Kazuchika Okada is open to the dream matches that fans want to see.
Okada is regarded by fans and peers are one of the best in-ring performers today and with the forbidden door being open and NJPW talent coming to AEW, fans have wondered when Okada will make the trip, fantasizing about matches with the likes of CM Punk and Bryan Danielson.
Okada himself is open to those bouts.
“Danielson and Punk would make for some incredible matches,” Okada said in an interview with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated. “A lot of those dream match scenarios are about getting excited for the possibilities, and once the match is done, it’s done. So it is important to keep that excitement and anticipation, I think. Still, if we wait too long, they’ll both retire eventually, so I want to face them both while they’re still active.”
While Okada has not been to AEW, CHAOS representatives Rocky Romero and Tomohiro Ishii have entered through the forbidden door. Best Friends (Chuck Taylor & Trent), Orange Cassidy, Kris Statlander, and Sue have joined CHAOS as a result of the forbidden door as well.
“The Best Friends were part of CHAOS when they were in New Japan, and with the door to AEW being opened a bit, it added more possibilities,” Okada said. “[Tomohiro] Ishii was able to come into AEW from CHAOS, and if Orange Cassidy and the Best Friends were able to show up in New Japan, there is no doubt that would be a lot of fun. The sooner the whole pandemic settles down, the better as far as that’s concerned.”
Okada is set to face Shingo Takagi for the IWGP World Heavyweight Title on night one of Wrestle Kingdom 16. The winner will face Will Ospreay at night two of the event.
Fightful will have live coverage of NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 beginning at 3 a.m. ET on Tuesday.
