Kazuchika Okada

Okada in January 2024

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Anjō, Aichi, Japan

**Kazuchika Okada** (岡田 和睦, *Okada Kazuchika*, ring name: オカダ・カズチカ) (born November 8, 1987) is a Japanese professional wrestler.

He his best known for his time in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), where he is a former one-time NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champion, a former two-time IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and a former five-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion. Okada’s fourth reign at 720 days is the longest in the championship’s history, and it also holds the record for most successful title defenses with 12 successfull title defenses.

Initially trained by Último Dragón and making his debut in August 2004, Okada spent his first years in professional wrestling working in Mexico, before returning to Japan and making NJPW his home promotion in mid-2007. Originally working as a junior heavyweight, Okada graduated to the heavyweight division in April 2008, with limited success. In February 2010, NJPW sent Okada on a developmental tour to American promotion Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where he ended up spending the next twenty months, mainly performing on the promotion's secondary television program, *Xplosion*. From January to March 2011, Okada, now performing under the ring name **Okato**, was featured on TNA's primary television program, *Impact!*, as Samoa Joe's sidekick in his rivalry with D'Angelo Dinero.

Okada's run with TNA ended in October 2011 and he returned to NJPW in January 2012, repackaged as "Rainmaker" (レインメーカー, *Reinmēkā*), complete with a new look and a villainous persona. Just a month later, Okada defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi to win NJPW's top title, the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, which he would hold for four months, before losing it back to Tanahashi. The following August, Okada won NJPW's premier tournament, the G1 Climax. At the end of year, the *Tokyo Sports* magazine named Okada the 2012 MVP in all of Japanese professional wrestling. The following year, Okada first won the New Japan Cup in March, before regaining the IWGP Heavyweight Championship from Tanahashi in April. After a thirteen-month reign, Okada lost the title in May 2014. Three months later, he won his second G1 Climax. Okada has since won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship four more times before a hiatus from 2020 to 2022 from the main event picture due to an injury before returning to it in mid 2021 after winning the G1 Climax for the third time and eventually winning the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship in January 2022 and headlined NJPW's biggest annual event – Wrestle Kingdom – six times (2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2022). During this time, Okada established himself from a villainous wrestler to one of the aces of New Japan Pro-Wrestling along with long-time rival Hiroshi Tanahashi.

Regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all-time, Okada became the first Japanese wrestler to top *Pro Wrestling Illustrated*'s list of the top 500 wrestlers in the world in 2017. His matches against Kenny Omega at Wrestle Kingdom 11, Dominion 6.11 in Osaka-jo Hall, the 2017 G1 Climax, and Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall, earned a respective 6, 61⁄4, 6, and 7 stars from Dave Meltzer of the *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. The latter is the highest star rating Meltzer has ever awarded.

## Professional wrestling career

### Training and early career (2004–2007)

Trained by Último Dragón at his Toryumon X professional wrestling school, Kazuchika Okada made his debut on August 29, 2004, against Negro Navarro, and would spend the next couple of years wrestling primarily in Toryumon Mexico. In December 2005, Okada won the 2005 Young Dragons Cup. Okada would also make appearances in the United States and Canada for promotions such as UWA Hardcore Wrestling and Chikara. On October 27, 2006, Okada participated in UWA Hardcore Wrestling's 2006 Grand Prix Tournament, but was eliminated in the first round by Puma. The following day, Okada and Último Dragón unsuccessfully challenged Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin for the NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Championship. On November 12, 2006, Okada made his debut for Chikara, defeating Osiris. During his time in UWA Hardcore Wrestling, Okada also unsuccessfully challenged Josh Prohibition for the UWA Canadian Championship on May 26, 2007. On July 22, 2007, Okada took part in Último Dragón's 20th anniversary show, where he wrestled in a six-man tag team match, alongside New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) wrestlers Jushin Thunder Liger and Milano Collection AT After the match, it was announced that Okada was graduating from Toryumon and joining NJPW.

### New Japan Pro Wrestling (2007–2010)

Upon joining NJPW, Okada entered the NJPW Dojo, where he went through further training. He would make his debut for the company on August 26, 2007, losing to Tetsuya Naito. An injury would sideline Okada for the next eight months and upon his return in April 2008 he would be billed as a heavyweight instead of a junior heavyweight. His career would start to pick up steam the following year with breakout performances in the NJPW vs. Pro Wrestling Noah war against the likes of Takashi Sugiura and Go Shiozaki. He would also wrestle main eventers such as Shinsuke Nakamura, Hirooki Goto and Tajiri and despite losing all of his big matches, he was becoming a big crowd favorite. In January 2010, NJPW announced that they would be sending Okada to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling for a developmental tour in order for him to become the wrestler NJPW believed he could be. Then NJPW president Naoki Sugabayashi predicted the tour could take up to two or three years. On January 31, 2010, Okada was defeated by former four-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi in his NJPW farewell match.

