Kazuchika Okada Blasted For Joining AEW Because Of Money
Kazuchika Okada leaving NJPW to join AEW has led to some aggressive criticism from a top wrestler in New Japan.
After having a legendary career in NJPW, Japanese wrestling legend Kazuchika Okada decided to sign with AEW in March 2024. There was reportedly interest from WWE as well, but Okada felt like AEW was a better fit for him.
Since joining AEW, Kazuchika Okada has been a heel as part of The Elite group with The Young Bucks (Matthew & Nicholas Jackson) and Jack Perry.
At AEW Worlds End, Kazuchika Okada picked up a huge win over Ricochet in the semifinals of the Continental Classic tournament. That led to the Finals of the Continental Classic when Okada had an incredible match with Will Ospreay that ended with Okada picking up the win.
That Continental Classic tournament win by Okada meant that he retained the Continental Championship, which he has held for over 290 days.
Gabe Kidd Is Not Impressed By Kazuchika Okada
Even though Okada has been successful in AEW, NJPW’s Gabe Kidd has made it clear in an interview with Fightful that he didn’t think about Kazuchika Okada and claimed Okada only left NJPW for AEW for the money
“I don’t give a f**k what Okada is doing right now. He ran away from here because he knew the new generation were coming up and he can’t hang anymore. He went to AEW for an easy paycheck. That’s that.
He went there to make easy money and he’s been joking around the whole time, looking like an absolute clown. It’s not even a comparison. Greatest tournament wrestler of all time? Come on, man. You’re walking around slapping people on the head like it’s a joke.
You slap my bald head like that, I’m going to get up and knock you straight out, you little pr**k. I’m not thinking about Okada. I’m gonna deal with him when the time comes. It’s not going to get to that. They want to keep all their guys away from me. They put them in the ring with me, I’m going to keep taking them out. I’m going to f**k them up and hurt them. That’s what I do. I hurt people. I injure people.”
At NJPW Wrestle Dynasty, Gabe Kidd lost to Kenny Omega in Omega’s first match in over a year.