Kazuchika Okada is one of the biggest stars in Japanese wrestling. Therefore, no one thought that he would be leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling. However, last week, the company announced that Okada had informed them that he did not want to renew his contract.
The Rainmaker’s contract with NJPW will expire later this month. However, Kazuchika Okada is advertised for the events on February 11th in Osaka and February 23rd & 24th in Sapporo. As of now, the two biggest wrestling promotions in the United States, WWE and AEW, are fighting to sign Okada.
In an interview with Tokyo Sports, Kazuchika Okada was asked about what made his decision to leave New Japan Pro Wrestling. Okada said the following:
“First of all, my contract was up for five years this year (the last year of my contract). It was a good time for me to think about something. When I thought about whether I would sign another contract with New Japan Pro-Wrestling or whether I would look at other worlds, I thought that maybe this was my last chance.”
The former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion then explained why he finally decided to leave NJPW.
“After announcing that I was quitting and going on the tour, I felt too comfortable. I wondered what that would be like. I started my wrestling career in Mexico, came to New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and became a rainmaker 12 years later. Maybe if I stay here, I can wrestle without any inconvenience. But I don’t want to become the same Kazuchika Okada without such hunger. I don’t want to be in a situation where I have to rest on my laurels.”