The five-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada has been attached to the title since his return from an excursion on January 4, 2020, making his New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) Cup Finals loss to Evil that much more painful. The loss was also only the second time Okada has lost a New Japan Cup tournament match.
With Bullet Club member Yujiro Takahashi playing a major role in Okada’s defeat, the decorated champion has a reason to want revenge on him and Evil. Okada has a Special Singles match against Yujiro at Sengoku Lord, which could highlight the past he will take going forward during Evil’s reign as the IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
Okada’s IWGP Heavyweight Narrative
Simply put, Okada is the most prolific IWGP Heavyweight Champion of all-time. While he falls short of Hiroshi Tanahashi‘s eight reigns as champion, he already has the record for the most successful IWGP Heavyweight Championship defenses with 30.
His recent singles losses to both Evil and Tetsuya Naito give him direct hurdles to overcome going into G1 Climax 30. Jay White also remains a constant thorn for Okada and holds a 2-1 record against him. Okada’s path back to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship looks more difficult than it ever has been.
How Will Okada Navigate His Way Through The New Landscape?
Okada has often spoken about how he has no desire for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, but that could be his path back to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. If Okada defeats Yujiro at Sengoku Lord, why would he immediately receive an IWGP Heavyweight Championship match after his New Japan Cup finals loss to the new champion, Evil?
However, a victory against Yujiro could earn him a right at the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, especially if Evil retains the ‘Double Championship’ against IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Hiromu Takahashi at Sengoku Lord.
With Tanahashi, Naito, White, Sanada, and Kota Ibushi all having a clear motive to go after Evil — Okada’s best path may be through the IWGP Intercontinental Championship or place all his chips into the G1.
