"The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada is, without a doubt, one of the biggest Japanese stars of today. His legendary rivalry with Hiroshi Tanahashi, an icon of puroresu, catapulted him to worldwide stardom after having a less than glorious time in the United States. The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion himself reviewed his successful career with the prestigious American medium SPORTS ILLUSTRATED and gave some very interesting insights:
About training with Último Dragón in 2004 and his wrestling style
I am from the new school, but Último Dragón taught me that wrestling is a fight. He taught me the importance of having a combative spirit in the ring.
I started in Mexico and then arrived at New Japan. I tried to be different. I learned the Mexican, Japanese, and American styles. My dropkick comes from Mexico, but my fighting spirit comes from Japan. I acquired the entertainment value from American television, so I have it all combined. I was young when I was in Mexico, maybe around 16 years old. I traveled to those countries and I have that new style thanks to Mexico and TNA. I wrestled for two years in Florida and then returned to Japan. It all came together in a new style, something different. I was looking for an old style that looked new. Dropkicks are old moves, but I wanted to make a new version of something old.
About whether his mistreatment in TNA meant the end of relationships between companies with NJPW and if there was anything positive about working with them
In TNA I learned that I needed something more than just a good match, I needed a character. That's how "The Rainmaker" came about, it was perfect for me. TNA didn't use me and I had more and more desire to wrestle. That struggle made me better. I have always been a great wrestler, I felt like I could take on anyone. Of course, I wanted to be in the main event of every TNA event, but they didn't see it that way. So I went back to New Japan and took the knowledge I learned in the United States with me.
About whether he would leave NJPW to go to WWE
Never. Many people tell me that I should go, but there hasn't been an offer.
About Shinsuke Nakamura's departure to WWE and a possible change in style
I was surprised that he went to WWE. It was a surprise, but it's no problem. He wanted to leave, it's what he wanted.
There is more excitement in New Japan's matches. The matches here in the United States are so fast that they often lack excitement. It's just move after move. When I lost last year at the Tokyo Dome, I almost cried. There is a lot of emotion, very different styles.
About being the Ring of Honor Champion
No, I don't want to be the Champion in ROH or any other company. The IWGP is the best championship in the world.
I want New Japan to be the best company in the world. I believe I am the best, but NJPW is not the best yet. I want to wrestle at Madison Square Garden with New Japan. We can make it happen.