Where Next For Kazuchika Okada Following NJPW Departure?

AEW and WWE both circle after Kazuchika Okada's NJPW departure.

by Andy H Murray
Okada Forbidden Door
AEW

Kazuchika Okada is leaving NJPW at the end of the month - but it is still too early to tell when the seven-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion will land.

Fightful Select reports that as of earlier this month, AEW had been confident of landing the 'Rainmaker' should he become a free agent. The company had tossed ideas around for Okada, 36, and is "definitely interested" in him, though any call on his future would be undue.

Meanwhile, the outlet's WWE sources hadn't heard of fresh talks with Okada, though they anticipate the possibility being explored. People within the market leaders aren't sure if Okada will "want to make the move over", however.

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Fightful writes that NJPW and Okada recently held a meeting regarding their future together. By the end of this, it was clear that Okada wanted to move on, though some within New Japan didn't expect the departure announcement to come until next week. When it dropped a few hours ago, it ended up surprising people.

Okada's NJPW departure is amicable. The door is open for him to return someday, with neither party holding any ill will.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.