Kazuchika Okada, known for his NJPW tenure, is a five-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion. He holds the record for most title defenses and has won the G1 Climax multiple times. Considered one of the greatest wrestlers, he topped Pro Wrestling Illustrated's list in 2017.
Kazuchika Okada, the Japanese professional wrestler, was born on November 8, 1987, in Anjō, Aichi. He later became one of the most successful and well-known wrestlers in the industry.
Kazuchika Okada made his wrestling debut on August 29, 2004, marking the beginning of his professional wrestling career.
In December 2005, Kazuchika Okada achieved victory by winning the 2005 Young Dragons Cup.
On October 27, 2006, Kazuchika Okada took part in UWA Hardcore Wrestling's 2006 Grand Prix Tournament, but was eliminated in the first round by Puma.
On November 12, 2006, Kazuchika Okada made his debut for Chikara, securing a victory by defeating Osiris.
On July 22, 2007, Kazuchika Okada took part in Último Dragón's 20th anniversary show, wrestling in a six-man tag team match alongside New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) wrestlers Jushin Thunder Liger and Milano Collection AT.
Kazuchika Okada made his debut for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) on August 26, 2007, facing Tetsuya Naito.
On April 12, 2008, Okada had his proper debut match for New Japan Pro Wrestling, facing Taichi Ishikari and marking a significant milestone in his wrestling career.
In May 2009, Okada teamed with Hirooki Goto in a match against the team of Go Shiozaki and Takashi Sugiura from Pro Wrestling NOAH, showcasing his growth as a wrestler during his time as a Young Lion.
On January 19, 2010, New Japan Pro Wrestling announced that Okada would be sent to compete in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling as part of a foreign learning excursion, expanding his international wrestling experience.
Profile of Kazuchika Okada in Puroresu Central.
On January 31, 2010, Okada wrestled against Hiroshi Tanahashi in his send-off match before competing in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, demonstrating his skills and readiness for international competition.
On February 15, 2010, Kazuchika Okada debuted the 'Rainmaker' wrist-lock into a short-arm lariat finisher.
In February 16, 2010, Okada made his debut with TNA Wrestling during the tapings of their flagship show Impact!, where he was defeated by Alex Shelley in an untelevised match. His proper television debut was during the April 6, 2010 taping of TNA Xplosion, competing in a tag match with Homicide, in which the pair were defeated by Generation Me (Jeremy and Max Buck).
Okada made his debut for Jersey All Pro Wrestling (JAPW) at Wild Card VI on March 20, 2010, where he was defeated by fellow TNA wrestler Samoa Joe.
Okada debuted on Impact! as one of the roster members trying to stop the ECW legends from hijacking the show. Afterwards, he formed a tag team with Japanese wrestler Akira Raijin, known in TNA as Kiyoshi, and lost their debut match as a team to Ink Inc., the team of Jesse Neal and Shannon Moore.
On May 17, 2010, X Division Champion Douglas Williams defeated Okada in a non-title Xplosion match.
On July 15, 2010, Okada made his first appearance on Impact!, running out to the ring in an attempt to stop former ECW wrestlers from taking over the show.
At the August 9 tapings, Okada picked up his first victory in TNA, defeating Kid Kash in a dark match.
On the November 26 Xplosion, Okada was defeated by Rob Terry.
Profile of Kazuchika Okada in Puroresu Central.
On December 14, 2010, it was announced that Kazuchika Okada would be returning to New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) at Wrestle Kingdom V in Tokyo Dome.
Profile of Kazuchika Okada in New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Okada returned to Japan for one night as part of Wrestle Kingdom V. He teamed up with Hirooki Goto and faced the team of Takashi Sugiura and Yoshihiro Takayama, where Okada was pinned after being hit with Takayama's Everest German Suplex.
On January 19, 2011, Kazuchika Okada turned face.
Okada was repackaged by TNA as the partner of Samoa Joe during the January 20, 2011, episode of Impact. He was given a costume and gimmick inspired by Kato, Bruce Lee's masked butler character from The Green Hornet, and was dubbed Okato by TNA.
Okato made his first TNA pay-per-view appearance at Against All Odds on February 13, 2011, preventing Dinero from leaving the ring during his match with Joe.
Okato defeated D'Angelo Dinero in a match via disqualification. This was Okato's last appearance before being taken off the main TV show and working under his real name once more.
On March 25, 2011, Kazuchika Okada changed his ring name to Okada.
