Kazuchika Okada is the newest member of the AEW roster.
Following recent reports that Kazuchika Okada would be signing with All Elite Wrestling imminently, The Rainmaker made his presence felt in a huge way on March 6th in Atlanta Georgia on the first episode of the new look Dynamite.
Tony Schiavone introduced The Young Bucks and asked them about their loss to Sting and Darby Allin at AEW Revolution. An irate Nicholas and Matthew Jackson blasted the former Tag Team Champions for bringing in outside help but still were delighted in the fact that The Icon had retired.
Moving on from their loss, The Bucks turned their attention to their allies in The Elite who will likely be allies no more. Beginning with Adam Page, The Bucks referenced Page’s multiple attacks on officials during his match at Revolution. As such, Adam Page was suspended, which is cover for the recent report that stated the former World Champion would be taking an extended absence.
The Bucks then turned their attention to Kenny Omega, who has been sidelined for a number of months as he is battling diverticulitis. Claiming that Omega had not turned up to work and had missed multiple tapings, The EVPs announced that Omega had been fired.
At this point the tirade was interrupted by Eddie Kingston, who had little time for discussions. Engaging in a brawl with the former Tag Team Champions, the unmistakable coin drop was heard.
Reacting to the angle and giving the fans an update on his recovery, Kenny Omega has responded.
Kazuchika Okada Arrives In AEW
The NJPW icon made his way to the ring and stood alongside Kingston. Just as it appeared that the odds had been evened, Okada hit a Rainmaker onto Kingston and Nicholas Jackson declared that he was the newest member of The Elite. Okada and The Bucks made their way back up the ramp to close out the segment. Okada will team with The Bucks in a trios match on the March 9th episode of Collision.
Following the debut, Tony Khan welcomed Okada to the company, complete with the customary All Elite Graphic:
He is now business partners with @youngbucks in The Elite, and tonight it’s official: @rainmakerXokada is ALL ELITE! Welcome to @AEW, Kazuchika Okada!
He is now business partners with @youngbucks in The Elite, and tonight it's official: @rainmakerXokada is ALL ELITE!
Welcome to @AEW, Kazuchika Okada!#AEWDynamitepic.twitter.com/LfPVLoWH1r— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) March 7, 2024
In regards to the segment, Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that this had been planned for a long time:
“The Young Bucks segment with Okada, that has been known by the Young Bucks and Okada and Tony Khan for literally months. It was Tony Khan’s idea to do this, a long time ago, the show after Revolution.”
The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion last competed in his final match for New Japan at the New Beginning In Sapporo event on February 24th, where he led CHAOS to victory one final time. Okada’s signing is the 2nd of 3 huge names who have joined the promotion, with Mercedes Mone’s signing expected to be made official at the Big Business show on March 13th.