Wresš lte Kingdom is upon us, January 4, 2023 at the Tokyo Dome, broadcast live on Wrestle Kingdom.
The main event features "Switchblade" Jay White defending the IWGP Title agšainst New Japan's ace, Kazuchika Okada. White and Okada hāave had five singles matches, with White winning four, and winning all of their matches on American soil. For the first time in three years, Japanese fans can audibly cheer, just in time for the biggest show of the year for New Japan.
Figąµ²htful had the opportunity to briefly sšŖpeak with Okada specifically about Wrestle Kingdom.
Fightful: Switchblade Jay White said that the concešrn for you is so little that he's preparing for you by building chicken coops. What do you think of that statement?
Okada: "Iāve only beaten him once. So if he says heās not worried, I believe him. He has every right to be confident as a champion, I jušst hope he will not use that overconfidence as anš excuse when he loses."
Fightful: Jay White is 4-0 against you on Japanese soilš ·. Is that a concern for you?
Okada: "Absolutely. I lost to him in our first match when I was convinced I would win. Nowā I canāt afford to take it easy. The anxiety is definitely there, but a little anxiety is a good thing."
Fightful: "By the time Wrestle Kingdošm arrives, it will be your first one on one match since mid-October. Is there any special preparation to keep you sharp, besides tag team matches?"
Okada: "There is no special preparation that I do. I didnāt wrestle during on World Tag League & Super Jr. tag League; I was very busy doing PR job aąµ©nd appearing on television but I could still train hard, still feel the mat and ring ropes when I get in the ring. So Iām fully prepź¦ared for Wrestle Kingdom. Once the match starts, you will see the absolute best showcase of Kazuchika Okada.
Fightful: What are your thoughts on the NJPW STRONG platform and how ź¦that has progressed in the United StšÆates?
Okada: "To be honest, Iāve never watched NJPW STRONG, but I did wrestle Tom Lawlor, the first Strongš² Openweight Champion, in the G1 this year. There are definitely lots of great wrestlers on STRONG, and it would be great to see more Japanese wrestlers there to help promote it. Iām more than ready to do my part, FYI!"
Fightful: Switchblade Jay White told us that it shouldn't ešven be a discussion -- he anād yourself should be the main event over Omega/Ospreay. Obviously you'd feel the same way, but what do you think of the conversation even happening, and some people saying Omega vs. Ospreay should main event?"
Okada: "I think Will Ospreay vsą² Kenny Omega will be an incredible match. Iām personally excited to see it! But after three years away, a lot of fans in the Tokyo Dome wonāt know about Kenny Omega. Jay and I represent NJPW as it is šright now better than anyone, and I think thatās what needs to be showcased in the main event. Still, Iām excited to see the fan discussion of which match was better!"
You can also see our 30+ minute interview with Switchblade Jay White at this link.