### Return to NJPW (2010–present)

#### Sporadic appearances (2010–2011)

On December 14, 2010, NJPW announced that Okada would be returning to the promotion on January 4, 2011, at Wrestle Kingdom V in Tokyo Dome, where he would team with Hirooki Goto against Pro Wrestling Noah representatives Takashi Sugiura and Yoshihiro Takayama. On December 23, he made a surprise return to the promotion, performing a German suplex on the 130 kg (290 lb) Takayama, after a match, where he and Minoru Suzuki had defeated Yuji Nagata and Wataru Inoue. At Wrestle Kingdom V in Tokyo Dome, Takayama pinned Okada to win the match. After the event Okada returned to the United States and TNA Wrestling. Okada returned to NJPW during the Invasion Tour 2011, the promotion's first tour of the United States, on May 13 in Rahway, New Jersey, but was defeated by MVP in the first round of a tournament to determine the inaugural IWGP Intercontinental Champion. At the following day's event in New York City, Okada teamed with Ryusuke Taguchi and Togi Makabe in a six man tag team match, where they were defeated by Davey Richards, Homicide and Rhino. On May 15, the final day of the tour, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Okada teamed with Charlie Haas, Josh Daniels and Tiger Mask in an eight man tag team match, where they were defeated by CHAOS (Shinsuke Nakamura, Gedo, Jado and Yujiro Takahashi).

On December 9, 2011, NJPW announced that Okada, having gained 11 kg (24 lb) of muscle to increase his overall weight from 96 kg (212 lb) to 107 kg (236 lb), would be returning to the promotion on January 4, 2012, at Wrestle Kingdom VI in Tokyo Dome, where he would face Yoshi-Hashi, also making his return after a learning excursion to Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL).

#### Feud with Hiroshi Tanahashi and battle for the Ace (2012–2016)

On January 4, Okada defeated Yoshi-Hashi in his return match. After the main event of the evening, Okada challenged Hiroshi Tanahashi to a match for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. At the following day's press conference, where the title match was made official, Okada revealed that he had joined CHAOS, NJPW's top heel stable, enlisting new stablemate Gedo as his manager and spokesperson. Adopting the new villainous persona of "Rainmaker", Okada changed the Japanese writing of his ring name from "岡田かずちか" to "オカダ・カズチカ". Okada described his new persona as a combination of the three professional wrestling styles he had learned, stating that he took his dropkick from Mexico, his "fighting spirit" from Japan and the "TV and the entertainment" from the United States. In the month leading to the title match, Okada went on a main event win streak, which included pinning Tanahashi in a tag team match on January 29. On February 12 at The New Beginning, Okada defeated Tanahashi to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for the first time. Okada made his first title defense on March 4, defeating Tetsuya Naito in the main event of NJPW's 40th anniversary event. On May 3 at Wrestling Dontaku 2012, Okada defeated 2012 New Japan Cup winner and reigning IWGP Intercontinental Champion Hirooki Goto to make his second successful title defense. On June 16 at Dominion 6.16, Okada lost the IWGP Heavyweight Championship back to Hiroshi Tanahashi, ending his reign at 125 days.

On August 1, Okada entered his first G1 Climax tournament. In the tournament, Okada wrestled in the same block as CHAOS leader Shinsuke Nakamura and, on August 5, was defeated by Nakamura, who effectively solidified his spot as the group's leader in the process. However, Okada bounced back from the loss, winning five of his eight round-robin stage matches and finished at the top of his block, advancing to the finals of the tournament. In the finals on August 12, Okada defeated Karl Anderson to win the 2012 G1 Climax. Breaking Masahiro Chono's record for the youngest G1 Climax winner in history, Okada announced that he wanted his shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship on January 4, 2013, at Wrestle Kingdom 7 in Tokyo Dome. Okada signed a contract for the Tokyo Dome match on September 6, making him the official number one contender to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at NJPW's biggest event of the year. However, before January 4, Okada would have to defend his contract as if it were a championship. On October 8 at King of Pro-Wrestling, Okada made his first successful defense of the contract against Karl Anderson. On November 11 at Power Struggle, Okada made another successful defense against Hirooki Goto. Later in the event, after Hiroshi Tanahashi had successfully defended the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Yujiro Takahashi, the Tokyo Dome title match between him and Okada was made official. From November 20 to December 1, Okada took part in the round-robin portion of the 2012 World Tag League, alongside stablemate Yoshi-Hashi under the team name "CHAOS Ride the Lightning". The team finished with a record of three wins and three losses, with a loss to Sword & Guns (Hirooki Goto and Karl Anderson) on the final day, costing them a spot in the semifinals of the tournament. On December 10, *Tokyo Sports* named Okada the 2012 MVP in all of *puroresu*. His match with Hiroshi Tanahashi from June 16 was also named the Match of the Year. On January 4, 2013, at Wrestle Kingdom 7 in Tokyo Dome, Okada failed in his title challenge against Tanahashi. On January 15, Okada publicly dismissed rumors that he was going to be signing with WWE and instead announced that he had just signed a contract extension with NJPW.

