Kazuchika Okada will be parting ways with New Japan Pro Wrestling when his contract expires on January 31, 2024.
Fightful is reporting that sources in NJPW had heard recently that Okada had a meeting with New Japan officials about his future and it was evident by the end of the meeting that the 36-year-old wrestler would be finishing up with the company.
Several people in NJPW were surprised that Okada’s departure was announced on Thursday, as they expected the announcement to be made at some point next week.
Okada’s NJPW exit is reportedly an amicable one, and the door will likely remain open for him to return in the future.
According to NJPW sources, the promotion knew it was a reality they would potentially face someday, and are confident about creating new stars both in Japan and the United States.
Both AEW and WWE are reportedly interested in Okada, though WWE sources aren’t aware of any talks between the two sides. Okada would not be able to work the January 27th WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view event unless NJPW permits him to do so.
While AEW is quite hopeful about securing Okada’s services, it is too early to determine where he will actually end up.
Okada mended fences with TNA Wrestling this past weekend, and the experience was reportedly a positive one.
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Kazuchika Okada, one of the top stars in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), will be parting ways with the company when his contract expires on January 31, 2024. This news has come as a surprise to many in the wrestling industry, as Okada’s departure was announced earlier than expected.
According to sources in NJPW, Okada recently had a meeting with company officials to discuss his future. By the end of the meeting, it became clear that the 36-year-old wrestler would be finishing up with the company. However, it is important to note that Okada’s exit from NJPW is said to be amicable, and there is a possibility for him to return in the future.
NJPW has been aware for some time that they may face the reality of losing Okada, and they remain confident in their ability to create new stars both in Japan and the United States. This suggests that the promotion has plans in place to continue thriving even without Okada’s presence.
Unsurprisingly, both All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and WWE have shown interest in signing Okada. While AEW is hopeful about securing his services, it is still too early to determine where he will ultimately end up. WWE sources have not been aware of any talks between the two sides.
It is worth noting that Okada would not be able to participate in the January 27th WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view event unless NJPW grants him permission to do so. This indicates that there may be some negotiations and discussions between the parties involved.
In addition to his potential move to AEW or WWE, Okada recently mended fences with TNA Wrestling. The experience was reportedly a positive one, further adding to the speculation surrounding his future destination.
As fans eagerly await more updates on Okada’s next move, they can stay informed by following eWrestlingNews.com, a reliable source for all wrestling news. The website also has active social media pages on Twitter and Facebook, where fans can stay connected and receive the latest updates.
In conclusion, Kazuchika Okada’s departure from NJPW has been announced earlier than expected. While the exact details of his future plans remain uncertain, both AEW and WWE have expressed interest in signing him. Okada’s exit from NJPW is amicable, leaving the door open for a potential return in the future. Wrestling fans can stay updated on this story by following eWrestlingNews.com.