One Of The All-Time Greats Is Becoming A Free Agent
A seismic shift in modern professional wrestling.
One of the all-time great professional wrestlers is becoming a free agent.
NJPW and Kazuchika Okada have announced that the 'Rainmaker' will depart the market-leading puroresu group when his contract expires on 31 January 2024. Okada will then work 11 February's New Beginning in Osaka event, plus 23 and 24 February's New Beginning in Sapporo shows, fulfilling his obligations.
NJPW wrote:
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.
Okada commented:
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.
One of the most important figures in NJPW history and a key architect of its 2010s/2020s boom period, Okada, 36, has been with NJPW since entering its famed dojo system in 2007. In December 2010, he returned from excursion and was immediately inserted as the 'King of Sports'' next big headliner, entering a legendary, career-defining feud with Hiroshi Tanahashi, quickly overcoming initial doubts to soar towards the top of one of wrestling's most decorated promotions.
Now regarded among the greatest wrestlers in history, Okada is a seven-time IWGP (World) Heavyweight Champion and has presided over the most successful business period in New Japan history. His departure will leave a chasm.
The idea of Okada entering free agency was first floated in December 2023, when SI's Justin Barrasso reported 'The Rainmaker' was considering leaving NJPW for WWE or AEW.
AEW founder and CEO Tony Khan tweeted following the Okada news breaking:
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) January 19, 2024
Currently, there is no confirmation of where Okada is headed.