As we previously reported here on eWn, Kazuchika Okada is expected to sign with AEW following his NJPW exit last month.
Okada will wrestle his final match for NJPW on February 24.
In a recent interview with Tokyo Sports, WWE Superstar Shinsuke Nakamura weighed in on Okada’s NJPW exit, and hoped that The Rainmaker wouldn’t experience the same hardships he did when he left the Bushiroad promotion.
Nakamura said, “How do you view your life, who you are, what you want to become? Only you can make that decision, so the courage to take the step that Okada took…I feel like (Antonio) Inoki when I say it, but once you’ve taken the step, you have no choice but to go on. Of course, I will support him, and if there is anything I can do, I will do it. That’s part of it, and also the invisible procedures. There were a lot of hardships I had to go through that I should not have had to go through. I don’t want them to have to go through that, and I hope they will be spoiled.”
While there is no confirmation that Okada has signed with AEW, Tony Khan has been confident in signing Okada as far back as mid-January.
Kazuchika Okada’s Potential Move to AEW: What It Means for the Wrestling World
In recent weeks, the wrestling world has been abuzz with rumors of Kazuchika Okada, one of New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s (NJPW) biggest stars, potentially signing with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) following his departure from NJPW. As fans eagerly await official confirmation, let’s delve into the implications of this potential move and what it could mean for the industry.
Okada, known as “The Rainmaker,” has been a cornerstone of NJPW for over a decade, captivating audiences with his in-ring prowess and charismatic persona. His departure from the promotion last month sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, leading many to speculate about his next destination. AEW, the rising promotion founded by Tony Khan in 2019, seems to be the frontrunner.
If Okada indeed signs with AEW, it would be a major coup for the promotion. The Japanese star’s international recognition and reputation as one of the best wrestlers in the world would undoubtedly elevate AEW’s status and further solidify its position as a legitimate competitor to WWE. Okada’s presence alone could attract new viewers and generate increased interest in AEW’s product.
Moreover, Okada’s potential move to AEW would open up exciting possibilities for dream matches and compelling storylines. AEW already boasts an impressive roster of talent, including the likes of Kenny Omega, Chris Jericho, and Jon Moxley. The addition of Okada would provide fresh matchups and create a buzz among fans who have longed to see him face off against these top-tier stars.
In a recent interview with Tokyo Sports, WWE Superstar Shinsuke Nakamura expressed his support for Okada and shared his own experiences of leaving a prominent promotion. Nakamura hoped that Okada wouldn’t have to endure the same hardships he faced when he departed from the Bushiroad promotion. This sentiment highlights the challenges that wrestlers often encounter when transitioning between companies, including contractual issues and adjusting to new environments.
While there is no official confirmation of Okada’s signing with AEW, Tony Khan’s confidence in securing the Japanese star’s services has been evident since mid-January. Khan, the president and CEO of AEW, has been vocal about his desire to bring Okada into the fold, expressing his admiration for the wrestler’s talent and his belief that Okada would thrive in AEW’s competitive landscape.
If Okada does join AEW, it could also have a ripple effect on the wrestling industry as a whole. NJPW, which has been a dominant force in Japanese wrestling for years, would undoubtedly feel the impact of losing one of its biggest stars. This potential shift could lead to changes in NJPW’s booking strategies and roster composition, as they seek to fill the void left by Okada’s departure.
In conclusion, the potential signing of Kazuchika Okada by AEW has generated significant excitement and speculation within the wrestling community. If the deal comes to fruition, it would be a major coup for AEW and could have far-reaching implications for the industry. Fans eagerly await further developments and the opportunity to witness Okada’s future endeavors in the world of professional wrestling.