Kazuchika Okada’s NJPW Contract Reportedly Expires in January 2024 & Seriously Considering Signing with WWE or AEW

As noted before, WWE currently has renewed interest in signing New Japan Pro Wrestling talent Kazuchika Okada to a potential contract in the future.

Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso reported that his sources stated that Okada’s current contract with NJPW is set to expire at the end of January of 2024.

Barrasso reported that Okada is currently “seriously entertaining” the possibility of leaving NJPW and signing with a different promotion once his contract expires. Barrasso reported that WWE and AEW would be the two options for Okada should he enter the free agent market.

Barrasso also reported that those spoken to stated that there was another purpose of Okada’s trip to AEW for the October 25th Dynamite show beyond advancing his current storyline with Bryan Danielson for their upcoming match at Wrestle Kingdom 18. This other purpose reportedly was Okada getting the chance to acquire a better sense of AEW as part of his upcoming decision for the future of his wrestling career.

Okada has been working for NJPW since August of 2007.