It's no secret to the professional wrestling community just how important Kazuchika Okada's current reign as New Japan's IWGP Heavyweight Champion is to the business. He became NJPW'S longest-reigning World Champ last October, and it's been going ever since. But make no mistake, this title has by no means means been a fluke. With constantly stellar matches, intelligent booking and absolute perfect look and presentation, he's brought more attention to New Japan than arguably anyone outside Bullet Club and should continue to do so for quite some time. I might shooting my load off a bit too early here, but if NJPW plays their cards continues to use him the way they have been, it can be argued that Okada could be on track to being one of the greatest wrestling World Champions of all-time (if he hasn't done so, already). Hell, in my book, he's already the best World Champion of the past decade.
And I already assume at this point, some of you will scoff at this notion, crack your fingers, let out a snort and tell me I'm wrong and shout "MUH 434" while trying to hide the girlfriend body pillow that has a hole cut into the nether regions and a (insert generic Attitude Era/Ruthless Aggression babe here) poster taped to the front. Take off the rose-tinted glasses and quit your foolishness while I tell you exactly WHY Okada's title reigns blows each recent World Title run you can think of right out of the water. But a little history first.
Beginnings of The Rainmaker
Following an embarrassing excursion in TNA (the less said about Okato, the better), Okada crafted himself a brand new character as The Rainmaker, an arrogant heel who made it rain money. He found fast success with his newly branded image, securing his first IWGP Championship against living legend Hiroshi Tanahashi at The New Beginning in 2012. After that, he regularly traded the belt with Tanahashi as well as then-Bullet Club leader and current WWE Champion AJ Styles.
This pattern would continue up until Invasion Attack 2016, when he bested by Tetsuya Naito, leader the heel stable Los Ingobernables de Japon in a shocking upset. This was short-lived however, Okada would regain the title from Naito at Dominion 6.19 in Osaka Jo-Hall. The rest, as they say, is history.
Okay, now you know some background. Let's get into the meat of the matter and talk about what truly separates Okada from the rest of the jabronis who carry around a bit o'leather and gold: the breathtaking, orgasm-inducing matches he had during his legendary reign.
Dear God, what was TNA on back then.
The Matches
One of the finest traits a world champion can have is the ability to defend his title in consisently high-quality matches against any challenger, and this is exactly what Okada has done. In his 11 title defenses (a record he shares with Tanahashi), Okada faced off with the best of the best in New Japan putting on numerous modern classics. Here's the first one.
VS. Naomichi Marufuji, King of Pro Wrestling 2016
Following a shocking loss to Marufuji on Day 1 of the G1 Climax, Okada to avenge his defeat and retain his title against Pro Wrestling NOAH mainstay Marufuji, who put up just as tough as a fight as he did in their previous encounter. Unleashing a devastating array of kicks and chops as well as employing excellent ring psychology, Marufuji punished Okada throughout the match.
However, Okada learned his lesson from their first match and answered back with equally tough strikes of his own. A couple dropkicks, a tombstone piledriver and a Rainmaker later and Okada would pick up the W and retain his title. But even though Marufuji was most definitely a tough customer for Okada, his road was just beginning, and it was only going to get tougher.
VS. Kenny Omega I, Wrestle Kingdom 11
You know how I said earlier (literally the last sentence) Okada's road would get tougher? Well, it certainly most did. Like, to holyfuckingshitareyoufuckingserious levels. At Wrestle Kingdom 11, Okada met his second challenger, and it was none other the leader of Bullet Club himself Kenny Omega, who had won last year's G1 Climax and had already established himself as one of the premier gaijin wrestlers in New Japan.
This match gained loads of fame almost instantaneously, practically breaking the internet wrestling community, draw fresh faces and creating new fans for NJPW. The one and only Dave Meltzer himself awarded the match Six Star, breaking his typical Five-Star level. These accolades weren't without merit, though--the match is fantastic. I mentioned how he put on several wrestling classics during his title reign. This is one of them.
This match was 45 minutes of straight balls-to-the wall intensity and action, with spots aplenty: Kenny moonsaulting onto Okada in the crowd, Okada backdropping Kenny through a table, Okada getting dragon superplexed onto his, and many more. Plus, let's not forget about the seemingly endless array of false finishes; even though you knew Okada wasn't going to kick out of just a couple V-Triggers, the drama that was created throughout this match made you he was going to in the moment. And on top of that, the story they told of Omega trying to hit with Okada always wriggling out at the last second was just beautful.
Yes, this was an absolutely brilliant match; one for the record books, for sure. But as we'll see a little while later, this wasn't even their best encouter.
