AEW was able to sign Kazuchika Okada to a three-year deal, and WWE had interest as well. After this blockbuster deal was confirmed, numbers started coming out. It seems that they are not what they seem to be.
It was reported that Okada’s deal with AEW is worth $4.5 million per year for three years. Although this number might be something that WWE would offer a top star like Roman Reigns or Brock Lesnar, that isn’t what Okada is bringing in.
Okada’s AEW Deal
It was previously reported that Okada is making 2 billion yen over a three-year deal. That would certainly place Okada on top of any company’s payroll.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter noted that this report about Okada’s massive AEW deal is not correct. The actual numbers were not revealed, but they were said to be much lower in reality to what he is actually bringing in.
Okada signed a three-year deal. Tokyo Sports reported Okada signed a three-year deal at 2 billion yen ($13.5 million) over the course of the period of the contract, or an average of $4.5 million annually, but that number is not accurate at all. The real number is considerably lower, but it was still a very large number that he signed for.
What’s Next For Okada
AEW booked Okada as a heel to join the Young Bucks as the newest member of The Elite. Kenny Omega was also fired in the process, which sets up an eventual match between the two old foes.
Omega has no timetable for his return from diverticulitis yet. Okada will have to find other things to do in the meantime, but AEW has no shortage of opponents for The Rainmaker.
It was reported that Okada is moving to the United States as part of his new AEW deal. He will also be a full-time performer for the company. Only time will tell how AEW books him in the weeks to come, but he certainly has the pro wrestling world’s interest.
SEScoops will have more information on this story as additional details are made known.