More on Kazuchika Okada Leaving NJPW & Potential Next Career Destination

As noted before, New Japan Pro Wrestling announced on Thursday that Kazuchika Okada will be leaving the company after his contract expires at the end of January.

Fightful Select reported that several sources spoken to stated that they were surprised by NJPW’s announcement on Thursday night since they had expected the news of his departure to be released sometime next week instead.

Those spoken to within NJPW reportedly stated that there are no hard feeling between NJPW and Okada over Okada upcoming departure. Those same sources reportedly also stated that they are confident that the company will be able to create new talent in both Japan and the United States and are not too worried over losing one of the biggest stars in the company.

In regards to potential destinations for Okada’s next career home, it was reported that while its too early to determine where Okada will be heading to next, AEW is currently interested in him.

In regards to WWE, those spoken to within WWE reportedly stated that they have not heard of any talks between Okada and the company nor do they think that Okada would be interested in moving to the United States for a WWE career.

In regards to TNA, it was reported that Okada’s recent time in TNA for their Snake Eyes tapings this past Sunday in Las Vegas was stated to have been a positive one based on those spoken to and him publicly stating in a post-match speech that he does not hate TNA anymore.