Former New Japan Pro Wrestling superstar Kazuchika Okada has the wrestling community buzzing as he enters free agency. It was revealed on January 18 that he would be leaving NJPW and is looking to find a new home.
It’s speculated that he will either go to WWE or All Elite Wrestling after his contract expires. Okada is seemingly keeping his decision private as he figures out where he wants to sign.
However, the Japanese wrestling outlet Monthly Puroresu reported on January 23 that they’ve spoken to sources close to Okada, who shared he’s expected to sign with WWE. Furthermore, Puroresu shared that, instead of starting on the main roster, he would compete on WWE NXT, similar to how his friend Shinsuke Nakamura began his WWE career.
Although it’s worth noting Okada hasn’t publicly made a decision, fans started thinking of potential matches for him in WWE NXT. One talent that fans asked about facing the ‘Rainmaker’ is Dijak, who isn’t enthusiastic about the potential matchup.
In response to fans’ interest, Dijak downplayed the idea of facing Okada on Twitter unless it came with bigger stakes.
“I don’t give the slightest sh*t about wrestling Okada unless he’s the NXT Champion, so you can take your fantasy booking nonsense and go F yourself with it,” wrote Dijak
It’s unclear if Dijak is responding in character or if he feels this way. He is currently focused on becoming an NXT Champion but is also involved in a feud with Joe Gacy. If Okada were to join WWE NXT, he’d seemingly be another opponent that would stand in Dijak’s way of becoming champion.
That said, AEW is confident they’ll sign Okada instead.
Conflicting Reports On Kazuchika Okada Free Agent Status
Although Puroresu reported that Okada is seemingly WWE-bound, other outlets have shared that AEW believes they will be with them soon, including recently Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer.
Meltzer reported on January 26 that “…The last word was that he had not made up his mind. I know people here(AEW) range from hopeful to, I’d perceive as confident he will be coming. If he was to sign, the likely arrival would be around the Greensboro show with his final New Japan date on 2/24.”
It seems nothing is yet set in stone as both companies look to sign Okada. As of now, potential dream matches will have to wait until the former NJPW superstar decides.