Kazuchika Okada Is leaving NJPW
In a stunning development, New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) announced on January 18th that Kazuchika Okada, who has been an integral part of the company for 16 years, will be departing after his contract expires on January 31st. Since debuting with NJPW in 2007, Okada has made an indelible mark as one of its top luminaries, and his absence is sure to leave fans and colleagues keenly aware. The impending departure of Okada has not only caused a stir among fans but also within the NJPW community. Hiroshi Tanahashi, who is the President and Representative Director of NJPW, shared his thoughts on this matter. In an interview with Tokyo Sports, he expressed gratitude towards Okada for his contributions to the company and said that it was unfortunate that they would be losing such talent in their midst. Additionally, Tanahashi stated how much he had enjoyed witnessing matches between Okada and emerging talents; hence, he wished there were more opportunities for them before parting ways eventually. Tanahashi expressed his gratitude and mentioned that he would have preferred to witness more matches with the upcoming generation. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that New Japan had made significant efforts towards this goal. Tanahashi also desired for wrestlers to broaden their horizons beyond just New Japan wrestling and strive globally. Tanahashi’s statement reveals the mixed emotions surrounding Okada’s leaving NJPW. Although there is a longing for more bouts with him, his unwavering commitment to the promotion cannot be ignored, and it is wished that he prospers worldwide. Okada’s impact is remarkable, with a legacy that cannot be overlooked. As a five-time IWGP heavyweight champion, his fourth reign holds the record for being the longest ever at 720 days. He also outshines all competitors as a two-time IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and currently adds to his accomplishments by holding the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship, proving himself to be an adaptable performer in multiple arenas. As Okada bids farewell to the wrestling realm, it’s crucial to grasp the gravity of such an undertaking. By opting for a stable occupation in a foreign enterprise, he is poised to make history as Japan’s premier wrestler who has ever ventured out full-time abroad. His move sets forth a massive shift within Japanese wrestling geography; his choice also highlights how industry dynamics are rapidly transforming and that wrestlers can explore exciting prospects beyond NJPW. Hiroshi Tanahashi feels a strong sense of pride for Kazuchika Okada’s accomplishments that echoes deeply. “I hope he takes his New Japan success with him when going abroad and shows the world what Kazuchika Okada is capable of,” remarked Tanahashi in relatable admiration for his previous NJPW departure, Shinsuke Nakamura. Okada’s departure, alongside well-known figures such as Will Ospreay and Kota Ibushi, has raised uncertainties about NJPW’s future trajectory. Nevertheless, Tanahashi holds a positive outlook on the matter by highlighting that these departures should be acknowledged with composure. He emphasizes how NJPW is devoted to cultivating emerging talent and reassures fans of their preparations for an upcoming era. “I view talents exiting NJPW not as a test but rather as an opportunity to adapt and progress. It’s a common occurrence in wrestling organisations, and we’ll weather the storm. New Japan is committed to nurturing its up-and-coming wrestlers, so we can anticipate an exciting evolution of the company,” stated Tanahashi confidently. Tanahashi’s words of assurance offer a ray of hope to fans of NJPW who are concerned about the loss of significant players. The focus on fostering fresh talent highlights the company’s dedication towards progress and transformation. With the New Beginning series of shows coming to an end, fans are feeling differently about Okada finally leaving NJPW. It calls to mind the past that is going away, yet at the same time, it arouses intense enthusiasm for what will happen next. The departure of an icon provides a chance for the new faces to appear at centre stage and provide their own lines. NJPW’s history is legendary. The history of Japanese wrestling has changed since Kazuchika Okada left NJPW. This legendary scene does not just touch on professional wrestling; it foreshadows the metamorphosis that this industry as a whole undergoes. While Hiroshi Tanahashi said thank you and praise to Okada, supporters are not only reviewing his extraordinary performances but also waiting for the next episodes of Japanese wrestling.
