Update on Kazuchika Okada Leaving NJPW & Interest from WWE & AEW

As noted before, Kazuchika Okada’s contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling officially expired this past Wednesday. Okada is still scheduled to work at three more events for NJPW this month while both WWE and AEW have been very interested in signing Okada to a contract with their respective companies.

Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the reason why Pro Wrestling Tees recently pulled all of their Okada merchandise was due to it being NJPW branded merchandise that they were no longer allowed to sell once Okada’s contract expired. Meltzer reported that this was not meant to be any sort of indication to the rumors afterwards of Okada going to WWE and instead simply due to PWT not having the rights to sell Okada’s merch under the NJPW brand anymore.

In regards to the interest from AEW, Meltzer reported that those spoken to stated that several of those within AEW are cautiously optimistic that Okada will end up joining their company. The main factors in favor of AEW being the destination reportedly are a better paying offer and work schedule compared to WWE’s offer and schedule.

In regards to AEW CEO Tony Khan’s upcoming “big announcement” for next week’s Dynamite show, Meltzer reported that the current expectation is that this will be the official announcement of Mercedes Mone’s debut with the company. Meltzer reported that it is possible that this could be the announcement of Okada’s signing with AEW but as of the time of his report, no deal has been signed yet between the two sides.

In regards to the interest from WWE, Meltzer reported that those spoken to stated that WWE will not likely match the money being currently offered to Okada and instead their current approach is that he will want to join them simply because they are WWE and he is currently talking with both sides. The main factor in favor of WWE being the destination reportedly are a stronger global exposure and the ability to build up his star name even more and make it worth more both back in Japan and worldwide if he is booked at a top level.