Kazuchika Okada’s departure from New Japan Pro Wrestling is imminent as his contract expires at the end of the month.
Okada has not revealed any plans for his future in the wrestling industry, although he has interest from both WWE and AEW.
It was previously reported by Monthly Puroresu that a source close to Okada said the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is WWE-bound, and he could start in NXT first.
According to a new report from Fightful, sources close to New Japan state that the information isn’t accurate to the situation at the moment and that Okada is still early in the process of deciding his next move.
With regards to Okada signing with WWE and starting in NXT, a WWE higher-up noted, “That would be news to us at this point.”
Several sources on the WWE NXT brand have also said that they’ve heard nothing close to the initial rumor as of yet.
With regards to Okada potentially getting signed by AEW, multiple sources have stated that AEW is still potentially in the running to sign the NJPW wrestler.
Also, sources close to Okada, WWE, and AEW suggest that the latest rumors appear to be “premature.” So, while Kazuchika Okada might potentially sign with WWE, he still has not made a decision yet.
Okada will face longtime rival Hiroshi Tanahashi at ‘The New Beginning’ in Osaka on February 11 in their last singles match.
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Kazuchika Okada, one of the biggest stars in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), is set to leave the promotion as his contract expires at the end of the month. This news has sparked speculation about his future in the wrestling industry, with both WWE and AEW expressing interest in signing him.
Rumors initially suggested that Okada was WWE-bound and could potentially start his journey in NXT. However, sources close to NJPW have stated that this information is not accurate and that Okada is still in the early stages of deciding his next move. A higher-up from WWE also commented that they have not received any news about Okada signing with the company.
Similarly, sources within the WWE NXT brand have stated that they have not heard anything about Okada potentially joining the promotion. This casts doubt on the initial rumor and adds to the uncertainty surrounding Okada’s future.
On the other hand, AEW is still considered a potential destination for Okada. Multiple sources have indicated that AEW is in the running to sign the NJPW superstar. However, it is important to note that no official decision has been made yet, and the latest rumors are deemed premature by insiders.
In the meantime, Okada is preparing for his last singles match against his longtime rival Hiroshi Tanahashi at ‘The New Beginning’ in Osaka on February 11. This highly anticipated match will serve as a fitting send-off for Okada if he indeed decides to leave NJPW.
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As Kazuchika Okada’s contract expiration date approaches, wrestling enthusiasts eagerly await news about his future. Whether he joins WWE, AEW, or takes a different path altogether, Okada’s next move will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the wrestling landscape.