Tag: Kazuchika Okada

AEW’s Kazuchika Okada Announced As Hiroshi Tanahashi’s Final Opponent At Wrestle Kingdom 20

The end of an era is officially upon us. New Japan Pro Wrestling has confirmed that Hiroshi Tanahashi’s final match will be against none other than his greatest rival, Kazuchika Okada, at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4, 2026.

The announcement went down during NJPW’s Road in Anjo event, where Okada made a surprise return to the company for the first time since moving to AEW in early 2024. The Tokyo Dome crowd won’t just witness Tanahashi’s farewell—they’ll see one of the most iconic rivalries in wrestling come full circle.

In an emotional moment, Okada stepped into the ring and echoed the same words he said to Tanahashi over a decade ago, following their legendary 2012 encounter:

“Congratulations on your retirement, and thanks for all your hard work.”

Longtime NJPW booker Gedo joined Okada in the ring, emphasizing that there was no better way for Tanahashi to close his career. “Okada is on a whole other level,” Gedo said, promising a sendoff worthy of The Ace of New Japan.

Tanahashi and Okada’s feud helped define modern New Japan, producing classics that elevated both men to icon status and drew international attention to the promotion. From their epic Tokyo Dome clashes to their fierce battles over the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, their rivalry has become the stuff of legend.

Now, after decades of carrying NJPW on his back, Tanahashi will have one final chance to go out on the biggest stage against the opponent who pushed him to his limits—and ultimately helped shape the legacy of both men.

The emotional showdown is set for January 4, 2026, live from the Tokyo Dome and streaming worldwide on NJPW World.

The Ace’s final match. The Rainmaker’s return. One more Tokyo Dome classic awaits.

Omega vs. Okada Set for AEW All In 2025 in Blockbuster Title Unification Match

AEW just raised the stakes for All In 2025 in a massive way — and fans are already responding.

On this week’s AEW Summer Blockbuster special, it was officially announced that Kenny Omega will go one-on-one with Kazuchika Okada in a high-stakes title unification match, pitting the AEW International Championship against the AEW Continental Championship. The winner will walk out of Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas as the inaugural AEW Unified Champion.

According to Fightful Select, this dream clash has been in the works for nearly a year, with AEW reportedly locking in plans for Omega vs. Okada as far back as December 2024 — before Omega’s recent return to New Japan Pro Wrestling. The match not only reunites two of the most iconic rivals of the last decade, but also repositions AEW’s mid-card titles under a single, more prestigious banner.

While some speculated the new belt might carry the historic “Intercontinental” label, sources say AEW never seriously considered that name. Instead, the AEW Unified Championship is internally viewed as a major title — not just a mid-card placeholder, but a division-defining accolade meant to sit just beneath the World Championship in prominence.

And the announcement is already paying off. AEW reportedly moved over 1,400 additional tickets for All In 2025 in the week following the reveal — a clear sign that the Omega-Okada rivalry still draws major attention.

For fans worried about the fate of the Continental Classic tournament — don’t be. Despite the title merger, AEW is expected to continue the annual tourney in future years, likely with new stakes or perhaps feeding into the Unified title picture.

With two of the best wrestlers of this generation set to collide on one of AEW’s biggest stages, All In 2025 is shaping up to be another can’t-miss moment in wrestling history. The road to All In Texas just got a lot more epic.

Jack Perry And The Elite Destroy Tony Khan In Closing Segment Of AEW Dynamite

After an eight-month absence from AEW television, Jack Perry returned on “AEW Dynamite,” hitting the ring in the main event segment to ask AEW President Tony Khan to shake his hand, reinstate him, and “continue to change the world together.” Perry got all that he asked for and more, punching Khan in the stomach and setting him up for further damage at the hands of The Elite.

Perry, who was last seen in AEW at All In in August of 2023 before Sunday’s surprise appearance at Dynasty, showed up with The Young Bucks and Kazuchika Okada at the start of tonight’s show, walking into the arena through the back and eventually ending up in Khan’s office. Later in the show, it was revealed that Perry and Khan would meet in the ring, setting the stage for the latter’s first physical involvement in the company’s five-year history.

Beginning the segment by addressing the Jacksonville crowd by saying he’s had some of the best times in his life there, Perry pivoted in saying that they had business to handle and that he wanted to do it face to face with Khan. After Perry admitted that the two have had ups and downs, not always seeing eye to eye, the former Jungle Boy said, “I swear to God, the only thing I have ever wanted is what’s best for AEW.” The two would then embrace, raising each other’s hands before Perry’s attack, and ultimately, The Young Bucks finishing Khan off with none other than the TK Driver.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1783488633615573029

As the show went off air, a slew of AEW stars rushed toward the ring and to Khan’s side, along with Shahid Khan, Tony’s father, and AEW co-owner, who looked stunned and concerned for his fallen son.