Okada returned to NJPW during the NJPW Invasion Tour 2011 on May 13 in Rahway, New Jersey, but was defeated by MVP in the first round of a tournament to determine the inaugural IWGP Intercontinental Champion.
Okada's final televised appearance with TNA was on the June 21 episode of Xplosion, where he lost to Alex Shelley. His name was removed from the TNA roster page on the promotion's official website in October.
On December 9, 2011, NJPW announced that Kazuchika Okada would be returning to the promotion on January 4, 2012, at Wrestle Kingdom VI in Tokyo Dome, where he would face Yoshi-Hashi after gaining 11 kg of muscle.
Kazuchika Okada joined NJPW as a Heavyweight on January 4, 2012.
On January 5, 2012, Kazuchika Okada turned heel.
Kazuchika Okada, at the age of 24, challenged for the IWGP title in New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Profile of Kazuchika Okada in New Japan Pro Wrestling.
At The New Beginning, Okada defeated Tanahashi to become the second youngest IWGP champion in history, marking a significant milestone in his career.
On March 4, 2012, Okada made his first title defense, defeating Tetsuya Naito in the main event of NJPW's 40th anniversary event.
On May 3, 2012, at Wrestling Dontaku 2012, Okada defeated Hirooki Goto to make his second successful title defense.
Kazuchika Okada secured the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship on June 16, 2012, marking a significant milestone in his wrestling career.
On August 12, 2012, Okada defeated Karl Anderson to win the 2012 G1 Climax, breaking Masahiro Chono's record for the youngest G1 Climax winner in history.
On September 29, Okada continued his IWGP title reign with a G1 rematch against Satoshi Kojima, further solidifying his position as NJPW's new ace.
On October 14, Okada successfully defended his IWGP title against Hiroshi Tanahashi, who declared it as his last chance at the title contendership, solidifying Okada's position as NJPW's new ace.
After defending his right to his IWGP Heavyweight Title challenge against Karl Anderson and Hirooki Goto, Okada confronted champion Hiroshi Tanahashi, expressing his intent to carry New Japan into the future.
From November 20 thru December 2, Okada teamed up with YOSHI-HASHI, representing CHAOS in the 2012 World Tag League, finishing with 3 wins and 3 losses.
On November 23, Okada continued his reign with a victory over Karl Anderson, further establishing his dominance in NJPW.
Okada announced that he wanted his shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship on January 4, 2013, at Wrestle Kingdom 7 in Tokyo Dome.
On January 15, 2013, Okada publicly dismissed rumors that he was going to be signing with WWE and instead announced that he had just signed a contract extension with NJPW.
In preparation for the 2013 New Japan Cup, Kazuchika Okada announced the creation of a new submission finishing maneuver called the Red Ink, aiming to secure victory in the tournament.
Okada emerged triumphant in the 2013 New Japan Cup, defeating Toru Yano in the semifinals and Hirooki Goto in the finals, thereby reclaiming the number one contender position for Tanahashi's IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
Kazuchika Okada's match against Hiroshi Tanahashi on April 7, 2013, was acclaimed as the match of the year.
Okada achieved his first successful title defense at Wrestling Dontaku 2013, overcoming Minoru Suzuki in a thrilling contest.
At Dominion 6.22, Okada secured his second successful title defense by defeating Togi Makabe in an intense battle.
Okada achieved his third successful title defense by overcoming IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Prince Devitt in a highly anticipated match.
Kazuchika Okada delivered a remarkable 5-star match against Tomohiro Ishii on August 6, 2013, showcasing his incredible athleticism and in-ring artistry.
The G1 Climax 23 event took place, featuring the participation of various wrestlers including Akita, Japan, and the finals with Naito vs. Tanahashi.
On August 18, 2013, Okada made a guest appearance at DDT Pro Wrestling's Ryogoku Peter Pan show and competed in a special singles match, where he defeated Kota Ibushi.
At Destruction, Okada avenged his previous loss from the G1 Climax by defeating Satoshi Kojima, securing his fourth successful defense of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
Kazuchika Okada delivered another outstanding 5-star match against Hiroshi Tanahashi on October 14, 2013, demonstrating his remarkable in-ring abilities and captivating performance.
At Power Struggle on November 9, Kazuchika Okada defeated Karl Anderson in a rematch of the 2012 G1 Climax finals for his sixth successful title defense.