In February, Okada led CHAOS to a war with NJPW's other heel stable, Suzuki-gun, which built to a match on February 10 at The New Beginning, where Okada, positioned as the face, was defeated by the stable's leader Minoru Suzuki, following interference from Taichi. In preparation for the 2013 New Japan Cup, Okada announced that he had created a new submission finishing maneuver, the *Red Ink*, in order to win the tournament. On March 11, he used the *Red Ink* to defeat Suzuki-gun member and IWGP Tag Team Champion Lance Archer in his first round match. Six days later, Okada advanced to the semifinals of the tournament with a win over Karl Anderson. On March 23, Okada first defeated CHAOS stablemate Toru Yano in the semifinals and then Hirooki Goto in the finals to win the 2013 New Japan Cup and once again become the number one contender to Tanahashi's IWGP Heavyweight Championship. On April 7 at Invasion Attack, Okada defeated Tanahashi to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for the second time. On May 3 at Wrestling Dontaku 2013, Okada made his first successful title defense against Minoru Suzuki. His second successful defense took place on June 22 at Dominion 6.22 against Togi Makabe. On July 20, Okada made his third successful title defense against IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Prince Devitt. From August 1 to 11, Okada took part in the 2013 G1 Climax, where he opened by losing three of his first four matches. After bouncing back to a three-match win streak and a time limit draw with Hiroshi Tanahashi, Okada finished his tournament with a loss against Satoshi Kojima, which meant that he was eliminated from the tournament. On August 18, Okada made a rare appearance outside of NJPW, when he took part in the DDT Pro-Wrestling promotion's annual *Ryōgoku Peter Pan* event, defeating Kota Ibushi in a special non-title match. On September 29 at Destruction, Okada avenged the loss from G1 Climax by defeating Satoshi Kojima for his fourth successful defense of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

On October 14 at King of Pro-Wrestling, Okada made his fifth successful title defense against Hiroshi Tanahashi in what Tanahashi claimed would be his final challenge for the title. With the win, NJPW claimed that Okada had taken over Tanahashi's spot as the "ace" of the promotion. On November 9 at Power Struggle, Okada defeated Karl Anderson in a rematch of the 2012 G1 Climax finals for his sixth successful title defense. Okada and his next challenger, 2013 G1 Climax winner Tetsuya Naito, faced off on November 23 during the first day of the 2013 World Tag League in a match, where Okada and Yoshi-Hashi were victorious over Naito and La Sombra. Okada and Yoshi-Hashi however managed to win only one of their five remaining matches in the tournament and finished second to last in their block, failing to advance to the semifinals. Following a disappointing fan reaction to a confrontation between Okada and Naito, NJPW announced that fans would get to vote whether they or Shinsuke Nakamura and Hiroshi Tanahashi for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship would be the true main event of the Tokyo Dome show. When the results were released on December 9, Okada and Naito had gotten only half the votes Nakamura and Tanahashi had gotten and, as a result, lost their main event spot for NJPW's biggest show of the year. That same day, Okada became the first wrestler in 25 years to win back-to-back MVP awards from *Tokyo Sports*. On January 4, 2014, at Wrestle Kingdom 8 in Tokyo Dome, Okada defeated Naito for his seventh successful title defense. Okada's eighth successful title defense took place on February 11 at The New Beginning in Osaka, where he defeated Hirooki Goto. On April 6 at Invasion Attack 2014, Okada found himself a new challenger in Bullet Club's newest member, the debuting A.J. Styles, who claimed that Okada was still the same "young boy" (rookie) he had known in TNA. On May 3 at Wrestling Dontaku 2014, Okada thirteen-month reign as the IWGP Heavyweight Champion came to an end, when he lost the title to Styles in his ninth defense, after Yujiro Takahashi turned on him and CHAOS and joined Bullet Club.