Backstage News On How Hard Tony Khan Is Selling Attack From The Elite On AEW Dynamite

Fightful Select reports that its sources in AEW say Khan didn’t simply sell the attacks on-camera, but has since been selling his resulting storyline injury as well. The upcoming Parking Lot Brawl between Trent Barretta and Chuck Taylor was filmed early on Thursday, and their sources say Khan was on set during the match, seen wearing a neck brace. Some have also questioned if Khan will be seen with the brace in the coming days during the NFL Draft, but for now it’s unknown if he will do so.

Khan’s involvement in the angle seems to have positioned Perry as an even bigger heel than he was before his suspension. Interestingly, while his heel turn was originally welcomed, he still received a significant amount of criticism. Since his return to wrestling and embracing his role in CM Punk’s AEW departure, it seems like fans are now warming up to him as a believable villain, especially after last night. Bully Ray and Tommy Dreamer also recently gave their takes on the heel version of The Elite, noting how Perry has sold lots of merch lately. However, both the veterans criticized Perry for directly referencing Punk, considering that he’s no longer signed to AEW. Bully also questioned Perry’s heel turn, and suggested that he should’ve actually been a babyface since Punk was the one who got physical first.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Backstage Update On When Kazuchika Okada Will Debut With AEW

The rainy season is coming to All Elite Wrestling, as “The Rainmaker” will be landing in the promotion very soon.

Fightful Select is reporting that there are tentative plans to have the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion “in the fold” by March 6, the date of next week’s “AEW Dynamite.” On today’s pre-Revolution Media Call, AEW President Tony Khan alluded to having a big surprise planned for next week’s “Dynamite” in Atlanta, GA. If the surprise is Okada, that would mean he’d be debuting after Will Ospreay’s fullt-ime AEW debut against Konosuke Takeshita at Revolution and before “AEW Dynamite: Big Business” on March 13, which is when former IWGP Women’s Champion Mercedes Mone is likely to debut.

Okada has been the franchise face of NJPW for much of the last decade — a multi-time heavyweight champion and G1 Climax winner — but decided to leave the promotion when his contract expired in January. Okada finished up his scheduled dates with NJPW over the course of February, including a match with old rival Hiroshi Tanahashi, with his last match taking place on February 24 at NJPW New Beginning In Sapporo Night 2, where he teamed with Tomohiro Ishii, Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI and Toru Yano to defeat Matt Riddle, United Empire’s Jeff Cobb, Great-O-Khan, Callum Newman and Francesco Akira. As of his retirement, Okada was NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Champion alongside YOSHI-HASHI and Hiroshi Tanahashi. The reign lasted 266 days and was Okada’s first non-world title in NJPW.

Okada marks the third former NJPW free agent AEW has signed for a March debut.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Major Update On Kazuchika Okada’s Future

Kazuchika Okada is parting ways with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and it’s believed that WWE and AEW are both chasing his signature. However, the former IWGP World Champion might have made his decision already, as Fightful Select reports that he’s AEW-bound.

According to the report, the deal is almost complete and should be complete soon, barring unforeseen circumstances. Furthermore, AEW officials have reportedly been confident about landing him since January. It’s unknown when he’s scheduled to debut as of this writing, but it will likely be after he finishes his commitments to NJPW, and there’s been speculation that he could show up on AEW television in the first half of March. Additionally, AEW’s creative team is believed to be bouncing creative ideas for Okada, but details about their plans are unknown for the time being. 

The report also states that Okada held talks with WWE, noting that he considered the pros and cons of joining the sports entertainment promotion. The Japanese star reportedly wants to participate in a match at a WWE WrestleMania event, but that outcome now looks unlikely as he seems to be joining the competition.

Earlier this year, Tony Khan revealed that he’s focused on the free agent market in 2024, and some big signings are expected to join his company soon. In March, Mercedes Mone will reportedly debut on the “AEW Dynamite: Big Business” special. Furthermore, Will Ospreay has confirmed that he’s coming to AEW when he’s completed his obligations to NJPW, which just so happens to be this month.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Backstage Update – Kazuchika Okada In Talks With WWE, AEW Confident About Signing Him

Kazuchika Okada’s contract with NJPW expired at midnight Japan Standard Time, making him a free agent.

Pro Wrestling Tees announced that Okada’s shirts will be pulled from the site, which caused fans to speculate about the future of the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.

Fightful is reporting that Pro Wrestling Tees pulling Okada’s merchandise is connected to the expiration of his NJPW contract.

Additionally, while Okada was still technically under contract with NJPW, the Bushiroad promotion was said to be “very understanding” with the 36-year-old wrestler negotiating with other companies since he made it clear he won’t be re-signing. Things are reportedly amicable between both sides.

There have been talks between WWE and Okada. According to certain WWE talents, Okada has spoken to roster members to gauge his potential offers, learn more about WWE’s approach, and help decide his future.

It is to be noted that WWE has not put any creative plans in place for Okada, and no pitches have been made in this regard.

