WWE Believe They Have A Better Chance Of Signing Kazuchika Okada

Could Kazuchika Okada actually sign with WWE?

The Rainmaker has been the top star of New Japan Pro-Wrestling for close to a decade, replacing Hiroshi Tanahashi as the ace of the promotion. Okada has been loyal to NJPW over the years and he has never looked likely to leave the company but that has changed in recent days.

It emerged over the past couple of weeks that WWE had renewed their interest in Okada and it has since been noted the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion's deal expires at the end of January 2024 and he is seriously considering leaving New Japan for WWE or All Elite Wrestling. 

AEW are believed to hold an advantage in any deal for Okada since they would allow him to continue living in Japan, something that is said to be a priority for Okada. WWE aren't out of the race for Okada's signature, however, and the company reportedly believe they have a better chance of signing him now than ever before. 

"WWE obviously wants Okada, they've wanted Okada for how many years, but they do believe that maybe there's a better chance of getting him now than before," Dave Meltzer said on Wrestling Observer Radio. 

WWE have been interested in multiple NJPW talents in 2023, including Tama Tonga and Will Ospreay. Tonga ended up remaining with New Japan, while Ospreay has put pen to paper on a deal with AEW. 

H/T WrestlePurists