NJPW Top Star Sparks WWE & AEW Arrival Speculation Amid Departure Announcement for End of January

WWE and AEW are not foreign to the concept of stockpiling top talents from different promotions. So, a free agency situation always attracts the attention of the juggernauts as they fix their sights on the prize. Another opportunity has come their way as popular NPJW star Kazuchika Okada confirmed his NPJW departure after a lot of back and forth.

Given that The Rainmaker is now free to explore his career somewhere else other than the Japanese promotion, AEW and WWE naturally come top among his rumored next stops.

NPJW Global officially confirms Kazuchika Okada’s departure

Having made sporadic appearances in AEW and with reports suggesting WWE’s ‘renewed interest’ in the top NPJW sensation, Okada came out as the cream of the crop among the top wrestling promotions for the last few weeks. NPJW higher-ups spilled the beans of his departure in an official statement, cranking up the excitement among two vying promotions.

Okada’s recent banger performance at Wrestle Kingdom 18 on January 4, where he took out AEW’s Bryan Danielson, caught even more eyeballs and made him a more captivating catch to the companies and producers. Amidst this air of intrigue, now it has been evident that Okada is parting ways with New Japan Pro-Wrestling following his contract termination on January 31, 2024.

We need to wait to see where he finally lands for his future wrestling endeavors.

Moving ahead, let’s see how the star bid goodbye to his old wrestling home.

Kazuchika Okada shows gratitude in his NPJW departure note

Following a poor TNA run, Okada showcased his full capabilities and achieved the height of greatness during his eventful NPJW run. He has etched his legacy by becoming the longest-reigning champion in the NPJW’s history. To wrap up this special stint of his entire career, the Japanese superstar voiced a heartfelt note.

Announcing his impending departure, the 36-year-old said, ”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,”

We need to see how his future promotion treats him down the line.

What’s your take on NPJW confirming Kazuchika Okada’s departure via an official statement? Let us know in the comments.