Kazuchika Okada is in AEW and is a heel, and this creative direction came from those at the very top of the company.
The Rainmaker made his much-anticipated debut as an AEW wrestler on this week’s edition of Dynamite. While it has been rumored that he’d be joining WWE and potentially starting in NXT, it was reported last month that Okada had signed with AEW. His arrival on Dynamite came less than a month after Okada finished his lengthy career with New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Kazuchika Okada Joins The Elite
Okada’s debut this week saw him tease aligning with Eddie Kingston who was on the show to confront the Young Bucks. Instead, Okada attacked Kingston, certifying his role as a heel and shook hands with the AEW EVPs. With Kenny Omega fired as a member of The Elite during the same segment, Okada has seemingly replaced the absent former World Champion.
There was no hesitation in bringing in Okada as a heel, Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated reports. All parties involved, that being the Bucks, Okada, and Tony Khan agreed that being a heel was the better fit, especially given his original big run in Japan being as a playboy heel. The idea that he should start as a heel came directly from Khan. Multiple sources confirmed that Okada has immense trust in the AEW President’s vision.
What’s Next?
Okada competed in a six-man-tag at this week’s AEW Collision tapings, which will air tonight. SI reports that all indicators are that Okada will feud with Kenny Omega once the Canadian wrestler is ready to wrestle again.
