Kazuchika Okada’s departure from New Japan Pro Wrestling is imminent as his contract is set to expire at the end of the month.
He has not revealed any plans for his future in the wrestling industry, although he has interest from WWE and AEW. In an interview with Wrestling Observer Live, former NJPW announcer Kevin Kelly said that whichever company signs Okada should be patient with implementing him into their weekly TV programming.
“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. 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.“
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Kazuchika Okada, one of the biggest stars in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), is set to leave the company as his contract expires at the end of the month. This news has sparked interest from both WWE and AEW, two major wrestling promotions in the United States. However, former NJPW announcer Kevin Kelly advises whichever company signs Okada to be patient with his integration into their weekly TV programming.
According to Kelly, simplicity is key when it comes to presenting Okada. He believes that putting him out in the middle of the ring to open a show might not be the best approach. Instead, he suggests having other people around Okada to make him feel more comfortable. By finding the setting where he is most at ease, the company can gradually expand his presence on TV without overwhelming him or damaging his confidence.
Kelly praises Okada’s confidence and versatility, stating that he has never seen him lack for confidence regardless of the situation. However, he acknowledges that it would be wise to slowly build up Okada’s ability to hold a segment one promo and deliver it flawlessly. Kelly suggests using other people’s voices, such as wrestlers who have faced Okada or individuals who know him well, to vouch for his talent and impact on the company. By showcasing highlights and major moments from Okada’s career in NJPW, the company can let the pictures tell his story repeatedly.
In terms of the first match, Kelly emphasizes the importance of making it a big deal. He advises against rushing Okada onto TV, regardless of which company he ends up with. Taking the time to let Okada get comfortable and ensuring that his debut is a home run is worth it because of his immense talent and value to the wrestling industry.
While it remains uncertain where Okada will ultimately sign, fans can stay updated on all wrestling news on eWrestlingNews.com. The website provides comprehensive coverage, and fans can also follow them on Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates.
In conclusion, Kazuchika Okada’s departure from NJPW has generated interest from WWE and AEW. Kevin Kelly, a former NJPW announcer, advises patience when integrating Okada into weekly TV programming. By starting with a simpler approach and gradually expanding his presence, the company can ensure Okada’s comfort and success. Regardless of where he ends up, taking the time to build up his debut and showcase his talent is crucial. Wrestling fans can stay informed on eWrestlingNews.com and their social media platforms.