Kazuchika Okada is set to leave New Japan Pro Wrestling when his contract expires, with potential moves to either WWE or AEW.
WWE has expressed interest, emphasizing Okada’s close ties to Shinsuke Nakamura and the appeal of exploring something new after accomplishing everything in NJPW. Okada was “grossly underpaid” in NJPW compared to earnings of top stars in WWE & AEW.
WWE’s recent push for Nakamura was seen as an effort to demonstrate their commitment to Japanese talent, with hopes of enticing Okada.
According to the Wrestling Observer, both WWE and AEW have made pitches for Okada, with AEW believed to have presented a strong initial offer, although no contract has been signed as of the latest reports.
Okada issued the following statement regarding his NJPW departure:
“I have nothing but gratitude for having been a part of New Japan Pro-Wrestling since 2007, and for NJPW bringing me from a 19 year old kid off the plane in Mexico to the Rainmaker I am today.
Thank you to the best of companies in NJPW, to the best of opponents that I’ve been able to face here, and to the best of fans that have cheered and booed over the years.
I promise to make it rain in every match I have left, so keep watching.”
In his farewell NJPW match, Okada will face NJPW TV Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi (who is also the NJPW President) on February 11.
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