A new report has revealed the main reason why former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada signed with AEW.
On the March 6 post-AEW Revolution episode of AEW Dynamite, Kazuchika Okada made his official debut for the company and turned heel by aligning with The Young Bucks and attacking Eddie Kingston.
In the process, Okada joined The Elite after Matthew and Nicholas Jackson suspended Hangman Adam Page and fired Kenny Omega from the group.
In a new report from Sports Illustrated, Justin Barrasso reports that working with The Elite was the “deciding factor” when choosing between WWE and AEW for Okada.
The report notes that Okada loved the idea of being part of a WrestleMania and that WWE was under real consideration before his decision to join AEW.
Sources in both AEW and NJPW stated that Okada feels his best opportunity to succeed is in his new promotional home, which is one that will not force he or his family to move from Japan if they choose not to.
Okada’s relationship with Matthew and Nicholas Jackson ultimately helped make his decision to sign with Tony Khan’s promotion.
The report also notes that The Young Bucks added an Easter egg built into the robes they wore for their entrance before they challenged Sting and Darby Allin for the AEW World Tag Team Titles at AEW Revolution.
Barrasso also reported on the trust Okada has in AEW CEO Tony Khan who signed him to multi-million dollar contract for multiple years.
The decision for Okada to debut as a heel was Tony Khan’s, with the agreement of Okada, The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega.
The long term goal of “The Rainmaker” joining The Elite is to lead to the natural rivalry with Omega at some point in the future.
Following the segment on Dynamite, Okada is expected to feud with Eddie Kingston over the AEW Continental Crown Championship.
This new version of The Elite with Kazuchika Okada and The Young Bucks will make their trios in-ring debut this Saturday, March 9 on AEW Collision.
JJA Sport Studio will provide any further updates on Kazuchika Okada’s signing with AEW when they become available.
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