Which promotion will Kazuchika Okada join in 2024?
On Friday, January 19th, NJPW issued the shock update that Kazuchika Okada’s contract with the promotion would expire on January 31st and that he had chosen to not re-sign with the company. While still in his prime and not retired, many predicted that The Rainmaker would compete in the United States moving forward, specifically WWE or AEW.
Considering the relationship with New Japan and the likelihood of being paid significantly more, AEW became the most likely choice for the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion. However, a report from Monthly Puroesu would gain significant traction due to a claim that sources close to Okada believed that he was making a move to WWE and would be starting on the NXT brand upon arrival. According to the latest reports, this has been blown out of proportion.
In a new update by Fightful Select, this does not appear to be true. A WWE higher-up that Fightful spoke to claimed “that would be news to us at this point” when asked about Okada potentially joining the company. Additionally, those in NXT have heard nothing in regards to The Rainmaker joining their roster in the near future.
Sources in AEW are still confident to land Okada when he becomes a free agent, but it is reiterated that anything could happen regarding the NJPW legend’s future.
Kazuchika Okada Explains Shock Decision
Regarded as one of the best wrestlers in the world and largely responsible for showcasing the work of New Japan to the wider world, many didn’t expect Okada to leave the company even though there were reports that his contract was close to expiring. Following on from the shock news, Kazuchika Okada explained why he decided to leave NJPW at this stage of his career.