Kazuchika Okada Files Trademarks For Usage of His Name on Entertainment and Merchandising
Kazuchika Okada continues to prepare for his arrival in the United States.
The free agency bidding war for seven-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Kazuchika Okada continues to dominate headlines. Okada’s deal with NJPW expires on the morning of February 1, 2024, and after that, is free to sign with any promotion including WWE or AEW.
In preparation of his impending signing with any US-based company, Okada has trademarked his name for usage in the realm of merchandising and entertainment.
“Mark For: KAZUCHIKA OKADA trademark registration is intended to cover the categories of hats; Shirts; Socks; Shirts and short-sleeved shirts; Sweatshirts; Hooded sweatshirts.
Entertainment in the nature of wrestling contests; Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibits and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer; Entertainment services, namely, live appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainer; Entertainment services, namely, personal appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainer; Entertainment services, namely, televised appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainer; Providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; Providing online interviews featuring a professional wrestling and sports entertainment personality in the field of professional wrestling and sports entertainment for entertainment purposes.”
– Kazuchika Okada’s Trademark of His Name
On January 18, New Japan Pro Wrestling announced that Okada would be departing the company at the end of the month.
“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.”
-Kazuchika Okada on Leaving NJPW
The news comes just hours after PWTees was told to remove ALL of his merchandise from their store.
While Okada’s worked with AEW in the past, rumors have ramped up in regards to the seven-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion potentially heading to WWE, however, cold water has been tossed onto those rumors as of late.
BodySlam will provide all updates on Kazuchika Okada’s free agency status as they become available.
