NjPW (New Japan Pro Wrestling) is considered by many to be the best wrestling circuit in the world. To some you are not considered one of the best in the world if you have not competed in the Tokyo Dome. The arena has held one of the best wrestling events in the world since 1992. Now known as Wrestle Kingdom, the event has showcased many of professional wrestings most epic battles.
Many great wrestlers have wrestled for NJPW. Some that come to mind are Ultimo Dragon, “The Phenomenal One” AJ Styles, “The Youngbucks” (Now part owners of AEW) Matt & Nick Jackson, and even the “Nature Boy” Ric Flair! The list goes on and on. None on the list may have been more impactful as Kazuchika Okada, The Rainmaker.
A Brief History of The Rainmaker in NJPW
Okada began his journey training under the Ultimo Dragon making his debut in 2004 in the Mexico wrestling circuit. It was not until half way through 2007 when he would debut in NJPW.
He would become a 5x IWGP Heavyweight Champion. As a matter of fact, Okada currently holds the record of holding the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for 720 days. As well as, holding the record for most title defenses with 12.
He has made a name for himself in NJPW so much that whenever one hears the coins drop they know an epic wrestling match is about to happen. However, after much success with NJPW Kazuchika Okada has said his goodbye.
In a recent article held by NJPW1972 Okada has said, “I have nothing but gratitude for having been a part of New Japan Pro Wrestling since 2007.” He is parting ways as his contract is set to expire at the end of January 2024. Which holds the question of what is next for The Rainmaker?
Potential Signing with the WWE
The World Wrestling Entertainment, the global promotion, is known for just that global entertainment promotion. They offer worldwide publicity which could become a heavy offer to land any international superstar.
There have been rumors that Triple H will make a splash at signing such a superstar in 2024. He already signed CM Punk and Cody Rhodes in 2023. Two major superstars with their own fandom behind them. Signing an international superstar like Okada would help promote the brand further. Additionally, it could also possibly lead into the possibility of the WWE hosting their own Forbidden Door type of event.
Forbidden Door is a Pay Per View hosted by AEW where every match is between AEW superstars and NJPW superstars. In my opinion, it is a rather strong PPV as it showcases different styles of wrestling. It allows some not familiar with NJPW to see their AEW favorites compete against new wrestlers not on weekly television.
Limitation With WWE
One glaring hole to some for WWE is it’s inability to show more worldwide wrestlers. There is a running joke with any that join WWE that once you join they own you. Other wrestling promotions allow their wrestlers to wrestle across any wrestling circuit. The WWE simply does not. They keep all their talent to themselves.
As a WWE wrestler you cannot wrestle in Mexico for the AAA for a night. To some that is reason enough to never join. On the other hand, the WWE offers global promotion. There is a WWE fan base in almost every single continent (excluding Antartica). The recognition and publicity that a wrestler in WWE would receive is miles ahead of any other wrestling circuit.
Plus, to many nobody puts on a show like the WWE. If you do not believe that then just watch one Wrestlemania. Arguably the most stellar wrestling PPV to be held each year, there is a reason it is called the Showcase of the Immortals.
AEW and NJPW Relationship that could lead to Signing
All Elite Wrestling is a brand that has been running since 2019. It continues to grow by featuring wrestlers from all over the world. This includes wrestlers from NJPW. See mention of Forbidden Door above.
Former Feuds
Okada has a history with the now current AEW World Heavyweight Champion in Samoa Joe. In 2010, Okada was sent to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) for a twenty month stint, where he became Samoa Joe’s sidekick.
This was an interesting storyline that could unfold if he were to sign with AEW. If you think about it, it is similar to the storyline between Samoa Joe & former AEW World Heavyweight Champion MJF. Maybe, this brings Okada back to challenge Samoa Joe because he felt unappreciated as his sidekick.
That is not the only previous interaction Okada has had with an AEW wrestler. Some of his best matches were against Kenny Omega (currently out due to injury). He has feuded with the leader of Bullet Club Gold, switchblade Jay White, as well as Will Ospreay, a member of NJPW that signed with AEW at the end of 2023. Ospreay’s contract with NJPW ends in February of 2024.
His current feud, at least to me, against “The American Dragon” Bryan Danielson is another to watch for. Danielson beat Okada at Forbidden Door in 2023. Okada returned the favor at Wrestle Kingdom 18 to start the year on January 4, 2024. Their battle is currently tied at 1-1 and a rubber match should definitely happen at some point.
TNA Potential to Sign the International Superstar
TNA is possibly the least likely to sign Kazuchika Okada. Not because their lack of talent. TNA has many great superstars wrestling. Simply put, their pocket book is not as large as WWE or AEW. However, you could argue TNA is what shaped Okada into the wrestler we have today.
As mentioned above earlier in Okada’s career he had short stint with TNA. During that time it helped hime become a better wrestler. He recently showed up on TNA at their Snake Eye event held on January 14, 2024. If they were able to snag such a superstar it would immediately bring more eyes to their promotions.
What is Next for Kazuchika Okada outside of NJPW?
In time we will find out what is next for the soon to be former NJPW superstar. One thing is for sure wherever he decides to go! And that is he will live up to his promise of saying, “I promise to make it rain in every match I have left, so keep watching.”
The Rainmaker is one of the best wrestlers on the planet. We will definitely keep watching him wherever he goes!
By the way, in my opinion I think Kazuchika Okada becomes an All Elite Wrestler!
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