Shinsuke Nakamura Comments On Kazuchika Okada Leaving NJPW, Says He Will Support Him

Shinsuke Nakamura comments on Kazuchika Okada’s looming exit from NJPW.

Shinsuke Nakamura comments on Kazuchika Okada’s looming exit from NJPW.

In January, the news that Kazuchika Okada would be leaving NJPW at the end of his contract shocked the wrestling world. The seven-time world champion is wrapping up his commitments, but fans continue to buzz about him, as he has been linked to both AEW and WWE. Like Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura was once a top star in NJPW before he left the company. Nakamura signed with WWE, and he has had a prominent run since he arrived.

Speaking with Tokyo Sports, Nakamura was asked about Okada’s departure from NJPW. (Translation via DeepL).

“How do you view your life, who you are, what you want to become? Only you can make that decision, so the courage to take the step that Okada took…I feel like (Antonio) Inoki when I say it, but once you’ve taken the step, you have no choice but to go on. Of course, I will support him, and if there is anything I can do, I will do it,” Nakamura said.

Nakamura also noted that he did not want Okada to have to experience what he went through when he made a similar move.

“That’s part of it, and also the invisible procedures. There were a lot of hardships I had to go through that I should not have had to go through. I don’t want them to have to go through that, and I hope they will be spoiled,” Nakamura said.

Fightful Select recently reported an update on Kazuchika Okada’s future.

Okada’s last NJPW match has been announced for NJPW New Beginning in Sapporo. More information is available here.

Bryan Danielson has said he wants Kazuchika Okada to come to AEW. Check out his comments here.