The departure of former seven-time IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada from NJPW has been explained by the wrestler himself.
On January 18, New Japan Pro Wrestling dropped a bombshell by announcing that Okada, a seven-time IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, would be leaving the company as his contract concludes on January 31.
Okada is set to make his final appearances on the New Beginning tour in February, with his farewell shows scheduled for February 23 and 24 in Sapporo.
In a candid conversation with Tokyo Sports, Okada shed light on the reasons behind his decision to exit NJPW, saying:
“Initially, my contract was due for renewal this year after a five-year term. It was a time for me to reflect on my journey.”
“When faced with the decision of renewing my contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling or exploring other opportunities, I sensed that this might be my last chance.”
Regarding the timing of his decision, Okada revealed:
“Discussions with the company had been ongoing, and I had been pondering it for a while. However, the decision was only recently solidified.”
Explaining why he chose to leave New Japan, Okada stated:
“After announcing my departure and embarking on the farewell tour, I felt an unsettling comfort.”
“I questioned what that comfort would do to me. I began my wrestling career in Mexico, joined New Japan Pro Wrestling, and transformed into ‘The Rainmaker’ over 12 years.”
“While staying here might allow me to wrestle without hindrance, I don’t want to be the same Kazuchika Okada without that hunger.”
“I don’t want to find myself in a situation where I rest on my laurels. As ‘human’ Okada, I’d have friends and enjoy the ideal environment. However, as ‘wrestler’ Okada, it’s a different scenario.”
Okada’s final encounter in NJPW is set against Hiroshi Tanahashi on February 11 at New Beginning in Osaka. As of now, the company has not disclosed Okada’s last matches in New Japan at NJPW New Beginning in Sapporo on February 23 and 24.
