Kazuchika Okada’s departure from New Japan Pro Wrestling is imminent as his contract expires at the end of the month.
Okada has not revealed any plans for his future in the wrestling industry, although he has interest from both WWE and AEW.
It was previously reported by Monthly Puroresu that a source close to Okada said the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is WWE-bound, and he could start in NXT first.
According to a new report from Fightful, sources close to New Japan state that the information isn’t accurate to the situation at the moment and that Okada is still early in the process of deciding his next move.
With regards to Okada signing with WWE and starting in NXT, a WWE higher-up noted, “That would be news to us at this point.”
Several sources on the WWE NXT brand have also said that they’ve heard nothing close to the initial rumor as of yet.
With regards to Okada potentially getting signed by AEW, multiple sources have stated that AEW is still potentially in the running to sign the NJPW wrestler.
Also, sources close to Okada, WWE, and AEW suggest that the latest rumors appear to be “premature.” So, while Kazuchika Okada might potentially sign with WWE, he still has not made a decision yet.
Okada will face longtime rival Hiroshi Tanahashi at ‘The New Beginning’ in Osaka on February 11 in their last singles match.
