Kazuchika Okada Planning To Win Singles Title In 2024

Whilst his New Japan Pro-Wrestling future may be the subject of speculation, one thing that’s for sure is that Kazuchika Okada still has a hunger for the sport of professional wrestling, with Okada vowing to win singles gold in 2024.

‘The Rainmaker’ reigned as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion for several months in 2023 after defeating Jay White for the gold at Wrestle Kingdom 17. Okada is set to wrestle Bryan Danielson in singles action at Wrestle Kingdom 18 on January 4, and ahead of the show Okada told NJPW that he wants singles gold this year:

“I debuted in 2004, so this is my 20th anniversary,” said Okada. “I’ve come this far, no big injuries and that’s great. But I think I have less than 10 more years right at the very top. So on the way to my 30th anniversary, I have to make every day count. It’ll be a bit sad to have my 20th anniversary without a belt, so I want a singles belt around my waist in 2024. I have a lot of dreams, and the biggest is to further professional wrestling. I want more people to know how great wrestling is. To do that, I have to keep having great matches and bring them to people all over the world.”

Okada’s current NJPW deal is set to expire at the end of January. Whilst most NJPW deals come up every January before expected re-signings, there has been major speculation that Okada could exit New Japan in search of a new challenge. This could all change before the end of January, especially with the exit of former NJPW President Takami Ohbari, with Ohbari and Okada failing to see eye-to-eye on several issues.

H/T: Fightful