Kazuchika Okada recently announced his departure from New Japan Pro-Wrestling, triggering intense interest from both WWE and AEW. The former five-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion’s contract expires on January 31, 2024. Despite being a marquee name in NJPW, Okada’s time with the company is drawing to a close at the end of the month.
With Kazuchika Okada leaving NJPW, it opens up possibilities for his next wrestling venture. Fans are also buzzing with speculation about Okada’s potential move to either WWE or AEW. WWE has expressed interest in Okada for some time. There is a perception that he was underpaid during his tenure with NJPW in comparison to his earning potential, whether with WWE or AEW.
On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer shed light on Okada’s current situation, emphasizing that Okada is evaluating offers from both companies. Meltzer revealed, “He’s gonna go to whoever makes the best offer. I’ve heard from people and talked to people who know him very well, who have talked to him in the last day or two. And he has not decided. I know people in AEW who think they’ve got him.”
He continued, “I know people in AEW who hope they’ve got him but don’t think they’ve got him. I know people in WWE who hope they’re gonna get him and who believe that..one person mentioned…..he wants the legacy, and it’s kinda like they’re like, ‘Well, maybe we can pay him less, but you can have your WrestleMania moment”. And again, what his goal is in his life, for some people that means more and either way he’s gonna make great money.”
Both wrestling promotions, WWE and AEW, have presented proposals to Okada, with rumors suggesting that AEW has put forth a particularly enticing initial offer. Meanwhile, no agreement has been finalized yet.
Kazuchika Okada breaks silence on leaving NJPW
Kazuchika Okada is bidding farewell to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), as his contract expires on January 31, 2024. The announcement, revealed via NJPW’s official website, states Okada’s contract will expire by the end of the month. However, he is slated to make three additional appearances in February.
In an interview with Tokyo Sports, Okada detailed the reasoning behind his decision to leave New Japan Pro-Wrestling. He stated, “First of all, my contract was up for five years this year (the last year of my contract). It was a good time for me to think about something. When I thought about whether I would sign another contract with New Japan Pro-Wrestling…or whether I would look at other worlds, I thought that maybe this was my last chance.”
Regarding why he ultimately chose to leave, Okada explained, “After announcing that I was quitting and going on the tour…I felt too comfortable. I wondered what that would be like. I started my wrestling career in Mexico, came to New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and became a rainmaker 12 years later. Maybe if I stay here, I can wrestle without any inconvenience. But I don’t want to become the same Kazuchika Okada without such hunger. I don’t want to be in a situation where I have to rest on my laurels. If I were ‘human’ Okada, I would have friends here, and I would be in the best environment. But as ‘wrestler’ Okada, it was different.” Kazuchika Okada is set to face Hiroshi Tanahashi in one of his final NJPW matches on February 11.