During the first day of the 2013 World Tag League on November 23, Kazuchika Okada and Yoshi-Hashi were victorious over Tetsuya Naito and La Sombra.
On December 9, Kazuchika Okada became the first wrestler in 25 years to win back-to-back MVP awards from Tokyo Sports.
Kazuchika Okada won the Pro Wrestling Awards MVP for the second consecutive year.
On January 4, 2014, at Wrestle Kingdom 8 in Tokyo Dome, Okada defeated Naito for his seventh successful title defense.
Kazuchika Okada worked for TNA on January 25, 2014.
On February 11 at The New Beginning in Osaka, Kazuchika Okada defeated Hirooki Goto for his eighth successful title defense.
Okada wins a match using a German move, securing victory in a championship showdown.
Kazuchika Okada secured the IWGP Heavyweight Championship on April 6, 2014, showcasing his exceptional wrestling abilities and strategic acumen.
On May 3, 2014, Okada's thirteen-month reign as the IWGP Heavyweight Champion came to an end, when he lost the title to Styles in his ninth defense.
The theme song 'RAIN MAKER' by Yonosuke Kitamura was released on January 4, 2012, and used until January 3, 2014.
Okada unsuccessfully challenged Styles for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in a three-way match, which also included Michael Elgin.
A rematch with Styles took place in Yokohama on May 25, where Styles defended his title despite interference from both Yujiro and CHAOS teammate Tomohiro Ishii.
Kazuchika Okada received the Match of the Year Award in 2014 for his remarkable match against Shinsuke Nakamura on August 1.
Okada defeated Chaos stablemate Shinsuke Nakamura to win the 2014 G1 Climax.
Okada teamed with Yoshi-Hashi to unsuccessfully challenge Bullet Club's Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson for the IWGP Tag Team Championship.
On September 23, Okada successfully defended his number one contendership contract in a singles match against Karl Anderson.
Okada made another successful defense of his contract against Tetsuya Naito.
Okada received his shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, but was defeated by the defending champion, Hiroshi Tanahashi.
Okada defeated Bad Luck Fale at Invasion Attack 2015 on April 5, 2015, and demanded a title shot with IWGP champion AJ Styles, ultimately regaining his IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
Okada defeated Styles to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for the third time.
After a loss to AJ Styles in a six-man tag match on August 16, 2015, Okada found himself in a staredown with veteran wrestler Genichiro Tenryu, who chose Okada as his opponent for his retirement match.
Okada defeated Genichiro Tenryu in his retirement match.
Okada won his third MVP award from Tokyo Sports, while his match with Tenryu was named the Match of the Year.
Kazuchika Okada was awarded the MVP at the 'プロレス大賞' in 2015. He also achieved the Best Bout in the Tenryu match. He expressed his ambition for the following year to get married.
Kazuchika Okada's match against Hiroshi Tanahashi on January 4, 2016, was recognized as the match of the year.
On February 11, 2016, Kazuchika Okada defeated Hirooki Goto, further establishing his dominance in the wrestling scene.
New Japan Pro Wrestling initiated a 2 billion yen project to prevent the departure of Kazuchika Okada, who was considered a treasure.
On April 10, 2016, Kazuchika Okada faced Tetsuya Naito at Invasion Attack 2016, where he lost the IWGP Heavyweight Championship due to interference from other members of Naito's group, Los Ingobernables de Japón. This marked a significant turning point in Okada's career.
Okada gained revenge on Sanada by defeating him at Wrestling Dontaku 2016.
On June 19, 2016, Kazuchika Okada achieved victory and secured the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, further solidifying his position as a top wrestler.
Kazuchika Okada secured the IWGP Championship for the 4th time, marking a significant achievement in his career.
Kazuchika Okada's exceptional performance against Naomichi Marufuji on July 18, 2016, led to him being honored with the Best Bout Award.
Okada retained the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Marufuji at King of Pro-Wrestling.
Okada became the second wrestler to win three consecutive Match of the Year awards from Tokyo Sports for his 2016 G1 Climax opener against Naomichi Marufuji.
Kazuchika Okada participated in a historic 6-star match against Kenny Omega on January 4, 2017, creating an unforgettable and groundbreaking moment in professional wrestling history.
Kazuchika Okada emerged victorious in a historic 46-minute 45-second battle at the Tokyo Dome, marking his second successful defense of the IWGP title.