In May, Okada took part in NJPW's North American tour, during which he received a rematch for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. On May 17 at War of the Worlds in New York City, Okada unsuccessfully challenged Styles for the title in a three-way match, which also included Michael Elgin, whom Styles pinned for the win. Okada received another shot at the title on May 25 at Back to the Yokohama Arena, but was again defeated by Styles. From July 21 to August 8, Okada took part in the 2014 G1 Climax, where he won his block with a record of eight wins and two losses, which included a win over A.J. Styles, advancing to the finals. On August 10, Okada defeated CHAOS stablemate Shinsuke Nakamura to win the 2014 G1 Climax. On September 21 at Destruction in Kobe, Okada teamed with Yoshi-Hashi to unsuccessfully challenge Bullet Club's Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson for the IWGP Tag Team Championship. Two days later at Destruction in Okayama, Okada successfully defended his IWGP Heavyweight Championship number one contender's contract against Karl Anderson. On October 13 at King of Pro-Wrestling, Okada made another successful defense of his contract against Tetsuya Naito. The following month, Okada once again teamed up with Yoshi-Hashi for the 2014 World Tag League. The team finished their block with a record of four wins and three losses, failing to advance to the finals. On January 4, 2015, at Wrestle Kingdom 9 in Tokyo Dome, Okada received his shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, but was defeated by the defending champion, Hiroshi Tanahashi. Okada then started a stoyline, where the loss to Tanahashi had broken him both physically and mentally, causing him to enter a slump. This led to a rivalry between him and Bullet Club's Bad Luck Fale, who scored several pinfall wins over Okada, including in the first round of the 2015 New Japan Cup. Okada finally defeated Fale in a singles match on April 5 at Invasion Attack 2015, after which he announced his intention of regaining the IWGP Heavyweight Championship by attacking A.J. Styles at the conclusion of the event.

On July 5 at Dominion 7.5 in Osaka-jo Hall, Okada defeated Styles to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for the third time. From July 23 to August 15, Okada took part in the 2015 G1 Climax. He entered the final day with a chance to advance from his block, but a loss against Chaos stablemate Shinsuke Nakamura cost him a spot in the finals, giving him a record of seven wins and two losses. On August 16, Okada had a staredown with Genichiro Tenryu, who chose him to be his opponent in his retirement match. On November 15, Okada defeated Tenryu in his retirement match. On December 7, Okada won his third MVP award from *Tokyo Sports*, while his match with Tenryu was named the Match of the Year. With the win, Okada became only the fifth three-time MVP award winner. In December 2015, Okada signed a one-year contract extension with NJPW. However, following A.J. Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura's departures from the promotion the following month, NJPW owner Takaaki Kidani announced that the promotion was scrapping the one-year contract system and was looking to offer Okada, their top priority, a new five-year ¥200 million contract. On January 4, 2016, Okada defeated 2015 G1 Climax winner Hiroshi Tanahashi in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 10 in Tokyo Dome to retain the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

#### The Longest-reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion (2016–2018)

He made his third successful title defense on February 11 at The New Beginning in Osaka against Hirooki Goto. On April 10 at Invasion Attack 2016, Okada lost the IWGP Heavyweight Championship to 2016 New Japan Cup winner Tetsuya Naito, following outside interference from Naito's *Los Ingobernables de Japón* stablemates BUSHI, EVIL and the debuting SANADA. Okada gained revenge on Sanada by defeating him on May 3 at Wrestling Dontaku 2016. This led to a rematch with Naito on June 19 at Dominion 6.19 in Osaka-jo Hall, where Okada won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for the fourth time. From July 18 to August 12, Okada took part in the 2016 G1 Climax, where he finished tied second in his block with a record of five wins, one draw and three losses. A 30-minute time limit draw against Hiroshi Tanahashi on the final day eliminated both men from advancing to the finals. On October 10 at King of Pro-Wrestling, Okada retained the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Marufuji, setting up the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 11 in Tokyo Dome between Okada and the 2016 G1 Climax winner Kenny Omega. On December 14, Okada became the second wrestler to win three consecutive Match of the Year awards from *Tokyo Sports* for his 2016 G1 Climax opener against Naomichi Marufuji. On January 4, 2017, Okada successfully defended the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Kenny Omega at Wrestle Kingdom 11 in Tokyo Dome. At 46 minutes and 45 seconds, the match was the longest in the history of the January 4 Tokyo Dome Show. Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer, in his *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*, gave the match a six-star rating. He added that Okada and Omega "may have put on the greatest match in pro wrestling history" and that it was the best match he had ever seen. The match was also praised by the likes of Daniel Bryan, Mick Foley, and Stone Cold Steve Austin. The day after Wrestle Kingdom 11, Okada and Chaos were attacked by the returning Minoru Suzuki and his Suzuki-gun stable, which led to his third title defense on February 5 at The New Beginning in Sapporo, where he defeated Suzuki. Okada's next defense took place on April 9 at Sakura Genesis 2017, where he defeated 2017 New Japan Cup winner Katsuyori Shibata. Okada's fifth defense took place on May 3 at Wrestling Dontaku 2017, where he defeated Bad Luck Fale. After the match, Okada nominated Omega as his next challenger for the championship. The rematch between Okada and Omega on June 11 at Dominion 6.11 in Osaka-jo Hall ended in a 60-minute time limit draw. Okada's next title defense took place during the first night of G1 Special in USA on July 1, where he defeated Cody. Okada then entered the 2017 G1 Climax, where he finished with a record of six wins, one draw, and two losses, failing to advance to the finals due to losing to Kenny Omega in their third match against each other on August 12. On October 9 at King of Pro-Wrestling, Okada avenged a loss suffered during the 2017 G1 Climax by making his eighth successful title defense against Evil. The win also ensured that Okada would be breaking Shinya Hashimoto's record of 489 days as the longest-reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion in history. On January 3, 2018, Okada also broke Hiroshi Tanahashi's record of 1,358 combined days as champion, The following day at Wrestle Kingdom 12, Okada defeated Tetsuya Naito to retain the title. On May 4, Okada set a new record for most successful defenses of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship by making his twelfth defense against Hiroshi Tanahashi. After the match, Okada nominated Kenny Omega his next challenger for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. The two agreed to a two-out-three falls match with no-time limit at Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall. Okada revealed that he chosed mega due to their match at Dominion 6.11 in Osaka-jo Hall ending in a time-limit draw and Omega defeating him at 20the 17 G1 Climax. Okada lost the title to Omega in his thirteenth title defense on June 9 at Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall, ending his 720 days reign as IWGP Heavyweight Champion.

