On a recent edition of the “Busted Open Radio” podcast, AEW broadcaster Mark Henry shared his thoughts on Kazuchika Okada parting ways with NJPW.
Okada’s current NJPW contract expires on January 31. He is scheduled to battle his longtime rival Hiroshi Tanahashi at NJPW ‘The New Beginning’ in Osaka on February 11, which will be one of his final matches for NJPW.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On his expectations for Kazuchika Okada: “As a talent, I would go so far as Okada is [an] A Player. Whether it’s an A+ or an A-, he’s [an] A. How he’s been used? Sporadically he’s had moments where he’s had A-Booking, but for the most part, I’d say he’s had C+ Booking.”
On what type of deal Okada will be able to get: “It’s going to come down to ‘Hey, this is what I’m worth.’ So, in America, you don’t get the 15,000-dollar sponsorship handshakes.”
On how any promotion will be looking to spend big money on Okada: “If you have the money to spend, you should try to get that guy. He is an unbelievable talent and you could put him with anybody, and they’re gonna be better right away. You put him with your greatest guys, and now you have the means to put [together] a main event, for every pay-per-view.”
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Kazuchika Okada, one of the biggest stars in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), is set to part ways with the company as his current contract expires on January 31. This news has sparked speculation and discussion among wrestling fans and industry insiders about Okada’s future and the impact his departure will have on NJPW.
On a recent episode of the “Busted Open Radio” podcast, AEW broadcaster Mark Henry shared his thoughts on Okada’s departure. Henry praised Okada’s talent, stating that he is undoubtedly an A-level player. However, he also expressed his belief that Okada has not always been booked to his full potential, often receiving C+ booking instead of the A-booking he deserves.
As Okada becomes a free agent, the question arises of what type of deal he will be able to secure. Henry suggests that Okada will have to negotiate based on his worth and may not receive the lucrative sponsorship deals that are common in the American wrestling industry. Nevertheless, Henry believes that any promotion with the means to do so should make a big investment in Okada. He describes him as an unbelievable talent who can elevate any wrestler he is paired with and create main event-worthy matches for every pay-per-view.
Okada’s impending departure from NJPW marks a significant shift in the wrestling landscape. NJPW has been known for its strong roster and compelling storylines, with Okada playing a central role in the company’s success over the years. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by both NJPW and its fans.
As fans eagerly await news about Okada’s next move, it is clear that his departure presents an opportunity for other promotions to capitalize on his star power. Whether it be AEW, WWE, or another organization, signing Okada would be a major coup and could potentially change the dynamics of the wrestling industry.
In conclusion, Kazuchika Okada’s departure from NJPW has generated excitement and speculation within the wrestling community. Mark Henry’s comments on Okada’s talent and booking highlight the potential impact he could have in any promotion. As fans eagerly await news of Okada’s next move, the wrestling landscape is poised for a significant shift.