AEW and NJPW came together for AEW x NJPW Wrestle Dynasty on January 5th with a joint show that featured Kenny Omega, Ricochet, Brody King, The Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson & Nicholas Jackson) and more competing in Japan.
One name absent was Kazuchika Okada, who was the face of NJPW for years before departing for AEW in 2024.
Speaking to Tokyo Sports, Okada was asked why he wasn't part of the show.
"I can't really say anything about it (laughs). Whether I get an offer or not is another matter, but I don't think it's the right time yet. I quit with the feeling that I would never compete again (in Japanese matches). If I were to go back while I was feeling like I wanted to fight well in the US, then something might have changed in my feelings. I don't have any intention of competing in a single match, so that's the feeling I had when I went to the US," Okada explained.
Okada is set to defend his AEW Continental Championship against Tomohiro Ishii at AEW Collision Maximum Carnage.
Fans can check out the current lineup for the show by clicking here.
