In a latest update on Kazuchika Okada’s future endeavors, a report sheds light on ongoing discussions between the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and WWE. As Okada officially becomes a free agent on February 1, speculation runs high within the wrestling world.
On January 30th, reports emerged for PWTees to swiftly remove Okada’s merchandise from their stores within 24 hours. While some fans speculated that this indicated a possible transition for “The Rainmaker” to WWE or AEW. However, it is directly linked to the expiration of his NJPW contract. Recent reports provide insight into Okada’s discussions with WWE.
According to the Fightful Select paywall, Okada is still bound by his NJPW contract, but the promotion has shown understanding regarding his engagement with other promotions. Despite his impending departure from NJPW, relations between Okada and the promotion remain civil. WWE sources confirm ongoing discussions between Okada’s representatives. Furthermore, Okada has reached out to WWE stars on the roster to consider the offers he’s received.
As Okada fulfils his remaining dates with NJPW, including a highly anticipated match against Hiroshi Tanahashi at NJPW New Beginning in Osaka on February 11th, wrestling fans are eagerly waiting for further developments on his potential move to WWE. Alternatively, they are curious if he will choose AEW, where he has wrestled before.
Kazuchika Okada is officially a free agent
Kazuchika Okada, the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion, saw his contract with NJPW expire on January 31, 2024. Despite his status as a marquee name in NJPW, Okada’s time with the promotion came to an end.
As of February 1st, Kazuchika Okada officially became a free agent. Amid reports of talks with both WWE and AEW, the record-breaking former IWGP Heavyweight Champion issued a statement regarding his long tenure in New Japan Pro-Wrestling on Twitter.
“Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro Wrestling for 17 years! thank you very much! I laughed, got angry, cried, it was great! I look forward to playing the remaining three games as a free agent,” he tweeted.
Check out his tweet below:
Okada is now moving on from NJPW, expressing gratitude to the company he has called home for so many years. Having made his NJPW debut in 2007, Kazuchika Okada has spent the last 17 years with Japan’s top promotion. However, he also had a short-run TNA from 2010–2011.