#### Various feuds and fifth IWGP Heavyweight Championship reign (2019–2020)

Shortly after, Okada lost the title he changed his ring attire to red pants and dyed his hair with a red color and started and began to bring balloons during his entrances. From July 14 until August 10, Okada took part in the 2018 G1 Climax. Okada opened the tournament with a loss against CHAOS stablemate Jay White, after he cheated to win the match and Bad Luck Fale following the interference from Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa. Okada bounced back with six more victories, but a draw against Hiroshi Tanahashi cost him his place in the finals of the tournament. On August 12, Okada said he wouldn’t be relying on his manager going forward, ending his association with Gedo. After the tournament, Okada was nominated by Tanahashi as his first challenger for the Tokyo Dome IWGP Heavyweight Championship match contract. On September 23 at Destruction in Kobe, Okada unsuccessfully challenged Tanahashi for his contract. Following the match, Okada was betrayed by his former manager Gedo for him to align himself with White. On October 8 at King of Pro-Wrestling, Jado would also turn on Okada, for him, Gedo and White to join Bullet Club OG. On October 17, during the *Road to Power Struggle*, White led a Bullet Club OG assault on Okada, but Okada's rival Tanahashi made the save and Okada left the ring. Shortly after, Okada's rival Hiroshi Tanahashi would help Okada and CHAOS formed an alliance with NJPW home unit. During the 2018 World Tag League, Okada and Tanahashi faced off in multiple tag team matches, won by White and his Bullet Club stablemates. On November 3, at Power Struggle, Okada and White agreed to face each other in a match, which was later set to be at Wrestle Kingdom 13 in Tokyo Dome. On January 14, at *Road to Tokyo Dome* tour, Okada faced Gedo. Initially, Gedo tried to deceive everyone telling he had a car accident, to escape the match, but Okada managed to prove Gedo was lying and the match continued. White would try to help Gedo win the match, but was unsuccessful and Okada managed to win the match, despite White's interference. On January 4, 2019, Okada returned to his old self as the Rainmaker, but was defeated by White. On March 24, Okada defeated SANADA in the finals to win the 2019 New Japan Cup, receiving a rematch against White for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in the main event of the G1 Supercard at Madison Square Garden. On April 6 at G1 Supercard, Okada defeated White in a rematch to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for the fifth time.

After winning the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for the fifth time, Okada nominated SANADA as his first challenger, after promising he would give him a title match after defeating Jay White at G1 Supercard. On May 5 at Wrestling Dontaku, Okada retained the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against SANADA. Following the match, Chris Jericho returned to NJPW in a pre-taped vignette, challenging Okada to a match for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall. On June 9, Okada retained the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Jericho. Following the match, Jericho attacked Okada leading to Hiroshi Tanahashi leave the commentary table to make the save. From July 6 until August 10, Okada took part in the 2019 G1 Climax. Okada started the tournament in a winning streak, after winning six matches in a row, before losing on August 3 to SANADA. Okada bounced back after defeating EVIL in their head-to-head match. Okada entered the final day of the tournament with a chance to advance to the finals, but a loss against Kota Ibushi ended his chances of reaching the finals of the tournament. On October 10 at King of Pro-Wrestling, Okada retained the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against SANADA, setting up the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 14 in Tokyo Dome between Okada and the 2019 G1 Climax winner Kota Ibushi. On January 4, 2020, on the first night of Wrestle Kingdom 14, Okada defeated 2019 G1 Climax winner Kota Ibushi to retain the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. The following day, in the second night of Wrestle Kingdom 14, Okada lost the IWGP Heavyweight Championship to Tetsuya Naito as part of the "Double Gold Dash", where Naito also defended the IWGP Intercontinental Championship at the match.

