Kazuchika Okada shocked the wrestling world when news broke he was leaving NJPW.
On January 19th the Japanese promotion announced that the multi time IWGP Heavyweight Champion was leaving the company after 17 years.
Before the surprising announcement, it had been reported that Okada’s contract was due to expire but after highly acclaimed outings at Wrestle Kingdom 17 and Battle In The Valley plus his inclusion in the Road To The New Beginning tour, it was expected he had re-signed.
That, however, is not the case and the 36 year old superstar is now set to ply his trade elsewhere.
Is Kazuchika Okada WWE or AEW bound?
Talks of Okada’s free agency has seemingly started a bidding war between the two American promotions, with both expected to make major plays to secure his services.
Okada has made several appearances for AEW, and are believed to have already reached out. While it has since been reported that both Triple H and Shawn Michaels have “significant interest” in Okada and already have two big names in mind for a potential WrestleMania 40 match.
But despite the heavy interest from the companies, Okada doesn’t know where he’ll end up. In a post on Instagram, Ultimo Dragon revealed that the Rain Maker remains undecided as to where his next wrestling home will be.
Okada came yesterday to meet me to let me know he is leaving New Japan.
Ever since he came to Toryumon when he was 15 years old, he has always been very humble. Every time he has had an important event in his life, he always lets me know.
Although he hasn’t decided yet, I’m sure he will continue to be a superstar wherever he goes. But not only that, I know he will never change and will continue to be the great man he is.
In a new interview with Tokyo Sports, Kazuchika Okada explained his motivations behind leaving NJPW.
There have been rumours claiming that Kazuchika Okada would be signing with WWE in the near future, specifically NXT. However, a higher-up in WWE has provided clarification on the matter.