Dave Meltzer has shed light on an impending major bidding war for Kazuchika Okada, the NJPW star, as his contract is set to expire at the end of January.
In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Meltzer disclosed that both AEW and WWE are gearing up to compete for Okada’s signature. Meltzer’s report stated that both AEW and WWE have made pitches for Okada, with sources close to the wrestler revealing that a fierce battle is expected to secure his services.
While AEW is believed to have made a strong initial offer, no contract had been signed at the time of the report. WWE, on the other hand, was confident in its ability to sway Okada by highlighting the economic advantages and the potential for a new chapter in his career.
The news of Okada’s potential departure from NJPW has garnered significant attention in Japan, with the promotion’s announcement being covered as a mainstream sports and entertainment story. Notably, WWE’s recent push for Japanese star Shinsuke Nakamura was seen as a strategic move to demonstrate their commitment to elevating Japanese talent, potentially influencing Okada’s decision.
There is a growing debate over Okada’s potential value to AEW as a special attraction for occasional matches versus a full-time commitment to WWE. The unique appeal of Okada’s presence in both organisations has sparked discussions about the best platform for him to showcase his unparalleled talent and engage in dream matches with a myriad of opponents.
When Will Kazuchika Okada’s NJPW Contract Expire?
Kazuchika Okada’s NJPW contract is set to expire on January 31st, 2024. Okada stated that he has nothing but gratitude towards the company for having spent the majority of his adult life working for them.
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!