A new report states that AEW is seen as the likely landing spot for Kazuchika Okada.
Seven-time world champion Kazuchika Okada is set to leave NJPW after the end of his contract. He will finish up with the company in February. Okada has been linked to WWE and AEW. Some fans have wondered whether TNA could be a dark horse as well. He also made a one-off return to the company at the Snake Eyes tapings earlier this month.
Mike Johnson of PWInsider reports that Kazuchika Okada has no future appearances lined up with TNA. Furthermore, he states that AEW is seen as the far more likely landing point for him than WWE. Johnson writes that, per sources familiar with the matter, there have been few, if any, discussions between Okada’s side and WWE.
The report notes that Okada has been loyal to the Young Bucks for years. They formed a bond back in Okada’s time in TNA in 2010. Additionally, Johnson reports that Okada is not scheduled for WWE Royal Rumble on January 27.
In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reports that AEW is confident that both Kazuchika Okada and Mercedes Moné will start with the company soon. Meltzer states that the most recent word was that Okada had not made up his mind. However, sources are confident they will land him. (H/t Joseph Currier of F4WOnline).
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful (via Fightful Select) writes that he has heard much of the same about Kazuchika Okada and AEW’s confidence that they will land him.
WrestleZone will provide more information as it becomes available.
