Kazuchika Okada has chosen his next destination after his contract with NJPW recently expired.
The 36-year-old Okada is considered one of the best in-ring talents in the world and is now arguably the hottest free agent in professional wrestling after bringing the curtain down on his 17-year run in NJPW with a victory over Hiroshi Tanahashi at The New Beginning in Osaka on February 11 .
It has long been believed that Okada's next move will be outside of the United States, with talks believed to have recently taken place with WWE about a move to the company.
It looks like World Wrestling Entertainment will be missing its man, however, with Fightful Select reporting that Okada will soon be revealed as the newest member of the AEW roster. The exact date of the Japanese star's appearance is not yet known, but it is believed that he may appear in early March.
Okada's arrival will provide a timely boost for Tony Khan in the face of declining ratings and injuries to top stars like MJF and Kenny Omega.
Kazuchika Okada is extremely underpaid in NJPW
Okada's next move may be money-driven, according to famed wrestling journalist Brian Alvarez, who recently claimed that Okada was being “extremely underpaid” in NJPW.
Tony Khan's undeniable financial strength was likely a major factor in the deal, as the AEW president was also reported to have secured the highly coveted services of Mercedes Mone, formerly known in WWE as Sasha Banks.
