10 Things You Need To Know About Kazuchika Okada
7. He Had A Less-Than-Noteworthy TNA Run
In New Japan, wrestlers as typically introduced straight out of the dojo as "Young Lions" - rookies without unique character aspects or repertoires who are getting their first dose of in-ring experience. When they're ready, they go on excursion - an overseas trip that exposes them to different wrestling styles. Only when they return are they full-fledged stars.
Kazuchika Okada's excursion saw him work for Total Nonstop Action, and it ultimately went so badly that it helped end the collaboration between TNA and New Japan. Okada competed infrequently and lost almost all of his matches, most of which took place on Xplosion. For part of his tenure, he played the culturally insensitive role of "Okato," a sidekick character for Samoa Joe inspired by Kato from The Green Hornet.
To this day Okada speaks of his TNA run with disdain, although he does say that wrestling in America taught him the importance of having a charismatic persona in addition to an athletic in-ring presence.