#### Various feuds and mid card (2020–2021)

From June 16 until July 11, Okada took part in the 2020 New Japan Cup. Okada made it to the final of the tournament before losing to EVIL on July 11, following the help of Bullet Club. On July 25, at Sengoku Lord in Nagoya, during a post-match interview, Okada teased a "controversial announcement". Three days later, during a press conference, NJPW chairman Naoki Sugabayashi alongside Okada announced the creation of a new title, the KOPW Championship. Afterwards, Okada introduced the title and its concept, as well as another edition of the tournament to crown a new champion. The tournament to crown the inaugural champion, began on August 26, with four first-round singles matches facing each other in a four-way match to determine the provisional champion on August 29 during the 2020 Summer Struggle tour. Leading to his match against Yujiro Takahashi, Okada proposed to face Takahashi and his Bullet Club stablemates Gedo and Jado in a 3-on-1 handicap match as part of the KOPW 2020, which he won after a fan vote. In the match on August 26, Okada defeated Gedo, Jado, and Takahashi to advance to the finals of the tournament. Three days later, at Summer Struggle in Jingu, Okada was defeated by his CHAOS stablemate Toru Yano in the final, in a four-way match also involving El Desperado and SANADA. From September 19 until October 16, Okada took part in the 2020 G1 Climax, finishing the tournament with a record of six wins and three losses, failling to advance to the finals of the tournament, due to losing to Kota Ibushi in their head-to-head match. In his final block match on October 16, Okada was defeated by Will Opsreay, following outside interference from Ospreay's girlfriend Bea Priestley and the returning Great O-Kharn, who ended up leaving CHAOS. Following the tournament, Okada began seeking revenge against Opsreay for his actions, leading him to face the Great O-Khan in his test in a match at Power Struggle in a winning effort. Afterwards, Ospreay, claimed he had used Okada in order to achieve success, before challenged him to a match at Wrestle Kingdom 15, which he accepted. The rivalry between Okada and Ospreay culminated in a match on January 4, 2021, on the first night of Wrestle Kingdom 15 in Tokyo Dome, where Okada was victorious.

#### Return to the main event and IWGP World Heavyweight Champion reigns (2021–2023)

Since January 2020, Okada began a heated feud with EVIL, usually after their matches, EVIL and Okada were involved in various brawls, leading Okada on numerous occassions to ask a match against EVIL. On February 11, at The New Beginning in Hiroshima, Okada and his CHAOS stablemate Toru Yano faced EVIL and Bullet Club stablemate Dick Togo in a double countout. Afterwards, Okada challenged EVIL to a singles match, which Okada won by disqulification, after Okada was attacked by Togo. His rivalry with EVIL culminated to a match on February 27 at Castle Attack, where Okada defeated EVIL. Afterwards, Okada announced he was re-entering the IWGP Heavyweight Championship picture and was looking to win the upcoming New Japan Cup in March. However, his plans were derailed by Shingo Takagi, after losing to him in the first round in the 2021 New Japan Cup. It was later reported by *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*, that Okada had been kept out of the title and main event scene, and working more basic in his matches the last several months, due to being injured with two slipped discs in his lower back. On April 4 at Sakura Genisis, after Will Ospreay won the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, Okada was nominated by him to be his first challenger, as revenge for his Ospreay's loss against Okada at Wrestle Kingdom 15 in Tokyo Dome. However, before Okada could answer Shingo Takagi challenged Ospreay to a title match, claiming that he had defeated Okada in the first round of the 2021 New Japan Cup. This led to Ospreay accepting Takagi as his first challenger, with Okada being next in line. The following day, it was announced that the winner of Ospreay and Takagi's match at Wrestling Dontaku would be facing Okada at Wrestle Grand Slam in Tokyo Dome. After Ospreay defeated Takagi to make his first successful title defense, their title match was cancelled, due to an extension to the of Japan's State of Emergency. In May, after Will Opsreay vacated the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship due to a neck injury, both Okada and Shingo Takagi laid claims to take part in the title match to crown the new champion. This led to on June 7, at Dominion 6.6 in Osaka-jo Hall, Okada being defeated by Takagi for the vacant IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. Afterwards, Okada began a short feud with Ospreay's stablemate Jeff Cobb, after Cobb claimed that Okada was still a "young boy" (rookie), leading Okada to be infuriated Okada. This led to a match on July 25 at Wrestle Grand Slam in Tokyo Dome, which Okada won. However, Cobb who still wanted revenge for his loss against Okada, attacked him following a match, before challenging him to a rematch. This led to on September 4 at Wrestle Grand Slam in MetLife Dome, Okada being defeated by Cobb. From September 19 to October 20, Okada took part in the 2021 G1 Climax, where he won his block with a record of eight wins and one loss, advancing to the finals. On October 22, Okada defeated Kota Ibushi to win the 2021 G1 Climax via stoppage, after Ibushi dislocated his right shoulder. He also earned a shot at the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 16 in Tokyo Dome on January 4, 2021. Afterwards, in a post-match interview, Okada was challenged by Tama Tonga to a match for his contract, due to losing to him during the tournament. The following day, during a press conference, instead of receiving a briefcase containing a contract for a title shot at the new IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom, Okada asked NJPW Chairman Naoki Sugabayashi to be awarded the fourth version of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship which Ibushi had retired in March, to represent the contract, which he would have to defend for the rest of the year. His requested was accepted by Sugabayashi on October 25, leading Okada to appear with the title. On November 6 at Power Struggle, Okada successfully defended his championship against Tama Tonga, setting up the main event of the first night of Wrestle Kingdom 16 between Okada and Shingo Takagi. On November 13 at Battle in the Valley, after Okada defeated Buddy Mathews, Will Ospreay confronted him and invited him to challenge for his ‘real’ IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, but Okada declined, stating that it should be Ospreay challenging him. This led to Ospreay proclaim that he would face the winner of the main event in the first night of Wrestle Kingdom 16 for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at the second night on January 5.

