On the most recent episode of his Tuesday with the Taskmaster podcast, Kevin Sullivan shared his thoughts on how AEW can enhance the presentation of Kazuchika Okada following his arrival.
He suggested having a manager to further elevate Okada’s presence on television. He said,
“I think he’s very, very talented. I would say he’s up there in the top ten for the talent, right now. If his English is poor or non-existent, do you think he’d be better served if he spoke Japanese and they had crawls on the bottom? How do you put him over and yourself over in a two-minute interview? How do you elevate him to your level? And this isn’t a bad thing, it’s great to have great talent, but they better be looking for a slick-talking manager for him … You better protect your investment and you better find somebody that compliments him, and that’s only his job to get Okada over, not splitting it. Come on, let’s put it under a microscope and turn it in and dial it in.“
In the world of professional wrestling, the arrival of a new talent can bring excitement and anticipation among fans and industry insiders alike. This was certainly the case when Kazuchika Okada, a highly talented Japanese wrestler, made his debut in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). As fans eagerly await Okada’s future in the promotion, veteran wrestler Kevin Sullivan has shared his thoughts on how AEW can enhance Okada’s presentation and ensure his success.
During a recent episode of his podcast, “Tuesday with the Taskmaster,” Sullivan discussed the idea of giving Okada a manager to further elevate his presence on television. Sullivan, who has had a successful career in the wrestling industry, believes that Okada’s talent is undeniable and places him among the top ten performers in the world today. However, he raises an important question regarding Okada’s language barrier and how it may affect his ability to connect with the English-speaking audience.
Sullivan suggests that if Okada’s English is poor or non-existent, AEW could consider having him speak in Japanese during interviews while providing subtitles or crawls at the bottom of the screen. This approach would allow Okada to effectively communicate his message while still engaging with the audience. By doing so, AEW can bridge the language gap and ensure that Okada’s charisma and personality shine through, even if viewers may not understand every word he says.
Furthermore, Sullivan emphasizes the importance of protecting AEW’s investment in Okada by finding a slick-talking manager who can complement his in-ring abilities. This manager would have the sole responsibility of getting Okada over with the audience and elevating his status within the promotion. By entrusting this task to a skilled manager, AEW can ensure that Okada’s potential is maximized and that he receives the necessary support to thrive in his new environment.
Sullivan’s suggestion highlights a common practice in professional wrestling where managers play a crucial role in enhancing a wrestler’s character and presentation. Managers have historically been used to add depth and personality to performers who may not possess strong mic skills or English fluency. They act as mouthpieces, amplifying their clients’ strengths and helping them connect with the audience on a deeper level.
While AEW has yet to announce any plans regarding Okada’s future direction or the addition of a manager, Sullivan’s insights provide valuable food for thought. AEW has shown a willingness to embrace diverse talent and push the boundaries of traditional wrestling presentation. By carefully considering Sullivan’s suggestions, AEW can ensure that Okada’s arrival becomes a significant moment in the promotion’s history, setting the stage for an exciting and successful run for the Japanese superstar.
In conclusion, Kevin Sullivan’s thoughts on how AEW can enhance the presentation of Kazuchika Okada following his arrival offer valuable insights into maximizing the potential of this highly talented wrestler. By addressing the language barrier through subtitles or crawls, and by finding a skilled manager to support Okada’s character development, AEW can ensure that Okada’s presence on television is elevated to its fullest potential. As fans eagerly await Okada’s future in AEW, it is clear that careful planning and strategic decisions will be key in establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in the promotion.