Kazuchika Okada is leaving NJPW, according the company and the man himself.
NJPW announced this past week that the legendary performer was finishing up with New Japan Pro Wrestling on January 31 when his contract is up. It will end a historic run that includes 7 World Championships. He's actually still the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champion along with Tomohiro Ishii and Hiroshi Tanahashi.
NJPW sources had heard very recently that Okada and New Japan officials had a meeting to discuss their future together, and by the end of the conversation it was clear that Okada was set to finish up. The announcement still surprised several that we spoke to as they expected it next week. However, we're told that the departure is an amicable one and that the door likely always remains open for Okada, and there doesn't appear to be any ill will.
New Japan sources that we spoke to said that they knew that was a reality they'd be facing, and were confident in their ability to cultivate and create new talent, both in Japan and in the United States.
Earlier this month, AEW had been very hopeful that they'd land Okada and ideas had been tossed around, but based on what we've heard, it's far too early to determine where he'll actually land. WWE sources that we spoke to had not yet heard of any talks involving the two sides, but expected that to at least be explored. The last we'd heard from the WWE end of things, was that they weren't sure if he would want to make the move over.
Okada also mended fences with TNA this past weekend, and we're told that experience appeared to be a positive one by many in the company.
We're told that while AEW was definitely interested, things are far too early to tell. For those asking, Okada would not be able to work the Royal Rumble unless he gained permission from NJPW.
Okada has main evented 8 Wrestle Kingdom events, and won four G1 Climax tournaments.
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