Update: Both Dave Meltzer and Sean Ross Sapp report that sources very close to the Okada negotiations have denied that any deal with WWE has been agreed to.
Original: Kazuchika Okada could be headed to WWE instead of AEW once he’s free and clear of his NJPW deal, which expires at the end of this month.
Lead up
Okada has been on the radar of some in WWE for a while now, as WWE is the one thing that he has never done after doing everything in NJPW, including wrestling at WrestleMania.
As previously reported, both WWE and AEW made pitches for him, and it was believed that AEW had made the stronger first offer, but no contract had been signed. However, both sides still believe they have a chance to sign him.
Sway
Monthly Puroresu, which does a great job of covering NJPW news and conducting interviews with Japanese talent, reported today that one source close to Okada indicated that it appears Okada is WWE-bound.
It was added that Okada could potentially start in NXT first. This is something that AJ Styles didn’t have to do when he left NJPW for WWE in 2016 as he made his promotional debut as a surprise in the Royal Rumble Match.
“Although we’re unable to verify with The Rainmaker himself, one source close to NJPW’s top talent has indicated to Monthly Puroresu that it appears Okada is WWE bound, potentially starting in NXT first.” https://t.co/mED7XTkLdR
— Wrestling News (@WrestlingNewsCo) January 23, 2024
