Former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, ‘The Rainmaker’ Kazuchika Okada, has suggested that WWE partner with New Japan Pro Wrestling for a special fan tribute show.
Okada, who is widely recognised as one of the greatest professional wrestlers in the world today, has been on top of the mountain in Japan for several years and contested five star classics with the likes of Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi and Minoru Suzuki to name just a few.
Though he has worked with the biggest names on the planet outside his parent company, Okada has yet to do battle with a number of WWE and AEW talent. The latter has the potential to become a reality thanks to Tony Khan’s willingness to work with other promotions and his admitted want to secure a relationship with NJPW’s own Rocky Romero.
Now, the five time IWGP World Heavyweight has sat down with Sports Illustrated in preparation for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15 to discuss his idea for all the major wrestling promotions to come together in honour of their fans:
“Times are tough right now, but I hope what we do will bring joy to everyone all over the world, and give them enough strength and positivity to do their best the next day. And when the world calms down, I would like to give back with other wrestling companies to all wrestling fans in the world who still support us even in this current situation. New Japan, WWE, AEW, CMLL, AAA all together. Sounds pretty cool, don’t you think?
I want to show how powerful professional wrestling is. I want to cheer everyone up with that power.”
Okada’s words will make the world of professional wrestling salivate at the thought of the potential possibilities. Okada vs. AJ Styles, Okada vs. Jon Moxley, Okada vs. Drew McIntyre and Okada vs. Cody are just a few of the fantasy warfare’s that will jump immediately to mind alongside another Okada vs. Omega meeting.
As Wrestle Kingdom 15 approaches on January 4, 2021, arguably the world’s greatest talent prepares to battle his former best friend turned bitter rival, Will Ospreay, on night one.
Inside the Ropes will have live coverage of both nights of NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15.
Credit for the interview: Sports Illustrated
h/t for the transcription: Wrestling Inc.