AEW has been fairly confident about signing Okada. In fact, Tony Khan was so confident that AEW put tentative plans together for Okada’s potential debut. AEW has reportedly made a “substantial offer” to Okada.

Barry Bloom is representing Okada and acting as his agent.

Despite the expiration of his NJPW contract, Okada still has some New Japan dates he will be finishing up next month including a final match with Hiroshi Tanahashi scheduled for NJPW’s The New Beginning in Osaka on February 11.

Source: eWn

Backstage Details On Kazuchika Okada’s Upcoming Departure From NJPW

With the confirmation of Kazuchika Okada, the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, parting ways with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, backstage reports have emerged concerning his free agency.

As per a report by “Fightful Select,” it was plain to see that at the end of Okada and NJPW’s conversation, the current NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champion was to leave the promotion. Several sources who spoke with “Fightful” were surprised by Thursday night’s news since they expected the news of his departure to be released sometime next week. However, there are reportedly no hard feelings between the promotion and the longtime NJPW star.

Sources also reportedly told “Fightful” that they are confident that they will be able to create new talent in both Japan and the United States, and aren’t too worried about losing one of the biggest stars of the company.

Regarding the Japanese star’s next move, the report stated that it’s too early to determine but AEW is interested in him. WWE sources, meanwhile, revealed that they haven’t heard of any talks between the two parties and that they didn’t think Okada would be interested in the move. If ‘The Rainmaker’ does end up in WWE, he would be joining the likes of former five-time IWGP Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura, as well as former Bullet Club leaders Finn Balor and AJ Styles in making the switch from NJPW to the American promotion.

Okada most recently took part in TNA Wrestling’s Snake Eyes show on January 14, where he teamed with The Motor City Machine Guns. His last NJPW match was the day before the TNA event on January 13, where he defeated former NJPW and current AEW star Will Ospreay at Battle in the Valley. 

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Former IWGP World Champion Kazuchika Okada Parting Ways With New Japan Pro-Wrestling

The free agency market will soon welcome in a new addition.

Last month, reports indicated that the NJPW contract of former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada was set to expire at the end of January. With this expiration fastly approaching, New Japan Pro-Wrestling has now confirmed that Okada will be departing from the promotion upon the conclusion of his deal on January 31.

In the wake of this announcement, NJPW has also provided Okada’s official statement about his upcoming exit from NJPW. “I have nothing but gratitude for having been a part of New Japan Pro-Wrestling since 2007, and for NJPW bringing me from a 19 year old kid off the plane in Mexico to the Rainmaker I am today,” Okada said. “Thank you to the best of companies in NJPW, to the best of opponents that I’ve been able to face here, and to the best of fans that have cheered and booed over the years. I promise to make it rain in every match I have left, so keep watching.”

Despite his impending entry into the free agency market, Okada is still scheduled to be present at a trio of NJPW shows next month. After he completes his appearance at The New Beginning event in Osaka on February 11, “The Rainmaker” will head to Sapporo as The New Beginning series continues on February 23 and 24.

Okada’s most recent NJPW match took place at Battle in the Valley on January 13, where he defeated another IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Will Ospreay. The next day, Okada made his way to Las Vegas for TNA Snake Eyes.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Okada Says NJPW Is ‘Far Superior’ To WWE, NJPW On Okada Topping PWI 500

Image result for Okada NJPW

Pro Wrestling Illustrated spoke with Okada, who was number one in this year’s PWI 500. Okada was asked if he ever considered going to WWE, much like AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura.

“It’s not something I think about,” Okada replied. “New Japan is far superior to WWE when it comes to the quality of the roster and the quality of the matches. One thing I will say is that I do pay attention to what Finn Balor, AJ, and Nakamura are doing, and they look like they’re having fun. I might want to wrestle them again someday, but I might want to do that in New Japan. Hell, I might want to be like some other people and become a movie star or join the UFC. You never know.”

NJPW sent out an announcement congratulating Okada on becoming the first-ever Japanese wrestler to receive the number one spot in the PWI 500. Okada also retweeted the tweet below on the achievement.

Source: WrestlingINC

WWE Interested In NJPW Star Okada, Other Major International Signings Expected This Year

Source: WrestlingINC

Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that WWE officials are interested in New Japan Pro Wrestling star Kazuchika Okada. The current IWGP Heavyweight Champion worked for TNA in 2010 and 2011.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that WWE officials are interested in Okada because he’s tall. Okada is billed at 6-foot-3. NJPW has offered a five-year deal to Okada and he’s said he will remain loyal to the company but it’s not known yet if he accepted the deal. It’s believed NJPW would offer more money than WWE just to keep him there.

WWE is expected to make several aggressive talent signings from Mexico, Japan and the UK over the next few months. There are reportedly looking at other Japanese organizations and are said to be interested in one top name from Lucha Underground and AAA. No word yet on who that wrestler is but he has never worked for a mainstream US organization and is unhappy with the creative in Lucha Underground.