Kazuchika Okada opens up about his looming NJPW departure, following the announcement that he would be leaving the company at the end of his contract.
Kazuchika Okada had been with NJPW since 2007, as he came up through the dojo system. Since then, he has become one of the company’s top stars. He is a seven-time world champion and a four-time G1 Climax winner, among other accolades.
Speaking with Tokyo Sports, Kazuchika Okada was asked about his decision to leave. (Translation via DeepL)
“First of all, this was the fifth (and final) year of my contract,” Kazuchika Okada said. “It was a good time for me to think about something. When I thought about whether I would sign another contract with New Japan Pro-Wrestling…or whether I would look at other worlds, I thought that this might be my last chance.”
Kazuchika Okada: I Felt Too Comfortable
Okada was then asked when he made the decision. He stated that they had been talking about it. He then noted that he made up his mind recently. The former world champion was then asked why he finally chose to leave.
“After announcing that I was quitting and going on a tour… I guess I felt too comfortable, [and] I wondered about that,” Kazuchika Okada said. “I started my wrestling career in Mexico, came to New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and became a rainmaker 12 years ago.
“Maybe if I stay here, I can wrestle without any inconvenience. But I don’t want to become the same Kazuchika Okada who doesn’t have that kind of hunger. I don’t want to be in a situation where I have to rest on my laurels. If I were “human” Okada Kazuchika, I would have friends here, and it would be the best environment. But as “wrestler” Okada, I felt different.”
Kazuchika Okada On His How His Departure Affects NJPW
During the interview, it was noted that even with high hopes for the future, it was shocking to see the face of the company leave. Okada states that his exit was not an opportunity, but rather a “pinch.” However, he expressed how anyone who could “save it” would benefit.
“One thing I can say for the future of New Japan Pro-Wrestling is that it is not an opportunity at all,” Kazuchika Okada said. “It’s not that there is an opening because I’m gone, but I can say with certainty that it’s a pinch. I think it would be a mistake for the next generation to think, “Okay, this is a chance. Whoever can save this pinch will get a chance.
WrestleZone will provide more information about Kazuchika Okada’s future as it becomes available.