Pro Wrestling Updates: Mercedes Mone’s Contract, Elaina Gu’s WWE Tryout, NJPW Renews AXS TV Deal, And January Schedule Revealed
As early as December, there were rumours among wrestling fans that Mercedes Mone would team up with AEW. But according to Fightful Select, tentative plans had been derailed. By all accounts, it seems AEW and Mone’s cooperation was further than ever apart on contractual terms. The details of these contractual disagreements remained shrouded in mystery, forcing fans to guess about the nature of this impasse. Fightful Select explained that when social media said this door was closed between AEW and Mone’, there has been no confirmation received. Fightful Select ruled out headline-making rumors that Mone’s AEW debut plans had been cancelled. There were never any concrete plans for her big stage première in the first place. NJPW expressed willingness to bring Mone’ back into the fold. Mone’ is not working with NJPW right now, but there have been no reports of any recent discussions between the two. Sidelined with a broken ankle, her most recent appearance was at the NJPW Resurgence in May 2023. WWE’s 2024 Plans and an Unlikely Turnabout for Elaina Gu Looking forward, it looks like WWE is preparing for discussions with a number of free agents at the beginning of 2024. But at present, the word going around does not include Mercedes-Benz’s. According to Fightful Select, as of now, there are no plans or discussions within the creative team about Mone’s possible return. At the same time, a rather unexpected newcomer to pro wrestling is Elaina Gu. She was just a Princeton University swimmer not long ago. Gu, who was at the last WWE tryout of 2015 in Orlando, Florida, has an unusual background for a potential grappler. A graduate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Gu swam in her youth, then went on to fitness training after graduation. With an impressive social media fan base, her transition from swimming to wrestling could throw another into the mix in a truly wide-ranging field of talent in wrestling. The WWE tryout gathered together athletes from a wide range of sports realms, including boxers and weightlifters, as well as players from rugby teams or even football (soccer) clubs. Also of note, among those in the group were also people with titles ranging from nurses to cosplayers and fitness instructors—a testament that there are all manner of backgrounds undoubtedly found across professional aggregators. NJPW’s Continued Partnership with AXS TV: What’s in Store for 2024? TV-wise, AXS TV has an official extension of its programming contract with New Japan Pro-Wrestling. They are now set to work together through 2024. So the deal promises fans 45 new episodes next year. The season will start on January 11, 2024. Users of AXS TV Now receive a special treat as well when classic NJPW matches air every Sunday beginning January 7, 2024. As the pro wrestling world turns, rumours and speculations often take centre stage, providing fans with a rollercoaster of emotions. Recently, the spotlight has been on Mercedes Mone’, whose contractual status has been a topic of much debate. Additionally, the wrestling landscape has seen some intriguing developments, including Elaina Gu’s WWE tryout and NJPW renewing its deal with AXS TV. Let’s dive into the details and unravel the latest happenings in the squared circle. AXS TV has announced an exciting schedule for January. Set to broadcast on January 11, Wrestle Kingdom 18 includes a triple threat match for the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship between Will Ospreay, Jon Moxley, and David Finlay. One week later, on January 18, O.K.D. takes place with a rematch between The Rainmaker Kazuchika Okada and the American Dragon Bryan Danielson, who met back in June at Forbidden Door 2. Finally, on January 25, G1 CLIMAX 33 winner Tetsuya Naito faces off against SANADA in a quest to become the new IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. AXS TV NOW’s January schedule of classic NJPW episodes pairs up with new content, featuring the best moments from Wrestle Kingdom 7 to 13. A diverse lineup should entertain even the most jaded of New Japan pro-wrestling fans and possibly win over a few newcomers to boot. Meanwhile, every day, the pro wrestling scene changes. Contract negotiations, the new guy on the block overnight, and television partnerships determine what we see each week. 2024’s coming The extensive interest in professional wrestling that is just around the corner means that these developments can now be seen unfolding before your very eyes within weeks. A new chapter of excitement is about Begin Ransha Guilian. Whether it’s the mysterious uncertainty about Mercedes Mone (how much longer she will be with WWE and when), Elaina Gu on her big journey to try out for a pro contract in Florida, or whether they are still deeper into NJPW and making their presence felt yet unknown, or even if it is continuing what they began last fall, either way, that world of wrestling