Kevin Kelly discusses how he thinks Kazuchika Okada should be presented on television.
The wrestling world continues to buzz in the aftermath of the news that Kazuchika Okada will be leaving NJPW following the conclusion of his contract. Okada will finish up his commitments with the company, but the seven-time world champion will be one of the top free agents in the wrestling world once he hits the open market.
Speaking on Wrestling Observer Live, Kevin Kelly, who spent several years as NJPW's lead English commentator, was asked to share his thoughts on how Okada would be presented as a weekly TV character who may have more promo segments.
"With him, the simpler the better. The idea that Okada is a larger-than-life star and I think how the producers choose to present him. If you put him out in segment one, middle of the ring to open a show, it might not come off that well. If it’s got other people around and he can feel more comfortable in that kind of setting, let’s find out where he’s most comfortable. Let’s put him in that and let’s expand over time. I don’t want to freak him out and hurt his confidence. This is a guy in Okada, who I’ve never seen lack for confidence. No matter the situation, no matter what’s up against him, he can do it all. I’m sure he’ll get good enough to be able to stand center-ring and hold a segment one promo down and be able to hit it out of the park. I want to get him there slowly, I’m not in any rush. I want to get him over and I want to make sure everybody knows this guy is the real deal," Kelly said.
Kelly continued by stating that he would use other people's voices to help build Okada up by highlighting his accomplishments. He described how the pictures and footage from NJPW could help show Okada's past success and his overall story. Kelly emphasized that there was no rush to get Okada on television, so whichever company he potentially signs with should take their time with him.
"I would use other people’s voices. I would have people who have wrestled him. I would have people who know him say, ‘This guy is awesome and everything in this company has changed now because he’s here.’ That’s really all you need to say. Let the pictures tell the story, commission the footage from New Japan, show the highlights and major moments. Show his incredible athleticism, let’s tell this guy’s story over and over again. Then you make the first match a big deal. You can do it. There’s no rush. You don’t have to rush this guy on TV, no matter who it is. We don’t know where he’s going to wind up or what he’d going to be doing. My advice would be; don’t rush, take your time, let him get comfortable, and let’s make it a home run because he’s worth it," Kelly said.
In the same interview, Kevin Kelly said Hiroshi Tanahashi had to change the narrative about Okada's exit. Click here to see what he had to say.
Kazuchika Okada recently explained his decision to leave NJPW. Check out his comments here.
Hiroshi Tanahashi has said he is proud of Kazuchika Okada. More information is available here.
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