Kazuchika Okada‘s future remains up in the air, as both WWE and AEW are interested in him.
Seven-time world champion Kazuchika Okada is leaving NJPW; the company announced the news on January 18, and he will wrestle his last matches over the next few weeks. Given his star power, he has been linked to both WWE and AEW. Okada has already wrestled for AEW on multiple occasions through the company’s working relationship with NJPW.
Dave Meltzer discussed the situation on Wrestling Observer Radio and stated that he would go wherever the best offer is. Meltzer stated that, in talking to people who have spoken with Okada, he learned that the former champion has not made a decision yet. (H/t Ian Carey of F4WOnline.com)
Per Meltzer, some in AEW are confident that they will land him, but people in WWE are hopeful that he will sign there. Either way, Meltzer said that it was not a done deal.
Likewise, Ultimo Dragon recently took to Instagram to note that he met with Okada, who told him that he was leaving NJPW. Ultimo Dragon stated that Okada has not made a decision about his future yet.
More Details On Kazuchika Okada’s NJPW Exit, His Future
Additionally, Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated reported that Okada’s NJPW departure was not unexpected, per NJPW sources. Barrasso wrote that AEW was the favorite to land him, as he already had a relationship with Tony Khan. Barrasso also wrote that Okada has become friends with Bryan Danielson, and he has remained close with Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks.
Plus, Barrasso confirmed that WWE has “significant interest” in Okada. He cited sources close to NJPW, who stated that Okada has always wanted to compete at WrestleMania. That being said, Barrasso noted that one factor favoring AEW is Tony Khan’s willingness to sign Okada no matter where he lives. In other words, he could continue to live in Japan after signing with AEW. This would not be the case in WWE, as he would likely need to move stateside.
Lastly, Barrasso wrote that Okada’s decision is expected to made “fairly soon”. However, there is no word on the exact timeline.
WrestleZone will provide more information as it becomes available.
Click here to see what Hiroshi Tanahashi had to say about Kazuchika Okada leaving NJPW.
