Kazuchika Okada: Seeing AEW Made Me Appreciate NJPW Even More
Kazuchika Okada left NJPW in February 2024, joining AEW on a full-time basis.
Okada returned to NJPW at Wrestle Kingdom 20, facing Hiroshi Tanahashi in Tanahashi’s retirement match.
Speaking to Tokyo Sports, Okada was asked about his return.
“While many people have left and Mr. Tanahashi has retired, I still think the brilliance in the ring remains unchanged. It’s precisely because the current young wrestlers are working hard, and because they’ve seen the backs of those who left and what Mr. Tanahashi did, that we’ve reached this point now,” he said.
Asked about those who express concern regarding the future of NJPW with Tanahashi retiring, Okada replied, “I think that’s none of their business. We’ve got the talent to match. Seeing AEW actually made me appreciate New Japan Pro-Wrestling even more. It’s not just the US that’s great; Japanese pro-wrestling has its own strengths. I think a lot of the younger guys just haven’t realized that yet. If they could just have more confidence in the wrestling they’re doing, I believe the fans would follow, and we could build up to something truly amazing again.”
Okada was victorious in the match against Tanahashi.
Elsewhere during the interview, Okada named his goal in AEW for 2026. You can find his answer here.
