Kemo
01-25-2024, 01:05 AM
Kazuchika Okada is believed to be heading to WWE once his contract expires with New Japan Pro Wrestling, it has been reported.
Last week, it was confirmed that Okada's contract will expire this month. Despite this, Okada will work the New Beginnings event scheduled for February, as a sign of respect to the promotion. Once these are finished, the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion will be a completely free agent.
Given his talents, it's no surprise that both AEW and WWE are interested in bringing Okada on board. While the Rainmaker has a history with AEW, a source from Monthly Puroresu reported this week that it looks like Okada will be signing with WWE when he can.
"Although we’re unable to verify with The Rainmaker himself, one source close to NJPW’s top talent has indicated to Monthly Puroresu that it appears Kazuchika Okada is WWE bound, potentially starting in NXT first."
Okada has reportedly always dreamed of competing at WrestleMania, an aspiration that those in WWE, including CCO Paul 'Triple H' Levesque, are well aware of. The Game and NXT head Shawn Michaels have shown "significant interest" in bringing Okada on board.
The belief is that should a match happen, AJ Styles or Finn Balor would be the right opponents for Okada's WrestleMania match. Both men have pre-existing relationships with Okada thanks to their respective NJPW runs. Okada recently spoke about not wanting to rest on his laurels by remaining in New Japan.
Last week, it was confirmed that Okada's contract will expire this month. Despite this, Okada will work the New Beginnings event scheduled for February, as a sign of respect to the promotion. Once these are finished, the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion will be a completely free agent.
Given his talents, it's no surprise that both AEW and WWE are interested in bringing Okada on board. While the Rainmaker has a history with AEW, a source from Monthly Puroresu reported this week that it looks like Okada will be signing with WWE when he can.
"Although we’re unable to verify with The Rainmaker himself, one source close to NJPW’s top talent has indicated to Monthly Puroresu that it appears Kazuchika Okada is WWE bound, potentially starting in NXT first."
Okada has reportedly always dreamed of competing at WrestleMania, an aspiration that those in WWE, including CCO Paul 'Triple H' Levesque, are well aware of. The Game and NXT head Shawn Michaels have shown "significant interest" in bringing Okada on board.
The belief is that should a match happen, AJ Styles or Finn Balor would be the right opponents for Okada's WrestleMania match. Both men have pre-existing relationships with Okada thanks to their respective NJPW runs. Okada recently spoke about not wanting to rest on his laurels by remaining in New Japan.