Since returning from his Young Lion excursion, Kazuchika Okada has become synonymous with the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. It is the only championship he has held during his career, having held it five times for a combined record of 1,790 days, with a record 30 defenses total. He is the greatest champion in the history of the title, and he is only just getting started. However, following Wrestle Kingdom 14, the IWGP Intercontinental Championship is now tied to it as well, when Tetsuya Naito won the two night ‘Double Gold Dash’ tournament. Okada was not interested in this concept, but went along for the ride and came up short. However, he is still only interested in one title.
Kazuchika Okada: The IWGP Heavyweight Championship Is What I’m Interested In
During an interview for NJPW1972.com, he was asked what his thoughts on the dual title situation, to which he replied by saying he didn’t even care enough to watch the latest title match. He isn’t interested in the championship since losing, and needs to refocus anyways. He was looking forward to the New Japan Cup, but even if he had won that, he was only interested in the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. “Even so, I have to say I’m not interested in the double championships. The IWGP Heavyweight Championship is what I’m interested in. Just that. I honestly don’t care about the double titles, what’ll happen to them, anything like that.” is what Okada had to say on this situation. He has never changed his stance from when the Double Gold Dash was announced, and likely never will.
Does This Devalue The Dual Titles?
While this level of arrogance is common place for the character of Okada, and this interview was done in-character, having the top star of the company look down on the current main title isn’t a great look. It devalues the accomplishment that Tetsuya Naito achieved at the Tokyo Dome, and the title as a whole. These comments show a level of disrespect for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship especially, one that has been built up by men like Tanahashi, Naito, Omega & Nakamura over the years. It downplays a significant achievement in the company, which is a terrible look for what should be the face of the company. This will likely all have a pay-off in the end, but for now we will have to wait and see. Do you feel this has devalued the top prize in New Japan? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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