Kazuchika Okada will depart New Japan in a few weeks.
As announced by New Japan, The Rainmaker’s contract expires on January 31st and he has chosen not to re-sign with the promotion. It is also noted that while the contract expires in January, Okada will still work at the New Beginning shows that will take place on February 11 in Osaka, and February 23 and 24 in Sapporo
A statement from Okada reads as follows:
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.
The news of Kazuchika Okada’s contract being up for renewal hit the headlines towards the end of last year. However, many expected that the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion would choose to stay and that the news was overblown as everyone’s contracts in New Japan expire during the same period.
The announcement will come as a huge blow to the promotion which will also see Will Ospreay depart next month to join AEW.
What’s Next For Kazuchika Okada?
Due to the popularity and demand for the NJPW star, it is expected that a top promotion in the United States will secure The Rainmaker for the foreseeable future. Further information has been provided regarding the departure and what’s next courtesy of Fightful Select. In regards to the nature of the relationship with New Japan, it is stated that there “doesn’t appear to be any ill will” between either side and the door is still open for a return in the future.
AEW is said to be hopeful that they can sign Okada to a full-time deal very soon, but there is also the possibility of WWE. While there was a time with Vince McMahon in charge that Okada would likely never consider WWE, things have changed with Triple H in charge. WWE sources have told Fightful that there haven’t been any talks between the two sides but expect that option to be explored now that Okada will become a free agent imminently.
While many are hopeful that The Rainmaker could be a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble, he will still be under contract when the event takes place and will need to get permission from NJPW.
Featured image: NJPW
