10 Best Wrestlers Of 2022

6. Kazuchika Okada

Kazuchika Okada
AEW

For a while, it looked like Kazuchika Okada was going to strap New Japan Pro-Wrestling to his back through this, its 50th anniversary year. A promotion still hindered by its country's restrictive COVID-19 regulations desperately needed a spark - and still does. Cheering is still only permitted on a handful of shows, with the situation varying from venue to venue. Dead, sterile atmospheres remain the norm, meaning, sadly, that the average NJPW show is still significantly harder to get into considering the noise in other, less-regulated arenas.

But the quality is still there. These 12 months have been restorative for prodigious booker Gedo, whose magic felt like it was running dry in 2021. Luckily, he has elite talents like Okada to build around.

Okada emerged as an early clubhouse leader for Wrestler of the Year at Wrestle Kingdom, registered two modern classics in as many nights, emerging from battles with Shingo Takagi and Will Ospreay as IWGP Heavyweight Champion. That the ensuing run only stretched six months was a moderate disappointment, though The Rainmaker's form never wavered. By summer, he highlighted the G1 Climax with one of his greatest-ever matches against Ospreay, then shot JONAH along the road to stardom with their duo of bouts too.

When Okada hits, he is the most special wrestler on the planet. It's hard to hit in his current environment. Here's hoping 2022 brings a loosening of restrictions, breathing another lungful of life into New Japan, allowing The Rainmaker to be at his absolute best.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.