For the past decade, Kazuchika Okada has been considered one of the best wrestlers in the world, and he has dominated the landscape in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. From lengthy title reigns to magnificent matches that have set the bar for the entire industry, he has been someone that the world has watched and admired.
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With so many major wrestling free agents on the market, there are names that we want to see sign with WWE or AEW.In early 2024, his contract with NJPW is reportedly set to expire, and while he could end up re-signing for the company, there is interest from both WWE and AEW in getting his services. Each company offers distinct positives that could draw him to them when the time comes, potentially bringing Okada to a wider audience shortly.
10 WWE: The Company Is Hotter
WWE Is On Top Right Now
- G1 Climax winner (2012, 2014, 2021, 2022)
- New Japan Cup winner (2013, 2019)
- Five-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion
A big factor in why Kazuchika Okada could end up joining WWE is the fact that the company is on fire right now. Triple H has done a great job since taking control of creative, and he has the product firing on all cylinders to entertain fans.
The company is consistently moving tickets and putting on huge events all around the world, meanwhile, AEW is struggling when it comes to ticket sales. If Okada is looking to go where the momentum is right now, then he might be swayed to join WWE.
9 AEW: Potentially Staying In Japan
Something WWE Wouldn't Offer
- AEW has several wrestlers not living in America
- Okada might be able to stay in Japan and travel
- He's worked for NJPW from 2007 - 2010/ 2010 - Present
A big factor in Kazuchika Okada moving away from NJPW is the idea of having to relocate. That's a huge thing to deal with not only for himself but his family, as he would end up uprooting his life. If he was to join WWE, the company would want him to move to America full-time.
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While these AEW wrestlers started off 2023 on a hot streak, they cooled down considerably throughout the year.However, with AEW there's a chance that wouldn't happen. While it's not guaranteed, the likes of PAC and Will Ospreay have been able to live outside America and be flown in, proving Tony Khan is open to the idea.
8 WWE: A Chance To Showcase Sports Entertainment
It Would Flex A New Muscle
- He is married to voice actress Suzuko Mimori
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter Wrestler Of The Year Winner - 2017
- Two-time IWGP World Heavyweight Champion
While AEW does have storylines, promos, and elements of sports entertainment, for the most part, the company is far more focused on what happens from a bell-to-bell perspective - similar to NJPW. However, WWE would push Kazuchika Okada outside of his comfort zone to flex that entertainment side of himself.
It's something that would push Okada to do something he's never done before, and while that might be a challenge, someone like Okada is likely looking for that at this stage in his career.
7 AEW: A Lighter Schedule
It Would Be Less Demanding
- AEW rarely runs live events
- AEW has three television shows
- AEW currently has fewer PPV events than WWE
One of the benefits of joining AEW is the fact that the company has a much lighter schedule, which means there is distinctly less travel involved for a wrestler. That is often one of the big issues that wrestlers have, as going from different towns daily can be tiring for people.
WWE puts on regular live events which means a wrestler will end up traveling a lot, taking them away from their family and friends which might not be for Okada.
6 WWE: A WrestleMania Moment
It's The Biggest Show
- WrestleMania is now a two-day event
- Okada could appear at WrestleMania 40
- WrestleMania 40 will take place in Philadelphia
While NJPW has Wrestle Kingdom and AEW has created All In, there is nothing that comes close to the grandeur and spectacle of WrestleMania. It's something that genuinely puts WWE ahead of every other company as the idea of competing on one of those shows is a big draw for many.
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WWE fans already have their minds set on CM Punk's WrestleMania opponent. Who should face him at the 40th edition of The Grandest Stage Of Them All?Seeing Okada get a huge WrestleMania moment is something that he deserves for what he's given the industry. With the lights shining the brightest, the Rainmaker could also provide a match that would be seen by a huge audience and would never be forgotten.
5 AEW: Still Work For NJPW
They Have An Active Partnership
- Will Ospreay is set to continue appearing for NJPW
- Gates Of Agony are currently working in NJPW
- AEW and NJPW co-promote Forbidden Door
AEW has opened the Forbidden Door in professional wrestling, and that isn't just something the company does for one night only at the annual cross-promoted PPV with NJPW. Tony Khan actively works with other promotions, whether that be Impact Wrestling, NJPW, Stardom, or indie promotions.
With Okada being proud of his work in NJPW there could be a desire for him to continue working for the company in the long term. If he does want to do that, then joining AEW would likely be his only option as it's hard to see WWE being open to that.
4 WWE: Safer Style
It Would Be Less Taxing On The Body
- He's currently 36 years old
- Began training in 2004
- Has had over 1700 matches
WWE wrestlers work far more dates than those in AEW, but there's a reason why the company has fewer injury problems. That's largely down to the fact WWE pushes a safer style inside the ring, there are fewer big risks and hard-hitting moments with the pressure to put on PPV-quality matches every night not being there.
While some fans don't like the shorter matches that happen on WWE television, it is helpful for the performers and does allow them to work for longer. This could be a factor for Kazuchika Okada, should he want to wrestle for a lot longer.
3 AEW: He's Had The Experience
He Knows How He'll Be Treated
- He debuted for AEW at Forbidden Door (2022)
- He faced Bryan Danielson at Forbidden Door (2023)
- Okada has never won an AEW match (0-3 record)
Because of the open relationship between AEW and NJPW, Kazuchika Okada has had the opportunity to work for the company a few times. Therefore he understands the setup in AEW and has an idea of how he will be treated by the company based on his experiences.
That was a big factor in Will Ospreay ultimately signing for AEW, as he had a connection with Tony Khan. While WWE will likely push Okada well, there is slightly more risk factor in that move than joining AEW.
2 WWE: Becoming A Bigger Star
He'd Be A Household Name
- He has 350k followers on X
- Acted in "My Dad Is A Heel Wrestler"
- Has several television credits
AEW is a big company, and it has a bright future with a lot of big stars. However, at this moment it doesn't come close to WWE, and that is why if Kazuchika Okada wants to become the biggest name possible then WWE would be the right option for him.
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WWE themselves probably regret signing these guys back in the 2000s.WWE is a global company that tours around the world and that would open up far more doors for him professionally and personally. If Okada wants to gain big money from merchandise, video games, and other royalties, then this would be an option.
1 AEW: The Focus Is On Wrestling
This Is His Main Strength
- Tokyo Sports Best Bout Of The Year winner nine times
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter Match Of The Year winner five times
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter Most Outstanding Wrestler Of The Decade (2010s)
When it comes to AEW the focus is very much on what happens inside the ring, and the wrestling standard is extremely high. He would be able to work alongside some of the best wrestlers in the world in an extremely competitive environment which would no doubt create some amazing matches.
That in itself could be a huge drawing factor for him considering how competitive the Rainmaker is. He has always worked to a high standard inside the ring, and having the demands to do that weekly might be enticing.
