Kazuchika Okada wants a World Cup of wrestling.
2023 has opened plenty of forbidden doors as WWE talents like Karl Anderson and Shinsuke Nakamura have competed for NJPW and Pro Wrestling NOAH. AEW has continued its partnership with NJPW with Kenny Omega competing at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 and winning the IWGP United States Title.
With top companies working together in some capacity, Okada would like to see things continue.
"We had an all-star event before, but last year we had the World Cup (soccer), and this year we have the WBC (baseball) and the World Cup (rugby). It would be interesting to have pro-wrestling matches between different countries and have Japan represent Japan. The World Cup in soccer was interesting, and I think the WBC will be stimulating," Okada told Tokyo Sport.
He continued, "I think there are such events overseas, but I don't think there are any big tournaments. I think it would be fun to have a big event on a global scale. Maybe we could have a tag team with Okada and (Shinsuke) Nakamura, or Okada and (Tetsuya) Naito if they are asked to fight for their country. I don't know if that would work. I think it would be interesting to include various groups. If necessary, I will go see (AEW president) Tony Khan and (WWE executive) Triple H. Even in this Tokyo Dome, there are AEW wrestlers (such as Kenny Omega), WWE wrestlers (Karl Anderson), and (Mercedes) Mone, who quit the WWE. Even New Japan is worldwide now, isn't it? There are players from many different countries, so I would like to do something interesting. I feel like I really want to do it now that I'm talking about it (laughs)."
At NJPW New Year Dash!!, Okada teamed with Kenny Omega for the first time. Okada, who is the reigning IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, will face reigning GHC Heavyweight Champion Kaito Kiyomiya at Keiji Muto's retirement show.
Fans can check out the full lineup for Keiji Muto's retirement show by clicking here.