Kazuchika Okada faced Suzuki at NJPW New Beginning in Sapporo in a highly anticipated match.
Okada successfully defended his title against the returning Minoru Suzuki, who had attacked Okada with the help of Suzuki-gun at New Years Dash on January 5.
Kazuchika Okada competed against Shibata at NJPW Sakura Genesis event.
Kazuchika Okada delivered a captivating 5-star match against Katsuyori Shibata on April 9, 2017, showcasing his exceptional in-ring abilities and storytelling prowess.
Kazuchika Okada had a match against Bad Luck Fale at NJPW Wrestling Dontaku.
Okada defeated Bad Luck Fale and granted Kenny Omega a second title shot after the match.
Okada lost the title to Omega in his thirteenth title defense at Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall, ending his 720 days reign as IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
Kazuchika Okada faced Kenny Omega at NJPW Dominion event.
Kazuchika Okada engaged in a highly acclaimed 6 1/4-star match against Kenny Omega on June 11, 2017, creating a monumental and unforgettable moment in wrestling history.
Kazuchika Okada defended the IWGP Hvt. Championship against Cody (Rhodes) at NJPW G1 Special In USA.
Kazuchika Okada participated in a groundbreaking 6-star match against Kenny Omega on August 12, 2017, delivering an extraordinary and iconic performance in professional wrestling.
In January 2017, it was announced that the Tekken 7: Fated Retribution video game would feature Okada's in-ring costume as an alternate outfit for the character King, further expanding his influence beyond wrestling.
Two days before their title match, on October 8, Okada and YOSHI-HASHI competed in NOAH for the GHC Tag Team Championship against Naomichi Marufuji and Toru Yano, but were unable to defeat them.
Kazuchika Okada extended his reign by successfully defending his IWGP title for the 8th consecutive time. This remarkable feat solidified his position as a dominant force in the wrestling industry.
Okada had a rematch on October 10 for the IWGP title against Naomichi Marufuji, following his loss to Marufuji during the round robin phase of the G1 Climax.
Okada successfully defended his IWGP title against Styles at King Of Pro Wrestling.
On October 22, Kazuchika Okada made history by breaking the record for the longest IWGP title reign, previously held by Shinya Hashimoto. This achievement further cemented his legacy in the world of professional wrestling.
Okada wrestled Tenryu at Final Revolution, defeating the retiring wrestler in his final match at Ryogoku Sumo Hall.
On December 14, Tokyo Sports awarded Okada his third Match of the Year award in a row, for his G1 Climax bout with Naomichi Marufuji.
On January 3, 2018, the day before Wrestle Kingdom 12, Okada broke the record for longest accumulated days as champion, previously held by Hiroshi Tanahashi.
The next day, he successfully defended his championship for the ninth time, defeating G1 Climax winner Tetsuya Naitō in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom.
Following the end of the 2018 New Japan Cup on March 21, winner Zack Sabre Jr. challenged Okada to an IWGP Heavyweight Championship bout, which took place on April 1 at Sakura Genesis.
At New Japan/Ring of Honor joint show, G1 Supercard, Okada defeated Jay White to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for the fifth time.
Kazuchika Okada had a remarkable 5½-star match against Hiroshi Tanahashi on May 4, 2018, captivating the audience with his exceptional athleticism and storytelling ability.
Kazuchika Okada participated in a historic 7-star match against Kenny Omega on June 9, 2018, creating an unprecedented and legendary moment in the history of professional wrestling.
Kazuchika Okada delivered a captivating 5-star match against Hiroshi Tanahashi on August 10, 2018, showcasing his exceptional in-ring abilities and storytelling prowess.
On August 17, 2018, Okada, along with Negro Casas and Último Guerrero, defeated Diamante Azul, Valiente, and Místico in Arena México.
Kazuchika Okada engaged in a remarkable 5-star match against Hiroshi Tanahashi on September 23, 2018, captivating the audience with his exceptional athleticism and dramatic storytelling.
Kazuchika Okada and Tomohiro Ishii had a remarkable 5-star match against Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi on September 30, 2018, delivering an exceptional and thrilling tag team performance.
At Wrestle Kingdom 14, Okada's fifth reign was ended by IWGP Intercontinental Champion Tetsuya Naito.
Kazuchika Okada delivered a captivating 5-star match against SANADA on March 24, 2019, showcasing his exceptional in-ring abilities and storytelling prowess.
After defeating Jay White in a rematch, Okada won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for the fifth time at G1 Supercard.
