AEW Star Does U-Turn; Expects To Headline Major Show
One AEW star has changed his mind about title matches headlining major shows and wants his upcoming bout to main event instead.
AEW Unified Champion Kazuchika Okada is no stranger to headlining the Tokyo Dome at Wrestle Kingdom, and he could well again in 2026. Despite leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling to continue his career in AEW, The Rainmaker will be the final opponent in the career of Hiroshi Tanahashi when they clash on January 4th 2026.
Speaking to Tokyo Sports, Okada was asked about where on the show he thinks that match should be placed, and despite previously thinking the main event should be reserved for the IWGP World Championship bout, now he thinks Tanahashi’s retirement should take precedence:
Well, the main event, of course. I’ve always said the IWGP should be the main event, but this is different. If it’s me, it’s gotta be the main event, right?
Kazuchika Okada Explains Valuable Experience For AEW Colleague
Some might think Kazuchika Okada is trying to get one up on his Don Callis Family partner, Konosuke Takeshita, who is currently the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. However, Okada noted that he thinks if Takeshita’s title match goes on after Tanahashi, it would be unfair to Takeshita and his opponent, Yota Tsuji:
Mr. Tanahashi is also a veteran of New Japan, and I feel it would be unfair for other wrestlers to compete after him. Experiencing a main event where you don’t get much reaction afterward, or experiencing an IWGP title match not being the main event—both are valuable experiences. I think that will be a valuable experience for both Takeshita and Tsuji. (Fans) could even vote on it.
Takeshita puts his title on the line in a double title match at Wrestle Kingdom with Tsuji’s IWGP Global Championship also up for grabs.
If Okada and Tanahashi do headline Wrestle Kingdom 20, it will be the tenth time Tanahashi has done so and the eleventh for Okada. It will also be the fourth time that they have main-evented NJPW’s annual spectacular against one another. Their current record in Wrestle Kingdom main events is 2-1 in favour of Hiroshi Tanahashi.