More On Kazuchika Okada’s NJPW Exit, Interest From AEW & WWE

UPDATE: A new report has some additional details on Kazuchika Okada’s exit from NJPW as well as interest in him from other companies. Fightful Select reports that sources in the company had heard recently that Okada had a meeting with NJPW officials about their future and that it was clear by the end of said meeting that Okada would be finishing up with the company. That said, several people in the company were surprised that it was announced now, as they expected such to happen next week.

The exit is said to be an amicable one, and the door will likely be always open for him. NJPW sources said they knew it was a reality they would potentially be facing and are confident in their ability to create new stars both in Japan and the US.

As far as where Okada may be going, the report notes that AEW and WWE are both interested, though WWE sources had not heard of any talks between the two sides. They expected that it would at least be explored but weren’t sure if he would want to make the move over. Okada would not be able to work the Royal Rumble unless he received permission from New Japan.

AEW was very hopeful that they’d be able to sign Okada and ideas had been discussed, but as of such it is too early to determine where he will actually end up. Okada mended fences with TNA this weekend, and the experience was said to be a positive one by many in the company.

ORIGINAL: Kazuchika Okada is officially departing NJPW, as the company announced on Thursday. NJPW issued an announcement today stating that Okada will exit after his contract expires at the end of the month. Okada will finish up with his final dates in February to honor his commitments.

The full announcement reads:

Kazuchika Okada to leave New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

Kazuchika Okada will be leaving New Japan Pro-Wrestling after the conclusion of his contract on January 31 2024.

We apologise to fans for the abrupt nature of this announcement, but join them in wishing Okada the very best in his future.

As the New Beginning series begins this weekend, Okada will appear on February dates on February 11 in Osaka, and February 23 and 24 in Sapporo. Changes will be made to forthcoming cards with an announcement to follow.

We appreciate your understanding and continued support.

Kazuchika Okada statement:

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.