Kazuchika Okada Leaving New Japan Pro-Wrestling

After much speculation about his future, Kazuchika Okada has revealed he is set to depart New Japan Pro-Wrestling upon the expiration of his deal at the end of January.

Okada’s contract is set to expire on January 31, and whilst some were hopeful he would re-sign after the exit of former NJPW President Takami Ohbari, it seems that ‘The Rainmaker’ is destined to make his mark elsewhere, with WWE and All Elite Wrestling the two most likely destinations.

The news was announced by NJPW on their official website, revealing that Okada will depart after completing his remaining bookings for the company. Okada himself also released a statement, saying the following:

“I have nothing but gratitude for having been a part of New Japan Pro-Wrestling since 2007, and for NJPW bringing me from a 19 year old kid off the plane in Mexico to the Rainmaker I am today. Thank you to the best of companies in NJPW, to the best of opponents that I’ve been able to face here, and to the best of fans that have cheered and booed over the years. I promise to make it rain in every match I have left, so keep watching,” wrote Okada.

In NJPW, Okada is a five-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, two-time IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, and a four time G! Climax winner, amongst other accolades.