Kazuchika Okada defended his IWGP Heavyweight Championship for the first time at Wrestling Dontaku Night 2 by defeating New Japan Cup finalist SANADA.
On June 9, 2019, Kazuchika Okada achieved victory and secured the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, further establishing his dominance in the wrestling arena.
Kazuchika Okada engaged in a highly acclaimed 5 3/4-star match against Will Ospreay on July 20, 2019, delivering an exceptional and captivating performance in the wrestling ring.
Kazuchika Okada had a highly acclaimed 5 star match against SANADA on August 3, 2019.
Kazuchika Okada participated in a 5 star match against Kota Ibushi on August 10, 2019.
Okada defeated Minoru Suzuki at Royal Quest to make his third IWGP Heavyweight Championship defence.
Kazuchika Okada won the Best Bout Award in 2019 for his match against SANADA on October 14. The match received widespread recognition for its quality and Okada's performance.
Kazuchika Okada engaged in a highly praised 5 1/2 star match against Kota Ibushi on January 4, 2020.
Kazuchika Okada delivered a remarkable 5 star match against Tetsuya Naito on January 5, 2020.
On January 20, 2020, Okada played rhythm guitar on several tracks on The High Crusade's extended play Main Statement.
Okada defeated Taichi at The New Beginning In Sapporo 2020 Night 1.
Okada and his CHAOS stablemate Toru Yano faced EVIL and Bullet Club stablemate Dick Togo in a double countout.
Okada defeated EVIL in a match.
Okada won his second New Japan Cup by defeating Sanada in the finals of the tournament.
Okada reached the final of the 2020 New Japan Cup but lost to EVIL with the help of Bullet Club.
Okada defeated Yujiro Takahashi at Sengoku Lord in Nagoya, following a small feud between the two.
NJPW chairman Naoki Sugabayashi alongside Okada announced the creation of the KOPW Championship during a press conference.
In the first round of a tournament to crown a KOPW Champion, Okada defeated Gedo, Jado, and Yujiro Takahashi in a Handicap Match to advance to the final, showcasing his dominance in the wrestling arena.
Okada proposed to face Yujiro Takahashi and his Bullet Club stablemates Gedo and Jado in a 3-on-1 handicap match as part of the KOPW 2020, which he won after a fan vote.
Okada was defeated by his CHAOS stablemate Toru Yano in the final of the tournament at Summer Struggle in Jingu.
Okada took part in G1 Climax 30 as part of block A, finishing the tournament with a record of six wins and three losses.
Kazuchika Okada had an outstanding 5 1/4 star match against Shingo Takagi on October 10, 2020.
Okada was defeated by Will Ospreay in his final block match at the 2020 G1 Climax, following outside interference from Ospreay's girlfriend Bea Priestley and the returning Great O-Kharn.
Okada defeated O-Khan via referee's decision at Power Struggle.
The rivalry between Okada and Ospreay culminated in a match on January 4, 2021, on the first night of Wrestle Kingdom 15 in Tokyo Dome, where Okada emerged victorious.
Will Ospreay won the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship and nominated Okada as his first challenger.
Okada was defeated by Shingo Takagi for the vacant IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
Okada won a match against Jeff Cobb.
Okada was defeated by Jeff Cobb.
Okada defeated Kota Ibushi to win the 2021 G1 Climax.
Okada successfully defended his championship against Tama Tonga.
After defeating Buddy Mathews, Okada declined Will Ospreay's invitation to challenge for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
On the first night of Wrestle Kingdom 16, Okada defeated Shingo Takagi to win the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. He then retired the old IWGP Heavyweight championship and replaced it with the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
Okada defeated Will Ospreay to retain the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship and certified himself as the 'real' IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.
On January 8, 2022, at the final night of Wrestle Kingdom, Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi emerged victorious against Kaito Kiyomiya and Keiji Muto of Pro Wrestling NOAH.
On February 20, 2022, Kazuchika Okada successfully defended his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Tetsuya Naito.
At Hyper Battle, Okada made his third successful title defense against the winner of the 2022 New Japan Cup Zack Sabre Jr. Afterwards, Okada nominated Tetsuya Naito to be his next challenger.
On April 29, 2022, at Hyper Battle Night 5, Okada successfully defended his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Zack Sabre Jr.