VS. Minoru Suzuki, New Beginning in Sapporo 2017
There are definitely a few noticeable differences between Okada's second title defense and his third, where he battled the leader of Suzuki-Gun Minoru Suzuki. For one, there were significantly less spots as the two kept most of the match mat-based and on the ground. Another one is that rather than telling numerous little stories throughout the match Okada and Omega did, this match kept one focused narrative, though it was just as effective and engaging: Suzuki trying to absolutely destroy Okada's knee.
If you've seen any Suzuki match, you know the man is an absolute savage in the ring, whether by himself or with his Suzuki-Gun compatriots. This match was definitely no different, with Suzuki going to town on Okada's knees and legs, absolutely brutalizing the champion. There were submissions aplenty, as to be expected from Suzuki; various kneebars, heel hooks and even a figure-four thrown in for good measure.
Despite the seemingly endless punishment he suffered at the hands of Suzuki, Okada overcame the onslaught and came out on top. This match is a favorite of mine for two reasons: One--it proved Suzuki can not only still go, but is an elite performer, and Two--Okada proved that he can shine in any setting with any opponent. But the brutality was far from over for Okada, as his next opponent was not only unafraid of ramping up the physicality, but willing to push Okada past his breaking point, even damaging himself in the process.
VS. Katsuyori Shibata, Sakura Genesis 2017
Arguably the toughest opponent he's had during his current reign, at least in terms of sheer physicality and brutality, Okada's fourth title defense saw him take on the winner of the 2017 New Japan Cup Katsuyori Shibata, a man who had previously left NJPW behind years ago. It was Shibata's first World Title shot since he made his return. However, by the end of the match, it seemed to be his last.
Shibata took Okada past his breaking point and then some, viciously throwing everything he had at the champ. Kick after kick, strike after strike, no-selling an Rainmaker attempt and even a lethal (and dangerous) headbutt spot; he was truly an opponent Okada hadn't experienced in any of his title reigns. However, in the midst of all the destruction, all the brutality and all the physical punishment, Okada fought through and was able to best Shibata, cinching yet another victory as his championship journey continued.
Despite the aftermath, in which Shibata suffered a traumatic brain injury and was forced to leave wrestling, I can safely say this is my favorite match during Okada's current title reign. The combination of Okada absorbing absolute violence and punishment with Shibata throwing literally EVERYHING he had at his opponent. Shibata's character on full display here; he's a performer who just wouldn't feel like himself if he wasn't giving absolutely 200% in every match, even if it meant putting his body on the line. It also added even more depth to Okada both as a champion and as a wrestler. It proved exactly why he's the top performer in the company; no matter the opponent, no matter the event, he knows how to get the full effect out of any match better than anyone in NJPW.
VS. Bad Luck Fale, Wrestling Dontaku 2017
Omega wouldn't be the only Bullet Club member to challenge for Okada's belt, as The Underboss himself Bad Luck Fale took Okada on months after stablemate's hellacious encounter with the champ at Wrestle Kingdom 11. Fale's hoss wrestling style was on full effect here, delivering several clobbering blows and devastating backdrops. Despite Fale's best efforts, Okada pulled through and bested Fale in roughly 20 minutes, racking up another victory on his title reign.
Not too much say here. Fale got to flex his muscle and put his brawling bruise type on full effect; also, putting him in a world title match showed that the company has confidence in him as a high-level player. Plus, it was interesting to see more of a babyface-in-peril side of Okada, coming back and triumphing over the much larger Fale.
And then Omega came back in the picture.
VS. Omega II, Dominion 6.11 in Osaka-Jo Hall
After having a legendary match at Wrestle Kingdom, one had to wonder how they could top such a momentous occasion in wrestling history. The answer was simple: give NJPW a 60-minute time-limit draw, something they hadn't seen in some time. And so, the stage was set: Okada, back where his current title reign started up against Omega for the second time. And I tell you, ladies and gents, they absolutely topped their first encounter, and I'm not just saying that.
While there were significantly less high spots than their previous match, the tension and stakes were just as high if not higher. This was the true definition of an absolute gladiator battle; two performers at the top of their game. Okada delivering numerous Rainmakers, Omega delivering numerous V-Triggers, both men pushing each other past their limits. My favorite moment in the match (and probably any of Okada's matches during his current reigns) was Omega collapsing under the weight of exhausting, inadvertently ducking another Rainmaker attempt. It made the match even more dramatic and gave an extra bit of weight to the title.
