Top NJPW Star Is Proud Of Kazuchika Okada Ahead Of His Upcoming Departure

NJPW

Top NJPW star and President Hiroshi Tanahashi says he is proud of Kazuchika Okada ahead of his upcoming departure from the company.

On January 18, New Japan Pro Wrestling shocked the wrestling world with the announcement that former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada is set to leave the company after his final dates in February.

This has stunned many New Japan fans, but many have been wondering the reaction of the roster to losing one of its top stars.

Speaking to Tokyo Sports, NJPW President and long-time Okada rival and friend Hiroshi Tanahashi commented on his upcoming departure. He said:

“I can only express my gratitude in the sense that I have contributed to New Japan for the past 12 years.”

“Speaking personally, I would have liked to have seen more matches with the new generation (Shota Umino, Ren Narita, Yota Tsuji, and Yuya Uemura)….”

“However, if I feel for Okada, I know that he has done enough in New Japan. I hope he will spread his wings to the world.”

“If he is going overseas with what he has achieved at the top in New Japan, I hope that he will show (them) Kazuchika Okada. It’s the same feeling I had with Nakamura. I am very proud of him.”

“I think things will get interesting from now on. We have an abundance of talent right now, and there are a lot of young fighters in the dojo.”

“When the rain stops, there will be a rainbow. Who will light up the future of New Japan when the rain of money stops falling?”

Kazuchika Okada is set to face Hiroshi Tanahashi in one final match on February 11 at NJPW New Beginning in Osaka.

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• Hiroshi Tanahashi
• Kazuchika Okada
• NJPW

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