Kazuchika Okada ‘seriously entertaining’ signing with WWE or AEW

A huge name could test free agency in early 2024. 

Kazuchika Okada is said to be “seriously entertaining” the idea of signing with a promotion other than NJPW, Sports Illustrated is reporting. Okada’s current contract expires at the end of January. 

Okada wrestled on AEW’s show in Philadelphia on October 25, something Justin Barrasso writes was not only done to further his storyline with Bryan Danielson but also so he could “acquire a better sense of AEW.”

There has also been increased talk in WWE of late of regarding Okada, our own Dave Meltzer reported last month. 

“Obviously they’ve had interest in him for years. But he’s always been loyal to New Japan,” Meltzer wrote. “The pitch is that he’s now 36 and he’s close with Nakamura and Nakamura has worked years in WWE and it’s far easier on his body.”

One source noted that Shinsuke Nakamura playing a more prominent role on TV is in part due to WWE wanting to show Okada the current regime is more respectful to Japanese wrestlers than the company has been previously. 

“The idea is that WWE is the one thing Okada has never done and he’s done everything he can do in New Japan,” Meltzer continued. 

Okada is scheduled to return to the United States for NJPW Battle in the Valley on Saturday, January 13 in San Jose.