On January 4, 2022, on the first night of Wrestle Kingdom 16, Okada defeated Shingo Takagi to win the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. Following the match, Okada retired the old IWGP Heavyweight championship and replaced it with the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. The following day, Okada defeated Will Ospreay to retain the the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship and certified himself as the 'real' IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. In March, Okada took part in the 2022 New Japan Cup, losing in the semifinals to Tetsuya Naito. On April 9 at Hyper Battle, Okada made his third successful title defense against the winner of the 2022 New Japan Cup Zack Sabre Jr. Afterwards, Okada nominated Tetsuya Naito to be his next challenger. On May 1 at Wrestling Dontaku, Okada defeated Naito to make his fourth successfull title defense. Following the match, Okada was confronted by the returning Jay White, who attacked him and challenged him to a title match. On June 12 at Dominion 6.12 in Osaka-jo Hall, Okada lost the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship to White in his fifth title defense. From July 16 to August 16, Okada took part in the 2022 G1 Climax, where he won his block with a record of five wins and one loss, advancing to the semifinals. On August 17, Okada defeated Tama Tonga and then Will Ospreay on August 18, in the semifinals and finals, respectively, to win the 2022 G1 Climax for the fourth time, becoming the fourth wrestler after in the tournament's history to win back-to-back finals. He also earned a shot at the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 17 in Tokyo Dome on January 4, 2022. The following day, during a press conference, instead of receiving a briefcase containing a contract for a title shot at Wrestle Kingdom, Okada proposed the winner of the G1 Climax should be automatically inserted into the main event at the Tokyo Dome, instead of defending is title shot. On October 10 at Declaration of Power, Okada avenged a loss suffered during the 2022 G1 Climax by defeating Jonah. Later that night, Okada confronted Jay White, after he sucessfully defended the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, setting up the main event for Wrestle Kingdom 17.

At Wrestle Kingdom 17, on January 4, 2023, Okada defeated White to win the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship for the second time. On January 21 at Wrestle Kingdom 17 in Yokohama Arena, IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Okada and Togi Makabe took on GHC Heavyweight Champion Kaito Kiyomiya and Yoshiki Inamura in a tag team match. Before the match started, Kiyomiya wanted to start the match with Okada, but Okada wouldn’t even look at him and let Makabe start for his team instead. During the match, Okada was wrestling Inamura until Kiyomiya came in the ring and attacked Okada by kicking him in the face which resulted in Okada retaliating, causing both Okada and Kiyomiya to brawl outside of the ring until the match eventually ended in a no contest. As Okada left the ring, Kiyomiya challenged Okada to a match only for Okada to return and to continue brawling with Kiyomiya until both men were pulled away by their tag team partners, officials and staff. A match was set between Okada and Kiyomiya for the Tokyo Dome on the following day, despite Okada refusing to face Kiyomiya. On February 11 at The New Beginning in Osaka, Okada made his first successfull title defense against Shingo Takagi. The folowing day, at Great Voyage 2023 in Osaka, Okada made an surprisingly appearance in Pro Wrestling Noah, laying out Kiyomiya with the *Rainmaker*, after he had successfully defended the GHC Heavyweight Championship. Afterwards, Okada mocked Kiyomiya stating that if wanted against him, he would have had to address him as "Mr. Okada", before announcing that he would take the promoted match with Kiyomiya. Three days later, in the last press conference, before the event, Okada deliberately missed the press conference, leading to an angry outburst by Kiyomiya, who immediately left the conference. On February 17, at Battle in the Valley, Okada made his second title defense against Hiroshi Tanahashi. On February 21, at Keiji Mutoh Grand Final Pro-Wrestling "Last-Love", Okada defeated Kiyomiya in a Champion vs. Champion match. On April 8, at Sakura Genesis, Okada lost the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship to 2023 New Japan Cup winner SANADA.

