Kazuchika Okada has given more details regarding his upcoming exit from NJPW.
On January 19th, the wrestling was shocked when NJPW made the announcement that Kazuchika Okada would be leaving the promotion in February. Although Okada’s contract expires on January 31st, The Rainmaker has elected to work 2 additional dates in February.
Following the announcement, Tokyo Sports spoke to the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion to get some more insight from the man himself. Okada revealed that 2024 saw his 5-year contract with New Japan come to an end and this would be the last chance for the 36-year-old wrestler to explore other opportunities in his career. Okada also added that there were negotiations prior to the announcement and the decision to exit was a recent one:
“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,”
“Of course the company talked to me about various things, and I had been thinking about it for a while. It was really only recently that I made the decision.”
When explaining why he wants to wrestle in a new promotion, Okada admitted that he needs that hunger to keep his skills at the top level:
“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.”
Where Will Kazuchika Okada Wrestle Next?
Despite there being previous rumours that The Rainmaker may leave NJPW, few actually thought it would happen. With one of the best wrestlers in the world set to become a free agent in a matter of weeks, many are excited to see where Okada will turn up next. With the star power and high asking price of Okada, fans are expecting the New Japan legend to sign with WWE or AEW sometime in the next year. According to those close to him, Kazuchika Okada has yet to decide where he will go next when his deal with NJPW expires.