At Wrestling Dontaku, on May 3, 2022, Okada defeated Tetsuya Naito to retain his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
At Dominion 6.12 in Osaka-jo Hall, Okada lost the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship to Jay White in his fifth title defense.
On June 22, 2022, Okada made his debut on AEW Dynamite, coming to the aid of Adam Page while he was being attacked by Jay White and Adam Cole.
At AEW-NJPW Forbidden Door on July 30, 2022, Kazuchika Okada participated in a Four Way Match for Jay White's IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, but failed to regain the title.
On August 17, 2022, Kazuchika Okada secured a victory over Tama Tonga in the semi-final of the G1 Climax tournament.
Okada defeated Tama Tonga and then Will Ospreay in the semifinals and finals, respectively, to win the 2022 G1 Climax for the fourth time, becoming the fourth wrestler after in the tournament's history to win back-to-back finals.
At Wrestle Kingdom 17, Okada defeated White to win the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship for the second time.
Okada teamed with longtime rival and new IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion, Kenny Omega to defeat United Empire's Aaron Henare and Jeff Cobb at New Year Dash.
IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Okada and Togi Makabe took on GHC Heavyweight Champion Kaito Kiyomiya and Yoshiki Inamura in a tag team match. The match ended in a no contest after a brawl between Okada and Kiyomiya.
Okada defeated Kaito Kiyomiya at Keiji Muto Grand Final Pro-Wrestling.
At Keiji Mutoh Grand Final Pro-Wrestling 'Last-Love', Okada defeated Kiyomiya in a Champion vs. Champion match.
At Sakura Genesis, Okada lost the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship to 2023 New Japan Cup winner SANADA.
Okada teamed with Ishii and Tanahashi to defeat Strong Style to win the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship.
Okada, Ishii and Tanahashi successfully defended the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship against Blackpool Combat Club and Shota Umino at Dominion 6.4.
On June 21, 2023, Okada made his return to AEW to confront Bryan Danielson ahead of their match at Forbidden Door.
Okada competed in the annual G1 Climax tournament in July, finishing top of the block and advancing to the quarterfinal round.
Okada avenged a loss suffered during the 2022 G1 Climax by defeating Jonah at Declaration of Power.
Okada won his fifth MVP award from Tokyo Sports, while his match with Will Ospreay was named the Match of the Year.
Okada defeated Bryan Danielson at Wrestle Kingdom 18, avenging his loss at Forbidden Door.
Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin, and Kazuchika Okada defeated Brian Myers, Eddie Edwards, and Moose in a 6-person tag match.
NJPW announced that Okada would not be renewing his contract and would cease being a full-time performer for the company after fulfilling his dates at The New Beginning series of events a month later.
Kosei Fujita, Mikey Nicholls, Shane Haste, and Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada, Togi Makabe, and Tomohiro Ishii in an 8-person tag match.
Kosei Fujita, Mikey Nicholls, Shane Haste, and Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada, Tomoaki Honma, and Tomohiro Ishii in an 8-person tag match.
Kosei Fujita, Mikey Nicholls, Shane Haste, and Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada, Tomoaki Honma, and Tomohiro Ishii in an 8-person tag match.
Okada decided to vacate the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship, ending their reign at 266 days.
On January 25, 2024, Okada made his in-ring return to TNA for the first time in 13 years in a Six-man tag team match teaming with the Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) in a winning effort against TNA World Champion Moose and the System (Eddie Edwards and Brian Myers).
Okada defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi in the last match between them, ending their long-standing rivalry.
Okada wrestled his last match as a NJPW talent on night 2 of The New Beginning in Sapporo, marking his last appearance for NJPW.
Kazuchika Okada, Tomohiro Ishii, YOH, and YOSHI-HASHI defeated Callum Newman, Francesco Akira, Great O-Khan, and Jeff Cobb in an 8-person tag match.
Hirooki Goto, Kazuchika Okada, Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano, and YOSHI-HASHI defeated Francesco Akira, Great O-Khan, Henare, Jeff Cobb, and Matt Riddle in a 10-person tag match.
Kazuchika Okada turned heel on March 6, 2024.
The Rainmaker, Kazuchika Okada, was welcomed as the newest signee and member of The Elite in AEW. The EVPs Matthew and Nicholas Jackson were captured on camera welcoming Okada to AEW.
Kazuchika Okada, Matthew Jackson, and Nicholas Jackson defeated Eddie Kingston, PAC, and Penta El Zero Miedo in a 6-person tag match.