Kazuchika Okada Explains Absence from NJPW Wrestle Dynasty Event

Kazuchika Okada parted ways with NJPW back in 2024 and wasted no time joining AEW, debuting back in March last year. Many fans expected him to compete at the NJPW Wrestle Dynasty event this month but that didn’t happen and now Okada has addressed his absence from the event.

While speaking to Tokyo Sports, The Rainmaker was asked about his absence from Wrestle Dynasty. He explained that he doesn’t think it’s the right time for him to participate. He mentioned leaving Japanese matches with the mindset that he wouldn’t compete again.

Okada shared that if his focus shifted back to wanting to perform in the U.S., it might change his perspective, but for now, he has no plans to compete in one-off matches. This certainly confirms his current feelings about his wrestling career.

“I can’t really say anything about it (laughs bitterly). Whether I get an offer or not is another matter, but I don’t think it’s the right time yet. I quit with the feeling that I would never compete again (in Japanese matches). If I were to go back while I was feeling like I wanted to fight well in the US, then something might have changed in my feelings. I don’t have any intention of competing in a single match, so that’s the feeling I had when I went to the US.”

Advertising

Advertising

Kazuchika Okada is still a big name in wrestling as he takes on new challenges in AEW. He decided to leave NJPW to focus on wrestling in the U.S., showing his personal goals and how wrestling is changing. Fans might hope to see him back in NJPW someday, but for now, he’s following a different path in his career.

What are your thoughts on Kazuchika Okada’s decision to prioritize his AEW career over returning to NJPW? Do you think we’ll see him back in Japan’s wrestling scene someday? Share your opinions and feedback in the comments below!