Having Omega actually hitting the One-Winged Angel on Okada, just for him to roll to ropes was another nice touch. It was Okada's way of pulling the rug out from under Omega just as he thought he was going to topple the new Ace of NJPW. The Bullet Club's involvement was a nice touch as well having Cody tease throwing in the towel while his stablemates try to stop. And finally, all the tension and drama built to crescendo as Okada landed one final Rainmaker, failing to reach for the cover as the bell rings with Bullet Club looking on in pure shock.
To say this match was an absolute classic is one of the biggest understatements anyone could make, like saying Sailor Jerry is pretty dark rum or that The Simpsons may have overstayed their welcome for a while. Big Dick Dave gave this match 6.25, rating it higher than Wrestle Kingdom and breaking his scale once more, leading many wrestling fans to believe whether the star system had the same merit it used to, or Meltzer just said "Fuck it" at this point and decided to climb higher and higher until he saw a match so excellent he'd award it enough stars to cause a literal supernova in the wrestling world (I know that's not how a supernova works; shut up, nerds).
But this wouldn't be Okada's last time dealing with Bullet Club, as their addition Cody would step up to the plate and heed the call of championship glory.
VS. Cody, G1 Special in USA
If we're not going to kid ourselves, I can assume that a good portion of us (including myself) were disappointed that Cody of all people was going to be Okada's next challenger, especially considering Okada/Omega was (and still is) essentially The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of wrestling matches (in that it's orgasmically epic and one of the GOATs). But that worked to this match's advantage. It didn't have to live up to that. It just had to feed off the heat Cody got, which it certainly accomplished.
Everyone despised Cody and practically booed him out of the building, while they showered Okada with praise and adulation, cheering him all the way through. Cody did his best and fought a good fight, pulling out some good ring psychology and heel work; he even managed to pull off a Rainmaker of his own on Okada. The involvement of Bullet Club once again was a nice touch too, having Kenny tease throwing in the towel much like Cody did in the Dominion match.
In the end, Okada came out on top as predicted (I assume because Cody actually did win the title, smarks and anti-smarks would've collectively lost their fucking minds and the IWC would've imploded in on itself). It was a satisfactory conclusion: Cody built up his heel heat and held his own, Okada added another victory to his title reign, plus on an unrelated note, Omega became the inaugural IWGP United States Champion. Basically, everyone gained something.
VS. EVIL, King of Pro Wrestling 2017
Taking a trip down memory lane, Okada defended his title once again at the King of Pro Wrestling PPV, this time with a much different opponent. Instead of the quicker, psychology-laden ring work of Marufuji, he was facing the more up-front brawling style of EVIL, his first title encounter with a member of the stable Los Ingobernables De Japon. Okada came into this match looking to avenge the loss he suffered at the hands of EVIL during the G1 Climax of that year.
This match here was very much a throwback to their G1 meeting, with it starting up slowly then building up steam as it went ahead. After brawling on the outside for a brief spell, EVIL seemingly got the advantage and locked in a submission on Okada, who escaped, but then got shoved into the ref; this gave EVIL the opportunity to start flooding the ring with chairs. Okada counters a Darkness Falls, and after a back and forth, Okada seems to get the advantage.
After blocking an STO attempt, Okada hits a couple Rainmakers, then a tombstone piledriver and one final Rainmaker to secure another victory. As expected, and I'm sure you're already getting tired of me saying this, Okada vs. EVIL was a damn good match. It once again showed off Okada's versatility as a wrestler, plus it made EVIL look like a million bucks; the same can be said about their previous encounter at the G1 Climax as well. But Okada's encounters with LIJ were far from over, as would be the case with his next opponent.
VS. Tetsuya Naito, Wrestle Kingdom 12
In his very next title bout, Okada's opponent was another LIJ stable member; this time, it's against their leader Naito, who had won the 2017 G1 Climax, looking strong throughout. The hype package for the match, was rather interesting, portraying Naito as a babyface seeking redemption and wanting to fulfill his dream of main-eventing Wrestle Kingdom. As for Okada, he played the role of the cocky heel, scoffing at the thought of Naito's plight. On top of this, Okada debuted some sweet-ass bellbottoms, which he rocks to this day.
The action started off fast and intense, immediately going to the outside following an Okada dropkick. After a barricade neckbreaker, Naito brought the action back into the ring and immediately went to work on Okada. Okada regained advantage (honestly the momentum swings were a thing of beauty, no one was in control for very long). After an elbow drop and a missed Rainmaker, Okada went into his new Cobra Clutch finisher. His facial expressions were absolutely fantastic; he truly wanted to punish Naito for even thinking about stepping to him.
