Why you must watch him: Hes arguably the biggest wrestling star in Japan right now. Okadas story is the main reason why many people are so optimistic about NJPWs long-term future. In 2011, Okada was probably the least-impressive wrestler in the company. Then, after a failed spell in TNA, he became the Rainmaker, and Okada complemented his new gimmick with an unbelievable improvement in his match quality. Before anyone could say anything, Okada started putting on one outstanding match after another, which is a trend that continues to this very day. Nowadays, Okada carries himself like a true superstar, and his lengthening list of great matches stands as proof. Every time he steps into the ring, youre pretty much guaranteed an exciting match filled with excellent heel work, impressive psychology, repeated reversals, and devastating offense. Okada has reached a point where he cannot have a bad match with anyone. Imagine Randy Orton putting on mesmerizing wrestling clinics with the likes of Kane, Santino Marella, John Cena, Kofi Kingston, and Daniel Bryan. Thats what you get with Kazuchika Okada. He really is that good.
Alexander Podgorski is a writer for WhatCulture that has been a fan of professional wrestling since he was 8 years old. He loves all kinds of wrestling, from WWE and sports entertainment, to puroresu in Japan.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queen's University in Political Studies and French, and a Master's Degree in Public Administration. He speaks English, French, Polish, a bit of German, and knows some odd words and phrases in half a dozen other languages.
