Kazuchika Okada is feeling thankful after his toughest G1 Climax victory yet.
On August 18, Okada defeated Will Ospreay in the finals of the G1 Climax 32 tournament. In doing so, he won the competition for the fourth time in his career.
Speaking with the press after his victory, courtesy of the NJPW website, Okada discussed his win and expressed his gratitude. He thanked Ospreay, his fellow competitors, the staff, and the fans.
"I woke up this morning, and the first thing I felt was gratitude. Gratitude to my opponent yesterday, Will Ospreay, but also to all of the wrestlers who were involved in the tournament, and the staff and fans that made everything possible. I really felt that it was because of everyone’s efforts that I was able to perform at the level i perform and win. It was a hot summer, and it’s my job to bring just as much fire into the last part of the year," Okada said.
When asked what made it an "extremely challenging" G1 for him, Okada responded by saying the final three days took a toll on him. All in all, he called this year's tournament his hardest-fought win yet.
"Well, in terms of singles matches, other G1s have had more, but the last stretch of three days really took its toll on me both mentally and physically. Three singles matches in a row is difficult, and the semifinals and finals were definitely really tough. The league matches are pretty brutal as well, but I think all in all this year’s G1 was my hardest fought yet. That’s why I feel it’s on the company to reassess how important the G1 is to NJPW," he said.
Okada also announced that he received paternity leave following the conclusion of the tournament. More information is available here.
