8 Reasons Why Kazuchika Okada Is #1 In This Year's PWI 500

6. Ridiculous Quality Of Opponents

Okada Pwi
NJPW1972.com

If calibre of opposition was the PWI 500's sole deciding factor, whoever happened to be on top in NJPW during the window of eligibility would probably win every year. The company's IWGP Heavyweight Title matches tend to deliver, and the G1 Climax tournament guarantees at least nine high quality bouts against some of the best wrestlers in the world in quick succession.

Kenny Omega stands out the most on Okada's resume, particularly for those who aren't die-hard New Japan followers, but the IWGP Champion's record is far deeper than that. Tomohiro Ishii, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kota Ibushi (well, Tiger Mask W), Katsuyori Shibata: each is a world class performer in their own right, and Okada has fought them all, delivering an elite performance every single time.

How do you improve on a list like that? Short of flying John Cena, AJ Styles, and Cesaro over for a brief New Japan sojourn, you can't. 'The Rainmaker' regularly tests his mettle against some of the best in the world, and while the same could be said for a number of his NJPW peers, the level of competition he has faced in his title defences sets Okada apart.

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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.