10 Things We Learned From NJPW G1 Special 2018
7. Balloon Boy
Kazuchika Okada debuted tweaked music, ring attire and entrance gear during NJPW's Strong Style Evolved United Kingdom tour, but those who presumed his t-shirt/red balloons ensemble was a rarity saved only for those super-charged house shows were wrong-footed by his roll-out of the aesthetic on a decidedly grander stage.
Ahead of his tag team victory alongside Will Ospreay against Los Ingobernables de Japon pairing Tetsuya Naito and Bushi, the 'Rainmaker' again donned the brand new red and black longboys complete with attached birthday party apparel, though unlike his UK trip was at least victorious.
Okada does not seem on the surface to be the type of performer destined to enter a post-title slump in the midcard whilst others challenge for the prize that he once held so dearly. This scaled-back aesthetic feels intended, almost if he doesn't consider himself worthy of the opulence and self-adoration he basked in the glow of during his glorious reign.
A strong G1 Climax could shift things back in his favour, but the growing list of potential title charges at Kenny Omega may render him stuck in proletariat attire for the short-term future at the very least. For fans of both the best wrestler in the world and free balloons, this can only be a boon.