Kazuchika Okada is leaving NJPW.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling announced that Kazuchika Okada is leaving the company after his contract expires on January 31. Okada will finish up by working three dates in February that he was previously announced for.
Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Kazuchika Okada will be leaving New Japan Pro-Wrestling after the conclusion of his contract on January 31 2024.
We apologise to fans for the abrupt nature of this announcement, but join them in wishing Okada the very best in his future.
As the New Beginning series begins this weekend, Okada will appear on February dates on February 11 in Osaka, and February 23 and 24 in Sapporo. Changes will be made to forthcoming cards with an announcement to follow.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support.
Kazuchika Okada statement:
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.
Okada has been with NJPW since 2007 and is one of the most decorated wrestlers in NJPW history as a multi-time IWGP World Heavyweight (two times) and IWGP Heavyweight Champion (five times). He is the longest reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion of all time. He has made a handful of appearances for AEW, notably wrestling at both AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door events.
Fightful will provide more details on Okada's departure when they are known.
