10 Most Larger Than Life Wrestlers In The World Today

5. Kazuchika Okada

Velveteen Dream
NJPW

It doesn't matter that Kazuchika Okada is a fresh-faced, long-limbed pretty boy, that he isn't a "real shooter," or that your dad reckons he thinks he could take him in a real fight, because there isn't a wrestler alive who brings the same big-fight atmosphere to every singles match.

Last year's "broken" period aside, New Japan Pro Wrestling have built 'The Rainmaker' up to such an extent that he resembles a wrestling god. Cool, calm, and assured, he carries himself like he's operating on a different astral plane to anyone he's facing. This comes from his look, charisma, and confidence, and while Okada's personality regularly veers towards cockiness, it always feels justified. It's a totally different aura to most of the performers discussed so far, but no less intoxication or attention-grabbing.

Okada's generally unruffled veneer enhances the rare moments when he does lose his head, as he did while fighting rival SANADA in this year's G1 Climax, literally screaming at the stop-start LIJ prospect to rise up and finally take his spot. This god has layers, and his ability to back it up between the ropes supports everything else.

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Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.