Kazuchika Okada Explains Decision To Leave NJPW

Published: Jan 22, 2024 by SP3 | Last Updated: Jan 22, 2024 by SP3

Born in Harlem, New York and now living in the Bronx, Sid Pullar III aka SP3 is a lifelong wrestling fan who has been covering the industry for over nine years as a podcaster and writer. His passion for the industry has been documented with over 3,000 videos on YouTube and 8,000 written pieces across multiple outlets, such as WrestleTalk, Sports Illustrated and more.

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Kazuchika Okada Explains Decision To Leave NJPW

Former seven-time IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada has explained his decision to leave NJPW.

On January 18, New Japan Pro Wrestling announced that former seven-time IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada will be departing the company at the end of his contract on January 31.

Okada will appear on the New Beginning tour through February with his final set of shows to be on February 23 and 24 in Sapporo.

This shocking announcement has the wrestling world reeling with what will happen to New Japan and which promotion will land “The Rainmaker” next.

Speaking to Tokyo Sports, Kazuchika Okada explained his decision to leave NJPW. He said:

“First of all, my contract was up for five years this year (the last year of my contract). It was a good time for me to think about something.”

“When I thought about whether I would sign another contract with New Japan Pro-Wrestling…or whether I would look at other worlds, I thought that maybe this was my last chance,”

When asked when he made his decision to depart the company, Okada replied:

“Of course the company talked to me about various things, and I had been thinking about it for a while. It was really only recently that I made the decision.”

When asked why he finally decided to leave New Japan, Okada answered:

“After announcing that I was quitting and going on the tour…I felt too comfortable.”

“I wondered what that would be like. I started my wrestling career in Mexico, came to New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and became a rainmaker 12 years later.”

“Maybe if I stay here, I can wrestle without any inconvenience. But I don’t want to become the same Kazuchika Okada without such hunger.”

“I don’t want to be in a situation where I have to rest on my laurels. If I were “human” Okada, I would have friends here, and I would be in the best environment. But as “wrestler” Okada, it was different.”

Kazuchika Okada will face Hiroshi Tanahashi for the final time in NJPW on February 11 at New Beginning in Osaka.

The company has yet to announce Okada’s final matches in New Japan at NJPW New Beginning in Sapporo on February 23 and 24 at the time of this writing.

A new report has revealed WWE’s offer to persuade Okada to sign with the promotion, which you can read at this link.

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