Kazuchika Okada Thinks The IWGP Championship Has Been Devalued

Kazuchika Okada has not been shy about how he feels about the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. He stated earlier this year that he has no interest in being double champion and now he has doubled down.

In an interview with Tokyo Sports (translation via Berry Meijer), Okada discussed how he feels the title has been devalued since being linked with the IWGP Intercontinental Championship. Here is the quote:

“Honestly, I can’t really see it right now. The main factor is that the conflict between Los Ingobernables de Japón and Bullet Club was immediately linked to the double title. I doubt the current situation. As for Los Ingob’s inner riot, do whatever you want. It would be nice if the fans would be interested. I am not interested at all. The belts involved are at its poorest. Well, even if the value goes down, I’ll raise it, so please do whatever you want right now.

I felt that the value of the heavyweight belt was halved when the two titles were won together. And that’s why if Mr. Naito (Tetsuya), who won the double crown first, was able to show something, he should’ve shown it. I lost because I couldn’t do it. But the biggest prize in the industry, the IWGP Heavyweight, seems to be far from its ideal. I don’t mean to complain. I think there’s a different way to create excitement. In that sense, I’ll have this match with Yujiro-san, so for now that’s fine.”

Okada lost the IWGP Heavyweight Championship to Tetsuya Naito at Wrestle Kingdom 14. Since then he has entered into a rivalry with Yujiro Takahashi of Bullet Club. The two will clash this Saturday at Sengoku Lord.

Do you agree with Kazuchika Okada? Let us know on Twitter!

• Tetsuya Naito
• IWGP Heavyweight Championship
• Kazuchika Okada
• NJPW

Share this article with friends