Kazuchika Okada 2024 free agency megathread

[Chris]

There has been increased talk in WWE of late regarding Kazuchika Okada.

In today's edition of The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, our own Dave Meltzer reports that while WWE has had interest in Okada for years, there's been a renewed push of late to bring him in.

"Obviously they’ve had interest in him for years. But he’s always been loyal to New Japan," Meltzer wrote. "The pitch is that he’s now 36 and he’s close with Nakamura and Nakamura has worked years in WWE and it’s far easier on his body."

"The idea is that WWE is the one thing Okada has never done and he’s done everything he can do in New Japan," Meltzer continued.

One source noted that part of the reason Shinsuke Nakamura is playing a more prominent role on WWE programming lately is to show Okada that the current regime treats Japanese wrestlers better than it did under Vince McMahon.

However, Okada has been on WWE's radar for years and there's nothing to indicate he's interested in leaving NJPW.

"Okada is a name always brought up but there’s no indication there’s anything new to this other than there’s been more talk of late," Meltzer added.

https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/wwe-has-renewed-interest-in-kazuchika-okada

 

[Comrade Khan]

"The idea is that WWE is the one thing Okada has never done and he’s done everything he can do in New Japan," Meltzer continued.

such a lame ass pitch

I have no doubt they are interested in Okada, just like every promotion in the world.

 

[Alexa]

You think Meltzer would understand what an Ace in Japan means by now. And Okada in WWE, would be sad. They would push him for like a year and then give him a dumb gimmick change and so on.

 

[Alexa]

I have no doubt they are interested in Okada, just like every promotion in the world.

Okada showing up at Wrestling Revolver?

 

[Butters]

whether they get him or not I hope it's true about the not under vince stuff. AEW has got a ton of japanese talent and done pretty well with them to make them actually look like threats. A lot of them I don't even know and when they show up it's treated like they are gods basically.

Hopefully WWE starts to do more of that same stuff. really put the talent over when they get there instead of the usual, "you were big in bingo halls, this is wwe" type stuff.

 

[Comrade Khan]

Okada showing up at Wrestling Revolver?

if they could get him, yes

 

[Comrade Khan]

You think Meltzer would understand what an Ace in Japan means by now. And Okada in WWE, would be sad. They would push him for like a year and then give him a dumb gimmick change and so on.

beats Cena on his debut and loses the racist feud to Jinder?

 

[Kim Jong Umb]

If Okada signs that be freaking huge for wwe

 

[Comrade Khan]

WWE just want him to say they have him imo, I don't see anything interesting for him to do there, he doesn't speak english, he's not a character guy like Nak, and outside of a few bangers (which he can have unlimited of in japan) what would even be the point. never beating roman, so who cares.

 

[CakeWalker]

Ignoring fan fiction and BTB dreams - i see no world that Okada isn't in Japan on a full time basis. Drop in with AEW work. Drop in with WWE will never be allowed in the same way. Plus only just a his first child -doubt he is going to convince the missus on a move now

 

[Comrade Khan]

lol yeah that dude ain't never moving to America lol

 

[#Waddles]

Just.. lol.

 

[Alexa]

beats Cena on his debut and loses the racist feud to Jinder?

Something like that yeah

 

[Buffy]

As much as I want to see Okada in WWE, I know it will not happen. Okada will just stay in NJPW.

 

[Finishline]

Okada being 36 is wild to me, first off

Second, of course you would be. You miss out on Ospreay, go land Okada. But much like the Aerial Assassin, I think AEW has a leg up on WWE in this department.