Kazuchika Okada: I Lost On The Road Against Bryan Danielson, So I Want To Win At Home
Kazuchika Okada discusses his upcoming bout against Bryan Danielson at Wrestle Kingdom 18.
Okada and Danielson will clash once again at Wrestle Kingdom 18 in January 2024. Many fans are highly anticipating the rematch between the two stars, as some thought their first bout didn’t reach its full potential due to the fact that Danielson suffered an arm injury during the bout.
While speaking to Tokyo Sports for a new interview, Okada said that there is no greater humilation than losing and that he wants to win this next match against Danielson at home.
“For me, there is no greater humiliation than losing. 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.”
There is a small group of fans that are calling for Danielson and Okada to main event Wrestle Kingdom 18, as those people believe the match has more excitement around it than the current main event, which pits SANADA against Tetsuya Naito in an IWGP World Heavyweight Championship contest.
Back in 2014, a fan vote was held to decide the main event for Wrestle Kingdom 8. The vote was between the IWGP Intercontinental Title match between Hiroshi Tanahashi defeats Shinsuke Nakamura, and the IWGP Heavyweight Title bout between Kazuchika Okada and Tetsuya Naito. Some fans are calling for a fan vote to be brought back for Wrestle Kingdom 18.
Okada went on to comment on the matter in the interview, saying that he wants the company to focus on championship bouts, but that he would do what he had to do if he and Danielson were the closing match of the show.
“If I were to say, ‘Isn’t it okay to do it?” I would understand, but aren’t the customers starting to say that? It was 10 years ago, exactly. 10 years ago. After all, I want New Japan to focus on IWGP battles, so I hope they don’t waver. But, well…if I have to do it, I’ll do it. I guess it’s okay to just do what I have to do.”
Fans can see the current lineup for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 by clicking here.
Furthermore, fans can find results from the latest NJPW shows by visiting Fightful’s results section.
Special thanks to Tokyo Sports for the quote(s).