After a couple exchanges of offense, Naito finally the Destino on Okada, both selling the move brilliantly. The two traded off finishers until Okada finally hits a Rainmaker and retains his title once more. It was rather surprising to see Okada retain, especially considering it was pretty much written in stone that Naito would be victorious. But seeing how well Okada had carried the belt up to that point, coupled with the fact there so many new champions crowned that night, it was the right call to make. Nevertheless, a great match and his second encounter with an LIJ heavyweight. His third final match with LIJ come sooner than later.
VS. SANADA, New Beginning in Osaka 2018
In his third and final title bout against LIJ, Okada took on SANADA, going back to the New Beginning PPV event, this time in Osaka. During the WK match, it was pretty apparent the crowd more favored Naito, and this was especially true with his LIJ stablemate who up until this point hadn't accomplished much in terms of titles, and was being groomed as a believable challenger to Okada, who only seemed to grow more arrogant with each title defense.
Folks, I'll be honest with you. My brain is getting pretty fried right now, so bear with me, if this part is pretty short compared to other parts. Anyways, this match is pretty back-and-forth for the most part; both men are comparable in their athleticism as well as their passion for the belt (even if SANADA's too cool to show it). The action really picks up when SANADA counters a Rainmaker with one of his own.
The two exchange more offense (dropkicks, suplexes, top-rope moves and whatnot). Okada eventually snaps off one final Rainmaker and picks up the win once again, retaining his title and beckoning for another challenger. While I was more invested in the Naito match, it's not to slag this one off, as it was damn good from an in-ring perspective. Both men are at the top of their game, and SANADA's stock is quickly rising. Don't be surprised if he challenges for another singles title in the near future.
VS. Zack Sabre, Jr., Sakura Genesis 2018
In his most recent title defense to date, Okada took on the 2018 New Japan Cup winner and Suzuki-Gun member Zack Sabre, Jr. With this match, Okada tied Hiroshi Tanahashi's 11 World Title defenses, the most in New Japan history. This bout would be another clash of styles for Okada has he tried to match ZSJ's technical wizardry.
The match immediately starts out on the mat, customary for a ZSJ match. Okada constantly tries to beat ZSJ at his own game, but ZSJ was having none of it from the beginning, using his expert catch wrestling background and extensive array of holds to counter everything Okada throws. Okada tries for a submission, ZSJ counters with one of his own. Okada tries for strikes, ZSJ counters with another submission. You know the drill.
This continues until Okada baits ZSJ into throwing strikes. The bait was taken successfully, and Okada threw his traditional series of offense right at ZSJ. Sabre attempts for another submission attempt on the ropes, but Okada breaks out and the action spills out onto the floor. After a quick exchange, the action goes back into the ring where Sabre immediately goes into work on Okada's Rainmaker arm.
More of the same exchanges continue. Okada tries for throws and strikes, ZSJ counters with more submissions. Okada eventually manages to hit a couple Rainmakers, tries for a third but ZSJ slaps an octopus hold on Okada. He wriggles out, hits a third Rainmaker and retains his title yet again. It was a fresh change of pace having ZSJ as Okada's next title challenger, given his strictly technical background. Okada further expanded his wrestling versatility and ZSJ proved why he deserves to be in constant title contention, whether it's the World title or a midcard belt.
Phew, the hard part's over. If you hadn't noticed, I didn't include the third Okada/Omega because it wasn't a title match. It's still important and relevant to their rivalry, but it wasn't for the belt.
So What?
So some of you are still probably wondering I'm making such a big deal. "But why do you think he's still the best world champion in professional wrestling? How is current reign the best in this decade? Why did you talk so much about his matches?" Well, it's easy: his matches are the main reason why he's the best in the world and why his current reign is the best of the past decade. The breadth of his opponents are unmatched and there's different feel to so many of his matches. There's usually always something new in each of them, and even if they do get formulaic, they're still interesting to watch and damn entertaining, which is more than I can say about SOME champions **cough cough**Lesnar**cough cough**.
"Yeah right, bro! How could that pussy little karate man compare to fuckin' Lesnar, bro? He's the FUCKIN' BEAST!" First off sir, calm down and put away your Monster Energy drink before you get a heart attack. There'll be enough time for you to beat off into your Tapout shirt while watching the same UFC Knockout Compilations on YouTube after my point; until then, calm down and listen to me. Take the blinders off for a moment and watch at least three Okada title matches (Either one of the Omegas, then Shibata, then ZSJ, for example). You see the versatility, you see the sheer endurance, you see the absolute 100% effort he puts into each and every one of his title matches.
