Kazuchika Okada has defined his determination to go away NJPW when his contract expires on the finish of January. Okada could have his closing matches with NJPW in February, marking the tip of his lengthy tenure with the corporate.
In an interview with Tokyo Sports activities, Okada mentioned his determination to half methods with NJPW. He talked about that his contract was up for renewal this 12 months, and after 5 years with the corporate, it felt like the appropriate time to think about his choices. He contemplated whether or not to signal one other contract with NJPW or discover alternatives elsewhere.
“To start with, my contract was up for 5 years this 12 months (the final 12 months of my contract). It was a superb time for me to consider one thing. Once I considered whether or not I might signal one other contract with New Japan Professional-Wrestling…or whether or not I might have a look at different worlds, I believed that perhaps this was my final probability,” he mentioned.
Okada additional elaborated on the timing of his determination, stating that he had been excited about it for some time. Nevertheless, he solely lately made the ultimate selection. He admitted that the consolation of his present place performed a task in his determination to go away. He expressed a want to not turn out to be complacent and to keep up his starvation as a wrestler.
“After asserting that I used to be quitting and occurring the tour…I felt too snug. I puzzled what that may be like. I began my wrestling profession in Mexico, got here to New Japan Professional-Wrestling, and have become a rainmaker 12 years later. Possibly if I keep right here, I can wrestle with none inconvenience. However I don’t wish to turn out to be the identical Kazuchika Okada with out such starvation. I don’t wish to be in a scenario the place I’ve to relaxation on my laurels. If I have been “human” Okada, I might have mates right here, and I might be in the most effective atmosphere. However as “wrestler” Okada, it was totally different.”
The concept of staying in NJPW, the place he has spent most of his profession and achieved nice success, was tempting, however Okada needed to proceed difficult himself and evolving as a wrestler. He didn’t wish to relaxation on his laurels and needed to keep up the drive that has outlined his profession.
Okada could have a high-profile match in opposition to Hiroshi Tanahashi in considered one of his closing NJPW appearances on February 11, marking the tip of an period in his NJPW journey.
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