Why Kazuchika Okada Left NJPW: The Inside Story

Kazuchika Okada, a well-known wrestler, is set to leave NJPW this month as his contract comes to an end. He has caught the attention of AEW and WWE, but as of now, he has not committed to either organization.

In an interview with Tokyo Sports, Okada shared his reasons for departing from New Japan Pro Wrestling.

“First and foremost, my contract was due to expire after five years, which made me stop and think about my future. I had to decide whether to renew my contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling or explore other opportunities. It felt like a now or never moment for me. The company did try to persuade me to stay, but after much contemplation, I made the tough decision to leave,” Okada explained.

He went on to say, “When I announced my departure and went on the farewell tour, I realized that I had become too comfortable. I wondered what it would be like to challenge myself in a new environment. Starting my wrestling journey in Mexico, then joining New Japan Pro Wrestling and eventually becoming a renowned wrestler known as the rainmaker over the span of 12 years, I began to feel complacent. I didn’t want to lose the drive and hunger that had gotten me to where I am today. Staying with the familiar might be easy, but I didn’t want to stagnate. As a person, I may have friends here and be in a comfortable environment, but as a wrestler, I needed a change.”