Kazuchika Okada made sure to express his gratitude to TNA and the fans after wrestling his first match for the promotion in over a decade.
In the main event of this week’s episode of iMPACT! on AXS TV, Okada teamed with the Motor City Machine Guns to defeat The System’s Eddie Edwards, Bryan Myers, and TNA World Champion Moose. After the match, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin spoke about their love for TNA before handing the microphone over to Okada.
“Thank you! Many people asked me ‘Why you hate TNA?’ You know, but I don’t hate TNA. Thank you TNA! TNA made me, not the Rainmaker, but [it was] a good thing for me. Thank you TNA! Thank you everyone!”
EXCLUSIVE: "Thank you TNA!"@rainmakerXokada addresses the crowd in Las Vegas after his return to TNA after nearly 13 years. #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/3BgUXjsdwo
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 26, 2024
Okada would shake hands with fans after his promo as the popular ‘Cross the Line’ theme for TNA iMPACT! played. Okada would return to the ring and kiss the mat, which features the TNA Wrestling logo, in a sign of respect to the promotion.
Kazuchika Okada and TNA Wrestling
Okada doesn’t hate TNA Wrestling, despite what some have claimed based on a previous run with the company. Okada first appeared for TNA in 2010 and would be established as a fan favorite in 2011. Dubbed ‘Okato’, the future IWGP Heavyweight Champion would use a look inspired by Kato from The Green Hornet series. A Green Hornet film would come out that same year, though TNA Wrestling had no official partnership with the project. Many felt that the gimmick was goofy and beneath someone of Okada’s immense skill set.
What’s Next for Kazuchika Okada?
Okada’s contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling will expire this month and after a handful of shows in February, he will be a completely free agent. Despite previously working with AEW, it is believed Okada will sign with WWE. There has been talk that he will begin his WWE run as a high-profile member of the WWE NXT roster.
