Kazuchika Okada’s contract with NJPW expired on January 31st. However, Okada competed at NJPW New Beginning in Osaka. He also agreed to compete in two events on February 23rd and 24th in Sapporo.
Both WWE and AEW have expressed their interest in signing Okada. As of now, reports state that the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion will be heading to All Elite Wrestling.
In an interview with Tokyo Sports, Bryan Danielson stated that he expects Kazuchika Okada to join Tony Khan’s company.
“Of course, I want him to come to AEW. Fans all over the world know how great Okada is. Both WWE and AEW are major players, but I hope he comes to AEW.”
Danielson stated that WWE might tell Okada to start from NXT if he joins WWE. The American Dragon added that The Rainmaker doesn’t need to go through NXT.
“If he went to WWE, they might have him start with [third brand] NXT like Shinsuke [Nakamura] to adapt to the American style, but it’s already completed. Okada doesn’t need that. He’s one of the best wrestlers in the world right now, so he should just come to the United States without changing anything.”