At New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Wrestle Kingdom 16 event, Kazuchika Okada beat IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Shingo Takagi to win the title.
The next night, he defended the title against Will Ospreay and cemented his status at the top of the company again.
With the title around his waist, the Rainmaker will have a lot of wrestlers to look out for as they want to challenge for the title.
Tetsuya Naito is the first wrestler to face the newest champion at the Golden Series in Hokkaido, but here are five potential challengers for Okada’s IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
5. TAICHI
Entering New Japan as the black sheep of the company, New Japan fans spent years emphasizing the motto “Anyone but TAICHI.”
Fast forward to 2022 and TAICHI might be one of the most loved wrestlers in New Japan along with his tag team partner Zack Sabre Jr.
What better way to cement that newfound popularity than a title shot against one of the best in the world.
Over the years, Okada has wrestled TAICHI numerous times. Yet, with a newfound passion and heart, Okada could be facing a very different Holy Emperor who doesn’t always have to break the rules to win.
Combining TAICHI’s more unpredictable style with Okada’s athleticism would be a must-watch match.
It would also be interesting to see which TAICHI appears, the sneaky heel or the loveable rogue.
Despite fans loving the team, it might be the perfect time for TAICHI to go back to singles and try to win his first IWGP singles title.
With newfound respect from the crowd and after showcasing how good a wrestler he is, it could be TAICHI’s time to finally make it to the top of the company.
If he could do that at the expense of Okada, it would taste even sweeter.
4. Kaito Kiyomiya
Although Kaito Kiyomiya is not a member of the New Japan roster, he is someone who wants a shot at Okada and his title.
When it was first announced that New Japan NOAH and NJPW were doing a show together, Kiyomi immediately wanted a fight against the Rainmaker.
In the end, he got his wish in a tag match but was unfortunately pinned by Okada in a fantastic match.
Yet, considering how young Kiyomiya is, there is no doubt that loss only fuelled his determination to have another match with Okada.
In particular, if they have a singles match, it will be a spectacle. Both wrestlers are diverse and can utilise their strength and agility to move effortlessly across the ring.
With the glass door broken between New Japan and NOAH, the next step is to bring the wrestlers together to compete in the different promotions.
It worked when Noamichi Marafuji challenged Okada, and Kiyomiya is the future of NOAH and can do the same.
Yet, there is no doubt that if this happens, Okada has much more to lose, whereas Kiyomiya has everything to gain.
3. SANADA
Throughout the years, SANADA and Okada have had some great battles and their relationship has changed from enemies to something that resembles friends.
They’ve had wins and losses between the two of them in tournaments and title matches.
Yet, when a shot at finally getting to the top of New Japan is on the line, Cold Skull might need to channel his inner passion to get the win.
Even though SANADA and Okada have different builds and personalities, their styles blend perfectly.
Their wrestling offence showcases a basic knowledge of wrestling but with their own dramatic and fashionable flair that fans are obsessed with.
With their heart and desire to please crowds, fans always leave with smiles on their faces.
They also see a newfound passion is brought out of the usually calm SANADA.
After years of battling, SANADA and Okada have mutual respect. Yet, out of SANADA’s four losses for the title, three have been against Okada, with the most recent against Kota Ibushi.
With more experience and a win against the Rainmaker, could it be the perfect time for Sanada to try again?
Not only would it be a spectacular and technical bout, but it would be a crowd-pleaser sure to bring the house down.
2. Hiroshi Tanahashi
When it comes to the most iconic feuds in wrestling, Kazuchika Okada vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi is one of the best.
Although the two have become closer and started teaming after Jay White’s betrayal, fans would love nothing more than the two to wrestle again.
In particular, with Okada holding the World Championship and Tanahashi having the US title, things would be exciting.
Tanahashi and Okada are as similar as they are different. Although from different eras, they both combine fast and strong styles.
Yet, Tanahashi has that added unpredictability that works perfectly with Okada’s athleticism.
With so many years of experience, they are perfectly able to balance storytelling and wrestling, making them work harmoniously.
Despite seeing it so many times, the two wrestlers manage to bring something new out of each other in each bout.
Over the years, Okada and Tanahashi have had some great matches and with both men holding titles, the stakes are as high as ever.
They might have an amicable working relationship, but all friendships are off the card when gold is on the line.
1. Jay White
Since returning from excursion and debuting on the main roster, Jay White has proven all the haters wrong and dominated New Japan.
He quickly rose to the top became the first New Japan Grand Slam Champion. Yet, one person Jay will never have unfinished business with is his former CHAOS leader Kazuchika Okada, making him the perfect opponent.
The two couldn’t be more different when it comes to style and personalities.
Whereas Jay works smarter, not harder, with a ground-based offensive style, Okada is a hybrid athlete who puts 110% into every match. It isn’t surprising that the two have clashed for years.
After losing his NEVER title to Ishii, Jay will want some gold around his waist, and what better than aiming for the top title in the company.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Jay has not been seen in Japan since May. What better way to make a statement in his return than challenging a man whose history is intertwined with his own.
Okada and Jay have put on some amazing matches over the years. With the stakes even higher, it is bound to be a spectacle.
To make sure you stay updated with all the latest wrestling news, add WrestleTalk.com to your Google Discover feed and follow us on Twitter!
Comments.
Loading comments…