Kazuchika Okada Set To Leave NJPW Following His Contract Expiration On January 31

Kazuchika Okada is set to depart from NJPW as the company revealed that he will be leaving once his contract concludes on January 31.

Okada is scheduled to wrap up his time with three remaining dates in February, as previously announced.

Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

Kazuchika Okada will be leaving New Japan Pro-Wrestling after the conclusion of his contract on January 31 2024.

We apologise to fans for the abrupt nature of this announcement, but join them in wishing Okada the very best in his future.

As the New Beginning series begins this weekend, Okada will appear on February dates on February 11 in Osaka, and February 23 and 24 in Sapporo. Changes will be made to forthcoming cards with an announcement to follow.

We appreciate your understanding and continued support.

Kazuchika Okada statement:

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. 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.

Okada joined NJPW back in 2007 and has been one of the most successful wrestlers in the company's history. He's held the IWGP World Heavyweight title twice and the IWGP Heavyweight Championship five times. Okada holds the record for the longest reign as IWGP Heavyweight Champion.

Additionally, he's made a few appearances for AEW, including wrestling in both AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door events.

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