Kazuchika Okada is OFFICIALLY a free agent.
Seven-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Kazuchika Okada offered up his first words since officially becoming a free agent on the morning of February 1, 2024 (Tokyo time).
“Thank you for your support for 17 years of New Japan Pro-Wrestling! Thank you very much! I laughed, got angry, cried, and it was great! I look forward to the remaining three matches as a freelancer!”
– Kazuchika Okada on Becoming a Free Agent
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
Earlier today, it was revealed that Okada filed trademarks for his name to be used for merchandising and entertainment purposes.
Late last night, PWTees was told to remove ALL of Okada’s 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.
