New Japan Pro Wrestling star Kazuchika Okada recently spoke with Wrestling Observer Radio, and discussed his epic rivarly with Tetsuya Naito. The current IWGP World Heavyweight Champion also looked forward to future match with Naito, and more. Check out the highlights below.
On being a three-time Wrestle Kingdom main-eventer:
“So, at this point, there’s no bowing down to the pressure. It’s a different environment physically and mentally, but as a pro wrestler, he came into the business wanting to be in that spot and be in the main event and wrestle in the Tokyo Dome. That’s the position that was a dream situation. His mission and responsibility is to live up to fan expectations. He was able to have two great matches in the main event in the Tokyo Dome, then get to wrestle legends [on Night 3]. So, it was a great opportunity to grow as a wrestler. All in all, it was a positive experience.”
On his upcoming Golden Series clash with Tetsuya Naito:
“The easy answer is both of us have become older the past few years. [We] wrestled 10 years ago in Korakuen Hall for the 40th anniversary, and now, we’re coming close to the 50th anniversary. Back then, [we] were in our 20s. Now, you’re gonna see the culmination over the last 10 years, not just as professional wrestlers, but in terms of characters, personalities, and psychology. You’re gonna see all of that come together and the fans are gonna see a match that is kind of the culmination of what started a decade ago.”
