Kazuchika Okada has one particular moment that stands out as a catalyst that has motivated him to face Bryan Danielson.
“The Rainmaker” and “The American Dragon” will finally clash at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2 in one of the event’s headline matches and both competitors spoke with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated. Okada said that he was mostly familiar with Danielson’s work way back in his early days at ROH, but one recent moment made him realize the two could make magic together in the ring.
“I haven’t seen many of his matches since he went to WWE. When I saw the time limit draw he wrestled with Kenny Omega in AEW, I knew he and I could do something incredible.
“I have respect for him. There’s no hate here. I think that’s the appeal—just pure, competitive wrestling.”
What About Kazuchika Okada Facing Other ROH Alumni Like CM Punk?
While Danielson vs. Okada is at the forefront of fans’ mind for this weekend, the NJPW star was asked if he had any interest in facing CM Punk in an AEW ring. Okada kept it tongue-in-cheek, but didn’t rule out the possibilty, specifically if it was in one particular city.
“I’m not sure—The Young Bucks are kind of friends of mine, but if fans want to see the match, I want to do it. In Chicago.”
Like Okada, Punk will have his own singles opponent to worry about at Forbidden Door 2 as he’ll be kicking off the men’s bracket of the Owen Hart Cup when he faces the seasoned NJPW veteran in Satoshi Kojima. Okada may have an advantage heading into the PPV as it’s been reported Danielson is still “banged up” since returning to wrestle.