Real Reason Kazuchika Okada Is Leaving NJPW

Kazuchika Okada shocked the wrestling world when he announced he was leaving New Japan Pro-Wrestling, with many assuming ‘The Rainmaker’ would sign a new contract with NJPW.

The multi-time world champion will officially depart the company after the conclusion of the New Beginning tour, and in conversation with Tokyo Sports*, Okada revealed why now is the time for him to leave New Japan:

"First of all, my contract was up for five years this year (the last year of my contract). It was a good time for me to think about something,” said Okada. “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 maybe this was my last chance.”

Okada continued; “Of course the company talked to me about various things, and I had been thinking about it for a while. It was really only recently that I made the decision."

The exit of Okada will leave a huge hole in NJPW’s main event scene, but Okada himself feels he was too comfortable in the organisation:

"After announcing that I was quitting and going on the tour… I felt too comfortable. I wondered what that would be like. I started my wrestling career in Mexico, came to New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and became a ‘Rainmaker’ 12 years later. Maybe if I stay here, I can wrestle without any inconvenience. But I don't want to become the same Kazuchika Okada without such hunger. I don't want to be in a situation where I have to rest on my laurels. If I were ‘human’ Okada, I would have friends here, and I would be in the best environment. But as ‘wrestler' Okada, it was different,” said Okada.

*translation via Google