More on Kazuchika Okada Signing with AEW

As noted before, this past Wednesday’s Dynamite show in Duluth, Georgia featured Kazuchika Okada making his official full-time debut for AEW. Okada’s contract with AEW is currently believed to be for three years in length and worth around $4.5 million per year.

Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that his sources denied being true Tokyo Sports’ report of Okada being paid $4.5 million per year for his deal with AEW. Meltzer reported that while the monetary amount is still very high, the real number is considerably lower than what has been given for annual estimated amount.

Meltzer reported that Okada’s decision to sign with AEW was also influenced by AEW offering a bigger monetary amount than WWE and also allowing him the ability to work in Japan for New Japan Pro Wrestling’s big events. WWE’s offer reportedly revolved around them pushing that they were the bigger stage, the place to go for long-term fame, and being able to work at WrestleMania.

Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso reported that his sources stated that being able to work with The Elite was the deciding factor for Okada’s decision to sign with AEW instead of WWE. Those spoken to close to AEW and NJPW reportedly stated that Okada currently feels he will be given the best opportunity to succeed in AEW. Barrasso reported that WWE had been a real consideration for Okada since he loved the idea of being part of a WrestleMania event but not being forced to relocate to the United States and can continue to live in Japan if he chooses was another factor swaying his decision.

Another deciding factor reportedly was Okada’s long-term friendship with The Young Bucks. Those spoken to within NJPW reportedly stated that this long-term friendship that first developed during their time together in TNA Wrestling was the reason why Okada had pushed for NJPW management to secure jobs for the Young Bucks in the company when he returned back to NJPW.

In regards to the robes that the Young Bucks wore at this past Sunday’s AEW Revolution 2024 event, Barrasso reported that those spoken to confirmed that this was meant to be a tease of Okada joining AEW. The Young Bucks’ robes reportedly were custom made and produced when Okada became a free agent.

Barrasso reported that those spoken to also confirmed that AEW officials currently have plans for Okada to resume his longtime rivalry with Kenny Omega once Omega heals up from his diverticulitis health issues.

Barrasso reported that another main factor for Okada’s decision to sign with AEW was his trust in AEW CEO Tony Khan. Those spoken to reportedly stated that Khan’s hard work to build a working relationship with NJPW allowing the opportunity to exist for Okada to return to Japan for major NJPW shows was a big factor in Okada’s decision.

In regards to Okada’s heel turn, Barrasso reported that Khan, Omega, the Young Bucks, and Okada all agreed that his run in AEW should start with him playing as a villain character. This idea reportedly came from Khan. Okada’s first big run in NJPW featured him portraying a great playboy heel type character.

In regards to AEW’s decision to replace Omega with Okada in The Elite and Okada to debut as a heel, Fightful Select reported that AEW officials had made this decision several months ago for their debut plans for Okada.