Kazuchika Okada is determined to get revenge by defeating Bryan Danielson.
Danielson beat Okada at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2023. Danielson injured his arm during the bout, and the two stars will clash again at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18.
Speaking with Tokyo Sports (translation via DeepL), Kazuchika Okada shared his thoughts on his looming rematch with Danielson.
“For me, there is no greater humiliation than losing,” Okada said. “I lost on the road, so I want to win at home next time. I think this will be a battle that will bring New Japan Pro-Wrestling to the world again.”
Kazuchika Okada On Potentially Main Eventing Wrestle Kingdom
Kazuchika Okada then commented on the buzz that NJPW could bring back the fan vote to determine the main event for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18. The world title match typically headlines the show and goes on last. However, given the star power involved in this rematch, some fans have wondered whether a fan vote could be utilized, as NJPW did in 2014.
“I can understand if I were to say, ‘It’s okay to do it,’ but I think the fans are starting to say that,” Kazuchika Okada said when asked about the possibility. “I can understand if I say, ‘Why don’t we do it,’ but I think the audience is starting to say that. It was 10 years ago, right?
“I want New Japan to have IWGP fights as the main event, so I hope they will never waver. But, well…if I’m going to do it, I’ll do it. I think it’s okay to do as much as you want to do.”
WrestleZone will provide more information as it becomes available.
Catch up on our coverage of NJPW Lonestar Shootout here.
