In 2023 Tony Khan stated that he would focus more on the free agent market and delivered on his promise. In December 2023, fans saw NJPW’s Aerial Assassin, Will Ospreay, becoming All Elite. After that, the news of another NJPW star, Kazuchika Okada, becoming a free agent broke out. This prompted both AEW and WWE to compete against each other to secure him. Now that Tony Khan has successfully secured Okada in his roster, an old post by WWE’s partner network resurfaced, reminding fans of a dream that WWE once had.

An old theory suggested that Kazuchika Okada would follow in the path of AJ Styles

A post by WWE’s network partner, TNT Sports resurfaced recently after the news of the Rainmaker becoming All Elite broke out. The post was nothing but 6 predictions before the 2022 Royal Rumble. One of the six predictions was that Okada might break all forbidden doors and make his WWE debut in a similar way as that of AJ Styles, by entering the Rumble.

While TNT Sports did not add much detail about their prediction, we can assume that they thought Okada might make his debut in 2022. However, as years passed, WWE fans were still to see the IWGP Heavyweight Champion on the roster.

WWE did open the forbidden door this year at the Royal Rumble by having TNA Knockouts World Champion, Jordynne Grace enter the rumble.

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But did you know Okada could have chosen to be on the WWE roster? So what made him choose AEW?

AEW over WWE for Okada

It was reported that both WWE and AEW were in the race to secure Okada. Sources close to Okada stated that he talked with other talents at WWE trying to understand the work culture of the promotion. If he was considering WWE’s offer, then what made him choose AEW over WWE? The answer to this question might be quite simple. AEW is good with establishing relationships.

Since 2022, AEW has been demonstrating its work culture to other promotions, all thanks to the Forbidden Door event. Okada has worked with various AEW stars in the said event and one of them even wanted him to come to AEW.

Second of all, the Young Bucks, who are the Elites of AEW, share a very good bond with Okada. The two had stated in an interview that they had worked with him when he was on Impact. Since then, the three of them have been friends. What do you think could be the reason why Kazuchika Okada chose AEW over WWE?

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