Kazuchika Okada leaving NJPW at end of contract

One of the greatest pro wrestlers of all time is entering free agency. It was announced on Thursday night that Kazuchika Okada, the top star in NJPW, will leave the promotion when his contract expires at the end of January. Okada's next destination has not been revealed. Sports Illustrated reported in December that the 36-year-old Okada was seriously entertaining the idea of signing with WWE or AEW. "Kazuchika Okada will be leaving New Japan Pro-Wrestling after the conclusion of his contract on January 31 2024," NJPW wrote. "We apologize to fans for the abrupt nature of this announcement, but join them in wishing Okada the very best in his future." NJPW shared the following statement from Okada: 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