America’s top two promotions look set to do battle over Okada’s signature.
On January 19th, New Japan Pro Wrestling announced the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada will be leaving the promotion after the conclusion of his contract on January 31st, with adjustments having been made the the upcoming New Beginning tour that will see him work throughout February.
Speaking on the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer revealed that, despite speculation, Okada is yet to make a decision on where his next landing spot will be.
“I’ve heard from people and talked to people who know him very well, who have talked to him in the last day or two. And he has not decided, it’s not like a secret, he just hasn’t decided yet.”
-Dave Meltzer
Meltzer then delved into the feeling within both AEW and WWE, with America’s top two promotions appearing set to battle it out for ‘The Rainmaker’.
According to Meltzer, there is conflicting belief within AEW as for whether they’ve got Okada’s signature locked down, whilst within WWE, the hope appears to be that he’s favouring his legacy and a potential ‘WrestleMania Moment’ over a stronger financial offer.
“I know people in AEW who think they’ve got him, I know people in AEW who hope they’ve got him but don’t think they’ve got him. I know people in WWE who hope they’re gonna get him and who believe that… one person who knows him mentioned that I dunno if this is wishful thinking because of the feeling that probably Tony (Khan) will offer more money, and the original offers from what I can gather, he did… is that like he wants the legacy and its kinda like they’re like ‘well maybe we can pay him less but you can have your WrestleMania moment’. And again, what his goal is in his life, you know for some people that means more and either way he’s gonna make great money.”
-Dave Meltzer
Regardless of where Okada lands, the move will undoubtedly be one of the biggest stories of the year in pro wrestling, with this being the first time Japan’s number one star looks set to head to the States permanently.
As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on the future of Kazuchika Okada as soon as we hear more.
If you use any of the quotes above, please credit the original source with a h/t and link back to WrestlePurists.com for the transcription.
