Kazuchika Okada Taking NJPW Hiatus Following G1 Climax 32 Victory

NJPW

New Japan Pro Wrestling held the finals of it’s G1 Climax 32 tournament yesterday, with Kazuchika Okada defeating Will Ospreay to emerge on top in the tournament.

Okada’s victory earns him the opportunity to challenge for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 17, the title which he recently lost to Jay White.

Okada spoke to NJPW for the first time since his victory, noting that he is feeling gratitude following his victory.

He said:

“I woke up this morning, and the first thing I felt was gratitude. Gratitude to my opponent yesterday, Will Ospreay, but also to all of the wrestlers who were involved in the tournament, and the staff and fans that made everything possible. I really felt that it was because of everyone’s efforts that I was able to perform at the level I perform and win.”

It has sure been a good 24 hours for Okada, as his wife also gave birth to his new-born son. Okada then revealed that he plans on taking a hiatus from NJPW to spend time with his family.

He said:

“I’ve been lucky enough to receive some paternity leave from the company, which I’m very grateful for, and as I take a little bit of time off, I’ll be refreshing and then coming back to kick ass in the next tour.”

NJPW recently announced that next year’s Wrestle Kingdom 17 will return to the one night format, taking place on January 4, 2023.

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• birth
• Kazuchika Okada
• NJPW
• Hiatus

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