Kazuchika Okada, currently the AEW International Champion, made a surprising return to Ring of Honor (ROH) after a seven-year hiatus. This appearance occurred during the latest HonorClub broadcast, where Okada defended his title in a high-profile match against AR Fox.
Return to ROH Highlights Ongoing Cross-Promotion under Tony Khan
Okada’s return to ROH marks his first match for the promotion since 2019, when he was under contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling. Since Tony Khan’s acquisition of ROH in 2022, the brand has frequently shared talent with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), both of which Khan owns. This connection enables wrestlers like Okada to compete across both platforms, enhancing fan interest and inter-promotional storylines. In this recent contest, Okada successfully retained the AEW International Championship by defeating AR Fox in a competitive bout.
Since officially signing with AEW in 2024, Okada has appeared not only in NJPW and ROH but also in CMLL, illustrating his expanding presence in the global wrestling scene. Alongside his championship reign, Okada recently added the World Trios title to his accolades with his stablemates from the Don Callis Family faction.
Eric Bischoff Criticizes Tony Khan’s Investment in Okada
Despite Okada’s achievements, his signing by Tony Khan sparked criticism from WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff, who questioned the business rationale behind the reportedly substantial contract offer. Speaking on his 83 Weeks podcast, Bischoff expressed doubts about Okada’s mainstream recognition outside devoted wrestling circles, stating:
“I know the Kool-Aid drinking, Snaggletooth, hardcore fans are going to you know, rebel at what I am going to say, but it doesn’t mean it’s not right. Okada is, no one knows him. Outside of the hardest of hardcore wrestling fans, the Internet wrestling community, and those who worship the ground Dave Meltzer walks on, nobody knows who the f**k this guy is!” – Eric Bischoff, WWE Hall of Famer
Despite such skepticism, Okada’s sustained success in AEW, including his recent title victories, indicates strong in-ring performance and fan support within specific wrestling communities.
Implications for AEW, ROH, and Wrestling Fans
Okada’s reappearance in ROH underlines the increasingly blurred lines between AEW and ROH, offering fans opportunities to see top talent across both promotions. This strategy may enhance AEW’s global reach by leveraging Okada’s reputation in Japan and his growing status in North America. The development also reinforces Tony Khan’s commitment to investing in internationally recognized wrestlers to broaden AEW’s appeal beyond traditional audiences.
Going forward, Okada’s involvement in multiple promotions could fuel new storylines and attract a wider range of wrestling fans, potentially impacting how AEW and ROH build their rosters and market their events in coming months.
IT'S KAZUCHIKA OKADA!
Back in ROH for the first time since 2019, #AEW International Champion @rainmakerXokada puts the title on the line against @ARealFoxx!📺 Watch ROH TV on #HonorClub at https://t.co/8dcdtxqvDf pic.twitter.com/IX69mTflGi
— ROH – Ring of Honor Wrestling (@ringofhonor) March 6, 2026
