Kazuchika Okada’s First Free Agent Day Starts WWE-AEW Bidding War That Tony Khan Might Win

The latest hot talent who is about to be a free agent is Kazuchika Okada. The star’s contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) expired as of February 2024. With the amount of talent under his belt and the name he has made for himself, he can go to any major wrestling promotion of his liking. As soon as the word got out, the two biggest promotions in the business, WWE and AEW began their bidding wars. However, it looks like AEW might be winning this tug-o-war.

Will Kazuchika Okada turn All Elite?

According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, the Rainmaker is said to be weighing both options meticulously before making the big move. It is stated that Okada has had some words with people at WWE. While both parties are in talks right now, the NJPW star has reached out to a few stars on the WWE roster to understand the company’s approach and “gauge his offers” before making a decision.

Talking about AEW, Sapp’s comments feel like Tony Khan might be on the winning side. It has been stated that AEW is looking fairly confident about securing Okada. According to Sapp, AEW has stated that they have made an offer that could be said to be a substantial one. Apart from that, tentative plans for his official debut are already underway. The preparations for his debut started almost a month ago and it looks like AEW is going all in.

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Fans had witnessed something similar a couple of months ago. With AEW winning that tug-o-war, chances are high that they might win this one as well, as Okada has a familiar face on the AEW roster.

Why does AEW have the upper hand?

Back in November 2023, it was announced that one of the NJPW’s top talents, Will Ospreay, will be signing with AEW. While Ospreay still has part of his tenure left at the Japan-based promotion, he will be coming to AEW once he fulfills the contract. When the Aerial Assasin went free agent, both WWE & AEW started with their bidding wars. While WWE was trying to reprise an old division with the help of Ospreay, AEW planned to include him on the main roster.

What made it easier for Ospreay to transition to AEW might be the relationship between AEW and NJPW. Fans are familiar that both companies have opened the ‘forbidden door’ and stars from both companies often perform on the other promotion. Apart from that, Ospreay had revealed in an interview his personal biases for AEW that made him sign with Tony Khan. Where do you think Kazuchika Okada end up?

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