The rationale for Kazuchika Okada signing with AEW vs. WWE has begun to emerge with the leading reason being his desire to work with The Elite.
The NJPW superstar is officially under AEW contract and made his first appearance as a main roster member on this past Wednesday's Dynamite, aligning with The Young Bucks in a new version of The Elite after Matt & Nick Jackson fired Kenny Omega and Hangman Page from the faction.
In a detailed report Friday, SI's Justin Barrasso stated that working with The Elite was the "deciding factor" in Okada signing with AEW even though he loved the idea of being part of a WrestleMania and that WWE was under real consideration.
Citing sources in both AEW and NJPW, Barrasso reported that Okada feels his best opportunity to succeed is in his new promotional home -- one that will not force he or his family to move from Japan if they choose not to.
And then, there's his long-standing relationship with the Jackson brothers. There was also an Easter egg built into the robes they wore before their challenge of Sting & Darby Allin at last Sunday's Revolution in that they were both custom-made after Okada hit free agency and inspired by him.
Barrasso also reported on the trust Okada has in AEW head Tony Khan who signed him to a reportedly multi-million dollar deal for multiple years. According to the report, it was Khan's idea, along with the agreement of the Jacksons, Omega and Okada, who decided Okada should debut as a heel with the natural rivalry with Omega resuming at some point in the future.
The new version of The Elite will make their in-ring debut this Saturday on AEW Collision from Duluth, Georgia. Okada is expected to first feud with Eddie Kingston after he turned on Kingston as part of his Wednesday appearance.
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