Report: Kazuchika Okada’s NJPW Contract Ends in January 2024

There are rumors that Kazuchika Okada could potentially transition to a new wrestling promotion soon.

According to a recent report by Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso, Kazuchika Okada’s contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling will reach its end in January 2024. He is yet to sign a new deal. Barrasso noted that Okada wants to continue living in Japan and considers that a priority.

There’s an existing precedent in AEW where PAC continues to reside in England while working for the promotion. Additionally, Will Ospreay, who recently signed with AEW, intends to maintain his UK residency when he commences working for the promotion next year.

Kazuchika Okada 'seriously entertaining' signing with WWE or AEW https://t.co/1VOR3eRzjs

— Wrestling Observer (@WONF4W) December 4, 2023

Sports Illustrated also reported that Okada’s appearance on Dynamite in early November was for him to get a sense of AEW. Dave Meltzer also reported on Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Okada is in serious consideration to wrestling for either AEW or WWE.

Meltzer claimed recently that Shinsuke Nakamura’s ressurection on WWE TV is in part due to WWE wanting to show Okada the current regime is more respectful to Japanese wrestlers than previously.

Kazuchika Okada’s most recent match in NJPW was at the NJPW Anjo Rainy Days event, where he, along with Tomohiro Ishii and Hiroshi Tanahashi, emerged victorious against Just 5 Guys (SANADA, Taichi and Yuya Uemura), successfully defending NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Title.

Okada’s last match in AEW took place during October 25 episode of AEW Dynamite, where he teamed up with Orange Cassidy but was defeated by Blackpool Combat Club, consisting of Bryan Danielson and Claudio Castagnoli.

Okada is presently engaged in a rivalry with Bryan Danielson, set to compete against him in a one-on-one match at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 event.