AEW and WWE Lock Horns Over Kazuchika Okada’s Contract Negotiations After Free Agency

Kazuchika Okada finally parted ways with New Japan Pro Wrestling on February 1st, bringing an end to his 17-year-long run with the promotion. Okada is now a free agent and is in the middle of a bidding war between AEW and WWE.

It was also reported that WWE was interested in Kazuchika Okada and there is a chance WWE will end up snatching him up once he becomes a free agent if AEW doesn’t give him a big enough offer.

According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, the indication is that AEW has offered Kazuchika Okada a higher financial deal compared to WWE. WWE’s approach seems to be banking on the idea that if Okada is inclined to join them, he will do so despite the potentially lower offer.

Meltzer highlighted that Okada’s decision may depend on his current career goals, such as worldwide exposure, which favors WWE, maximizing earnings favoring AEW, having the best matches, or a preferable schedule, both of which favor AEW. Ultimately, it boils down to Okada’s priorities at this stage in his career.

“I got the impression is AEW has the higher offer, and WWE is going with the idea that if Okada wants to come to WWE, he’ll come to WWE.”

“It depends on what Okada’s goal is right now in life. If his goal is to have the most worldwide exposure at this point in his career, then WWE’s the place to go. To build up a name, WWE’s the place to go. To make the most money possible, AEW’s the place to go.”

“If it’s to have the best matches possible, AEW’s the place to go. If it’s to have the best schedule, AEW’s the place to go. It’s whatever he wants.”

The Rainmaker has been communicating with WWE talent amid contract negotiations as well. We have also reported Kazuchika Okada’s most likely landing spot following his NJPW departure. Only time will tell whether Kazuchika Okada will actually end up in AEW, or sign with WWE WWE, as the world is truly his oyster right now.

What do you think of this story? Where do you think Kazuchika Okada will go? Let us know in the comments section below!