Kazuchika Okada: The Rise of the Rainmaker
The rise of the Rainmaker, Kazuchika Okada in New Japan Pro Wrestling.
In the current era of professional wrestling, a long standing champion is a rarity. Of course, there are the exceptions such as Lesnar, Cena and even C.M. Punk. But again, they are the exceptions to the current rules. In a day and age where championships change hands more frequently than a car needs an oil change. Kazuchika Okada is bringing a luster back to the heavyweight championship.
Okada is only 29-years-old, yet he is on one of the greatest streaks any champion has ever had. After winning the IWGP Heavyweight Championship from Tetsuya Naito at NJPW Dominion in June of 2016, Okada has defended the championship at the highest level. During the span of his current championship run, Okada has had numerous “Match of the Year’ candidates. So not only is he consistently defending the championship, but he is also consistently having some of the best matches in the business.
Okada’s current reign as IWGP Champion is the fourth of his career. Earlier in his career, Okada had memorable moments as champion. It wasn’t until this current stretch, though, did he cement himself as one of the best wrestlers in the world. Not every match can be a 5-star classic, but when the lights shine the brightest, he rises to the occasion.
Now, Okada’s career has not always been main events and magazine covers. Okada would spend his early career in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. His time in TNA is not considered a bright spot in the career of Okada. Much of his time spent in the Orlando based company was in dark matches and brief appearances. At one point the promotion would even change his name to “Okato” and give him a sidekick persona. In a turn of fate while in TNA, Okada would meet The Young Bucks, then known as Generation Me. Along with Okada, The Young Bucks are a top attraction in NJPW.
Okada’s would soon return to NJPW, but he would be a changed man. It was after being told that he needed to be more than a ring technician and have a character that Okada would debut his now famous “Rainmaker” persona. Even to this day in every big match setting, Okada will make his debut, pose and as he looks to the sky, golden money will fall to the ground with his likeness gracing the front.
Okada has yet to reach the true prime of his career. He has had title reigns in the past with big matches surrounding them. This current incarnation of The Rainmaker may just be the best. The last year has been filled with highly rated Okada matches. In January Okada would make waves with Kenny Omega in what would be though as the greatest match of all time. When Okada and Omega would rematch later in the year, many were worried they couldn’t meet the standards. Never to be ones to crumble under pressure, Okada and Omega would have a match even better than the first.
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In a turn of events though, this may be just the beginning of the greatness Okada can achieve. Only time will tell if he can continue his assent not only to the top of the New Japan mountain but the professional wrestling world as an entirety.