary. His early life experiences in both New York and Florida, coupled with his educational background, contributed to his diverse and accomplished career in the entertainment industry.
Who is Kevin Kelly Wife?
Kevin Kelly, the respected sportscaster and wrestling commentator, has largely kept his personal life, including details about his wife, out of the public eye. However, in a revealing tweet, Kelly shared a glimpse into his personal life by mentioning that he has been married for 32 years. While he didn't disclose his wife's name or provide specific details about their relationship, this revelation sheds light on the deep and enduring commitment he has shared with his spouse.
Kelly's decision to leave NJPW was notably influenced by his wife's desire not to be alone anymore. This glimpse into his marital life shows the importance of family and personal considerations that often play a role in the career decisions of public figures like Kevin Kelly. While his wrestling commentary has made him a well-known figure in the wrestling world, it's a reminder that there is often more to a person's life than what meets the public eye, and family remains a significant source of support and influence.
Does Kevin Kelly Have Children?
Kevin Kelly, the accomplished wrestling commentator and sportscaster, has managed to maintain a significant level of privacy when it comes to his personal life, including details about whether he has children. There are no widely known or publicly disclosed details regarding Kevin Kelly's children. His focus on keeping his family life private has allowed him to shield his loved ones from the public spotlight, a choice that many individuals in the public eye make to protect the privacy and well-being of their families.
While we have some insights into his 32-year-long marriage, Kevin Kelly has effectively kept the details of his family life out of the public domain. This approach is in line with his preference for maintaining a degree of separation between his professional and personal life, a choice that is respected by many in the entertainment industry who seek to strike a balance between their public personas and their private family lives.
Kevin Kelly Career
Kevin Kelly's career is a multifaceted journey that has seen him involved in various aspects of the wrestling industry, broadcasting, and radio. His career began as a disc jockey, where he played music from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. In the world of radio, he hosted a segment named "Plan B" on the Voice of Wrestling Internet radio program. Later, in August 2007, Kelly initiated his own show on the Wrestling Radio Network, known as The Kevin Kelly Show. He also hosted The Big Picture audio show on ClubWWI.com. In 2014, Kevin Kelly expanded into the world of podcasting, launching The Kevin Kelly Show, which covers wrestling and pop culture topics and was hosted on Place to Be Nation.
In the realm of professional wrestling, Kevin Kelly has had a diverse career. He made his debut on the independent wrestling circuit in 1991, initially working as a ring announcer for the International Wrestling Federation. He later transitioned into a managerial role in the East Coast Wrestling Association (ECWA), where he formed heel stables and even became the ECWA Heavyweight Champion for a brief period.
Kelly's involvement extended to major promotions like the World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (WWF/WWE), where he worked as a backstage interviewer and commentator. He played a significant role in some memorable angles, such as the "Pillman's got a gun" incident. Beyond his on-screen roles, Kevin Kelly also served as a WWF talent scout and had an influence on creative storylines.
His journey continued as he hosted the WWF webcast Byte This! and later joined Major League Wrestling as an announcer. Kevin Kelly's longest tenure in one promotion came with Ring of Honor (ROH) from 2010 to 2017, where he served as the main play-by-play announcer for television tapings and pay-per-views. In 2015, he embarked on a significant chapter as the English-language commentator for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), expanding the reach of the promotion to global audiences. Kelly's contributions to the wrestling world, both in the ring and behind the microphone, have made him a respected figure in the industry with a diverse and impactful career.
How Old is Kevin Kelly?
As of 2023, Kevin Kelly is 56 years old. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated versatility, dedication, and a strong work ethic, which has earned him respect and recognition among fans and peers alike.
His ability to excel in various roles, including commentator, interviewer, manager, and even as an occasional wrestler, showcases his adaptability and commitment to the wrestling industry.
How Tall is Kevin Kelly?
Kevin Kelly is billed at a height of 5 feet 10 inches, which is equivalent to 1.78 meters in the metric system. This height measurement is a common standard in professional wrestling, where performers often have billed heights that may differ from their actual physical measurements. In Kevin Kelly's case, his billed height is a part of his wrestling persona and presentation.
Kevin Kelly Achievements
Kevin Kelly has achieved notable recognition and accolades in the world of professional wrestling and broadcasting throughout his career. Some of his significant achievements include:
ECWA Hall of Fame (Class of 2005)
Kevin Kelly was inducted into the East Coast Wrestling Association (ECWA) Hall of Fame in 2005, acknowledging his contributions to the promotion and his impact on the wrestling industry during his tenure.
ECWA Heavyweight Championship
During his time in the ECWA, Kevin Kelly captured the ECWA Heavyweight Championship, showcasing his versatility and willingness to step into the ring in addition to his commentary and managerial roles.
Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards
Kevin Kelly has received several Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards, demonstrating his excellence as a television announcer. He won the award for Best Television Announcer in 2018, 2019, and 2022, highlighting his consistent and outstanding work behind the microphone. Additionally, he was honored with the title of Best Announcer of the Decade for the 2010s, further underscoring his impact and influence in wrestling broadcasting over an extended period.
These achievements reflect Kevin Kelly's significant contributions to the wrestling industry, both in front of the camera as a commentator and behind the scenes as a talent scout and creative contributor. His recognition by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter and induction into the ECWA Hall of Fame highlight his enduring legacy in the world of professional wrestling.
Kevin Kelly Net Worth
Kevin Kelly's primary source of income is his career as a sportscaster and professional wrestling commentator. He has worked for various wrestling promotions, including New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), All Elite Wrestling (AEW), WWE, Major League Wrestling, and Ring of Honor (ROH), providing commentary for their events.
This work likely constitutes a significant portion of his income. In addition to his commentary work, Kelly may also earn income through various related activities such as hosting wrestling-related podcasts, making appearances at wrestling conventions or events, and potentially through merchandise sales or endorsements within the wrestling industry.
Name
Kevin Kelly
Net Worth
$1Million to $5 Million
Profession
Sportscaster, Radio Host and Wrestling Commentator
Kevin Kelly Net Worth
Salary
Not Available
Is Kevin Kelly Leaving NJPW - FAQs
Yes, Kevin Kelly's tenure with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) is coming to a close.
Kevin Kelly, whose birth name is Kevin Foote, is an American sportscaster, radio host, and professional wrestling commentator known for his work in promotions like WWE, Ring of Honor, and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).
Kevin Kelly has been involved in wrestling commentary since 1996 when he began his career with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE). He has continued to work as a commentator for various wrestling promotions over the years.
Kevin Kelly has received several Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards, including the Best Television Announcer in 2018, 2019, and 2022. He was also honored with the title of Best Announcer of the Decade for the 2010s.
Yes, Kevin Kelly has occasionally competed in professional wrestling, including a stint as the ECWA Heavyweight Champion during his time in the East Coast Wrestling Association (ECWA).