Kazuchika Okada To Become Free Agent In 2024
Kazuchika Okada has been a mainstay in NJPW but, in 2024, he could trade that for a new home.
Kazuchika Okada In 2024
Kazuchika Okada is a five-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and is considered by many to be the face of New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Since joining the promotion in mid-2007, Okada has been a mainstay within the promotion but, in 2024, he could trade that in for a new home.
Sports Illustrated reported on Monday, December 4 that Okada is set to enter free agent status as early as the end of January in 2024. Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated wrote:
“Kazuchika Okada is about to become a free agent, Sports Illustrated has learned.
The face of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Okada’s current contract expires at the end of January. While a new deal with New Japan would typically be underway, Okada, 36, is seriously entertaining the possibility of wrestling for a different promotion.”
Justin Barrasso, Sports Illustrated
‘The Rainmaker’ has already had international exposure, making appearances on both the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door events. In the past, Okada has also made appearances for Impact Wrestling (formerly TNA) and CMLL.
The Sports Illustrated report also notes that continuing to reside in Japan remains a top priority for Okada. The former champion is set to be in action when he wrestles Bryan Danielson at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 on January 4, 2024.