WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry has voiced his concerns about how AEW is utilising one of its most high-profile signings, current AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada.
During a recent appearance on Busted Open Radio, the WWE Hall of Famer expressed his frustration with Okada’s comedic role alongside The Young Bucks and emphasised the need to showcase the Japanese wrestling icon’s true talents.
[Kazuchika Okada] was one of the best wrestlers in the world, top 5, and now you have him delegated to saying ‘B****’ to pop the crowd. Let him go and work, man. That dude is amazing.
Henry stated, referencing Okada’s recent antics in segments with Matt and Nick Jackson. Henry lamented that Okada’s character has strayed far from the awe-inspiring aura he carried in NJPW.
I want to hear the coin drop and people say ‘Oh man, it’s about to go down,’ not people hearing the coin drop and saying, ‘Oh boy, here we go.’
He added, referencing Okada’s iconic entrance signal. Henry, however, remains optimistic that Okada’s participation in the Continental Classic tournament will help him reclaim his former glory. As the reigning Continental Champion, Okada must win the tournament to retain his title—a task that requires victories in the block stage, semi-finals, and finals, culminating at AEW Worlds End on December 28th. Okada’s first tournament match pits him against TNT Champion Daniel Garcia, who recently claimed the title by defeating Jack Perry at Full Gear.
Which Former WWE Superstar Does Mark Henry Want To See Booked Like A Monster In AEW?
Mark Henry spoke about how he’d like to see former WWE Superstar Bobby Lashley booked more like a monster in AEW and said that if there were a segment that featured Lashley with a bloodied Prince Nana with the implication that he had just badly beaten him and wiping blood off of his hands, this would make Lashley appear more like a real-life horror movie which would be better for his character.
In recent news, Kazuchika Okada has hit a new AEW milestone.
H/t to WrestlingInc.com