News

Why Kazuchika Okada Signed With AEW Instead Of WWE Revealed

By John Canton • Published 9th March 2024
The Elite AEW kazuchika okada aew young bucks

Details have been revealed about what made Japanese wrestling legend Kazuchika Okada choose to sign with AEW instead of going to WWE.

The Young Bucks (Matthew & Nicholas Jackson) had a huge announcement on the March 6th episode of AEW Dynamite when Kazuchika Okada made his official All Elite Wrestling debut. While Okada going to AEW was well-known in the weeks leading up to it, fans didn’t know how he would be introduced.

When Okada got into the ring, it appeared as though he was going to save the AEW Continental Crown Champion Eddie Kingston from an attack by The Young Bucks, Instead, Okada nailed Kingston with a Rainmaker clothesline and made it clear he was coming for Kingston’s titles.

It has been reported by Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso that working with the likes of The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega in AEW appealed to Okada, but he also considered WWE as well.

“Speaking with sources close to AEW and New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Okada feels he will be given the best opportunity to succeed in AEW. WWE was a real consideration for Okada, and he loved the idea of being part of a WrestleMania. But in AEW, Okada is not forced to relocate, and he can continue living in Japan if he chooses. It also means he can partner with the Bucks, and extend his rivalry with Kenny Omega.”

The story also noted that Okada has known The Young Bucks for about 15 years since they are close in age and worked together in Japan plenty of times.

As for what kind of money Kazuchika Okada is making in AEW, there was a report from Tokyo Sports that he would get $4.5 million annually from AEW, but Dave Meltzer noted that the reported number was way too high. However, Okada will be paid very well during his AEW run.

Kazuchika Okada And The Young Bucks In Action On AEW Collision

Fans of Kazuchika Okada and The Young Bucks won’t have to wait too long for Okada’s official AEW in-ring debut. The trio of Okada, Matthew & Nicholas will be in action on AEW Collision, which airs on Saturday, March 9th on TNT. The show was already taped on Thursday, March 7th.