A new report provides an update on Kazuchika Okada’s AEW contract and how much the deal is worth.
On the March 6 episode of AEW Dynamite, seven-time world champion Kazuchika Okada joined the company and aligned with the Young Bucks. Tony Khan then confirmed that he had officially signed a deal. Tokyo Sports subsequently reported that Okada’s contract was worth an estimated $13.5 million over three years, which would be valued at nearly $4.5 million per year.
In an update, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that the real number is considerably lower”, as the aforementioned amount was ” not accurate at all.” However, he states that the number was still very large, and he writes that the deal is for three years. (H/t Joseph Currier of F4WOnline.com)
Additionally, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful (via Fightful Select) reports that Okada did not actually sign until fairly recently. Moving forward, he is expected to be full-time with the company. Per Sapp, Okada is planning to relocate to the United States, and he is set to work a complete schedule.
The report also notes that WWE claims there were no talks between the two sides, but WWE sources confirmed that Okada previously reached out to WWE talent while considering his options. Sapp writes that Okada had considered the possibility of going to WWE. In the end, he ultimately signed with AEW. Sapp reports that the plan to have him align with the Young Bucks was made months ago.
Okada and the Young Bucks are set to compete on the March 9 episode of AEW Collision. WrestleZone will have coverage of the show as it airs.