Now watch three of Lesnar's most recent title matches. Aside from Samoa Joe or Roman, there really isn't that much effort being put in to making an interesting, engaging match. He's gonna do the same german suplex schtick, hits an F5 (maybe more) and leaves as the winner. Don't get me wrong, I still like Lesnar to some extent. Give him the right opponent, and he'll put in the effort. All I'm saying is even when Okada matches get formulaic, you can still feel the EFFORT being put in, the CARE being put in. On top of that, he's always featured in multi-man tag matches on any show he's not defending the title. Okada knows how to be a big-time draw, but also be a regular performer who's not afraid to put other guys other.
The second reason is his presentation and booking. Every time he walks to the ring, he's adorned in an elegant robe (he literally looks like a championship belt), there are Okada dollars raining down. His theme song reeks of world title royalty. The way he addresses the crowd with his eyes and his body language, you can tell he's 100% committed to everything he does. Now the same can be said for AJ Styles, but that feeds in to my booking point. While it's not necessarily his fault, Styles hasn't been booked as well or as consistent in recent time. This is in no due part to the pointless Shane McMahon/Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn feud that dragged on for months, with Styles practically playing a background role to some extent. Okada, however, hasn't had that happen to him. You could say it's for "MUH GEDO" reasons, but the fact is Okada's been used more intelligently as a champion, plain and simple.
So What Does It Mean?
So what does Okada's title reign mean for other world champions? What impact has it had on professional wrestling as a whole? Well, for one, it means other world champions have to step their game up if they want to get to his level. Granted, some things are out of their control (booking, for example), but that still means they have to crank up their craft. They have to become more versatile, whether it's expanding their moveset or changing up their ring psychology in order to fit any opponent at any time. It also wouldn't hurt to get a kickass pair of bellbottoms, though I doubt they'll be able to rock them as well as Okada.
Second, it's changed the way professional wrestling is viewed as a whole. It's exposed a whole new race of wrestling fans to the New Japan product. It isn't just a niche market anymore; anyone from the biggest WWE mark to the smarkiest of indie smarks can come together enjoy the product. It's also helped wrestling fans gain a more critical analysis of what a true world champion looks like. They can't just ignorantly shit on a champion anymore just because he's not THEIR guy (though I know that won't stop some people). Fans are now watching more intently on what makes a great world champion. They understand it's not just a certain look, it's not just one part. It's the sum of the champion as a whole.
What's Next?
So what's next for Okada and his title reign? How long can the Rainmaker keep it up and make his title reign feel fresh? More importantly, who should be the one to topple him and claim his title? Well, for one, the sky's still the limit. There's an endless roster of talent he can work with, whether it's a New Japan member or otherwise. He can defend it in other promotions and expand the New Japan brand (and his brand) as a whole. And that feeds into my second point. As long as there's a endless depth of talent in professional wrestling, there'll be plenty of opportunities to put something new and even more interesting into his title reign. As for who should topple him, I have an answer and some of you aren't going to like it.
Yeah, that's right. I'm one of THOSE smarks. I genuinely want Omega to be the guy to finally conquer Okada. Why? One reason and one reason, only: The Story. Think about it. These two are absolute giants in the wrestling world. They put on the best matches and draw the most attention outside of WWE. They have a strong history, and it can only expand from there. I mean, they had three AMAZING matches and then seemingly went their separate ways; it can be easily rekindled.
They can draw upon their history, but at the same time take advantage of their time apart. Omega's been busy with the Bullet Club civil war and his newly rekindled partnership with Kota Ibushi as the Golden Lovers. He can play the role of Okada's rival in the distance; he watches Okada from afar, studying his matches. Every movement, every facial expression he makes, picking up on any chinks that form in Okada's seemingly indestructible armor and take advantage of it; he can seize any mistake Okada makes, however minute, and manipulate it so that he finally takes what so many feel is rightfully is.
And where should it take place? Why, none other than Wrestle Kingdom itself. Where this whole crazy affair started. It just wouldn't make sense anywhere else. The payoff would be lackluster, even if Okada haters want him to drop the belt already. Even THEY, deep down, know this to be true, though they might not want to admit it.
So keep shining, Based Rainmaker. Flex on those haters and continue keep blazing your path of glory to legendary status. Hell, you're already a legend in many fans' eyes, myself included.
Sources:
Any other info was based on my experience watching Okada's title matches and are detailed to the best of my abilities.
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