Time for the latest Kazuchika Okada update. The New Japan Pro Wrestling wrestler's contract is set to expire 31 January and a recent change to his status at Pro Wrestling Tees has led to speculation Okada is WWE-bound. As we'll see, that may not be the case but it's a situation worth checking out.

Fan chatter began when Pro Wrestling Tees announced that Okada merchandise was being removed from the site. WrestleOps tweeted about this:

The reason for the fan buzz is because active WWE Superstars are not allowed to sell their merchandise through Pro Wrestling Tees. Some fans saw this change as a clue that Okada is heading to the WWE. Therefore, his merchandise will be handled through the WWE's merchandise department. While that's a possibility, WrestleTalk is suggesting fans not read too much into this recent development:

On January 30, there was a lot of discussion about PWTees being informed that they needed to remove Okada’s merchandise from their stores within 24 hours.

Despite some fans believing this meant a move for “The Rainmaker” to WWE or AEW, this is connected to his NJPW contract expiring this week.

H/T WrestleTalk

A Phenomenal Find

Kazuchika Okada is a phenomenal find for any promotion that hires him. Okada's run in New Japan has been fantastic as "The Rainmaker." It's currently believed he will choose between AEW and WWE. Both promotions have something to offer. Rumor has it that AEW made a substantial financial offer to Okada. In addition, Okada is familiar with how AEW operates as he's competed there for special occasions. On the other hand, Okada reportedly is very interested in working at WrestleMania, and the prestige involved with working for the WWE may be the deciding factor.

In case you're wondering how Okada has negotiated with AEW and WWE despite still being under contract to New Japan, Fightful Select reports New Japan has allowed Okada to talk to AEW and WWE officials.

While Okada's exit from Pro Wrestling Tees could be a clue about where he's headed, it doesn't appear to be the smoking gun some people believe.

Photo Credit: AEW

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