Kazuchika Okada, currently holding the AEW International Championship, remains a towering figure in professional wrestling, known predominantly for his dominant years in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). Recently, NJPW hosted its Wrestle Kingdom 20 at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, drawing over 46,000 fans. The event culminated in a highly anticipated main event featuring Okada against Hiroshi Tanahashi, which doubled as Tanahashi’s farewell match.
The highly emotional finale ended with Tanahashi’s defeat, yet it was widely celebrated as a fitting conclusion to his illustrious career, earning praise from both the wrestling legend and his fans around the world. Okada highlighted this sentiment during a recent Tokyo Sports interview.
Okada’s Comments Imply Critique of John Cena’s Retirement
In his interview, Okada lauded Tanahashi’s efforts in what he described as a
“retirement match with a happy ending.”
This remark appeared to indirectly criticize John Cena’s recent retirement bout against Gunther on WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event XLII, where Cena suffered a submission loss. The outcome sparked substantial backlash from wrestling fans who viewed it as disrespectful to Cena’s legacy.
“Yes, Tanahashi-san did his best. I think it was a retirement match with a happy ending that was very much like Tanahashi-san,” said the Rainmaker.
Kazuchika Okada’s Championships and Future Prospects
Okada’s record is distinguished by his seven reigns as IWGP Heavyweight Champion and his capture of the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship alongside Tomohiro Ishii and Hiroshi Tanahashi. His status as the “Rainmaker” and a major star in AEW fuels speculation that he may one day claim the AEW World Championship, though his future achievements remain to be seen.
Significance of Okada’s Statements and Career Trajectory
Okada’s subtle comparisons highlight the different approaches to retirement matches in wrestling, emphasizing respect and narrative closure. As fan debates continue regarding the treatment of wrestling legends like Cena and Jericho, Okada’s remarks underscore the cultural importance of honoring legacy in professional wrestling. Moving forward, Okada’s evolving role in AEW and NJPW will remain closely watched by fans eager to see how his career unfolds.