#### Final feuds and departure (2023–2024)

On May 3 at Wrestling Dontaku, Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi and Tomohiro Ishii defeated Strong Style (El Desperado, Minoru Suzuki and Ren Narita) to win the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship. On June 4, at Dominion 6.4 in Osaka-jo Hall, after defending the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship against Blackpool Combat Club's (BCC) Jon Moxley and Claudio Castagnoli and Moxley's protege Shota Umino, Moxley took to the microphone, presenting a video package for Okada. The video featured fellow BCC member Bryan Danielson, who challenged Okada to a match. Okada responded by claiming that the Forbidden Door would be open, teasing the match taking place at the PPV. On June 6, NJPW held a press conference, where Okada accepted Danielson's challenge for the PPV making the match official. On the June 21 episode of *Dynamite*, BCC and Takeshita once again attacked The Elite and Eddie Kingston, however, Okada made his return to AEW, helping The Elite and Kingston fend off BCC and Takeshita. Before the event, Okada represented NJPW at All Together Again, which was a co-event between Japan's top 3 wrestling companies, teaming with All Japan Pro Wrestling's (AJPW) Yuma Aoyagi and Pro Wrestling Noah's (NOAH) Kenoh to defeat Kento Miyahara (AJPW), Kaito Kiyomiya (NOAH) and Hiroshi Tanahashi (NJPW). At Forbidden Door, Okada was defeated by Danielson.

Following a loss to Danielson at Forbidden Door, Okada attempted to rebound by competing in the annual G1 Climax in July. Okada would compete in the B Block, finishing with a near-perfect record of 12 points, after losing to rival Will Ospreay. Despite this, Okada finished top of the block, thus advancing him to the quarterfinal round. Okada went on to defeat both Zack Sabre Jr. and EVIL to advance to the finals. In the tournament final, Okada lost to Tetsuya Naito, marking Okada's first-ever loss in a G1 Climax final. Okada, Tanahashi and Ishii continued defending the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship, defeating Impact Wrestling's, Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin and Josh Alexander, at Destruction in Ryōgoku on October 9. Following another successful title defence on November 4 at Power Struggle, against TMDK (Mikey Nicholls, Shane Haste and Zack Sabre Jr.), Bryan Danielson challenged Okada to a rematch at Wrestle Kingdom 18, which Okada immeadiantly accepted. On January 4, 2024 at Wrestle Kingdom 18, Okada defeated Danielson, avenging his loss at Forbidden Door. Following the match, the two men bowed to each other, showing their mutual respect.

On January 19, NJPW announced that Okada would not be renewing his contract at the end of that month, and would cease being a full-time performer for the company after fulfilling his dates at The New Beginning series of events a month later. Dave Meltzer from the *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* had previosuly reported that both WWE and AEW had recently made offers to Okada. Bryan Alvarez also from the *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* reported that Okada’s decision to leave NJPW was due to him being "grossly underpaid" as a top star in the company compared to top stars in the United States. Alvarez reported that Okada had considered in the past leaving NJPW but changed his mind at the time after he was given a substantial pay raise. On January 24, after successfully defending the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship against TMDK (Kosei Fujita, Mikey Nicholls, Shane Haste), Okada decided to vacate the titles, due to him leaving NJPW, ending their reign at 266 days.

## Wrestling Persona

Despite not being used by TNA at the time, Okada has stated that he felt that his time in the promotion was beneficial to him as he learned he needed more than just a good match—he needed a character. According to Okada in Japanese professional wrestling "there is no character—it's fight, fight, fight", but in TNA, agents kept telling him that he needed a character, which led to him creating the "Rainmaker" persona upon his return to NJPW. Okada described his new persona as a combination of the three professional wrestling styles he had learned, stating that he took his dropkick from Mexico, his "fighting spirit" from Japan, and the "TV and the entertainment" from the United States.

On February 12 at The New Beginning, Okada defeated Tanahashi to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for the first time, at the time it was billed as the "Rainmaker Shock" and called the upset of the century. Okada's reign would end at Dominion 6.16 at 125 days. Okada would quickly win the 2012 G1 Climax, this would lead to Okada winning the 2012 MVP in all of *puroresu*. His match with Hiroshi Tanahashi from June 16 was also named the Match of the Year.

Okada's match with Kenny Omega at Wrestle Kingdom 11 in Tokyo Dome was praised by Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer, in his *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*, who gave the match a six-star rating. He added that Okada and Omega "may have put on the greatest match in pro wrestling history" and that it was the best match he had ever seen, including by industry veterans Bryan Danielson, Mick Foley, and Stone Cold Steve Austin. In 2017, Okada became the first Japanese wrestler to top *Pro Wrestling Illustrated'*s list of the top 500 wrestlers in the world. Okada's match with Kenny Omega at 2018 Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall, was billed as the greatest match of 2018 giving to the match 7/5 stars to the match. Following Okada's 720 days reign,

Okada would suffer a gimmick change with changing his ring attire to red pants and dyed his hair with a red color and started and began to bring balloons during his entrances. However, Okada would return to the old Rainmaker gimmick at Wrestle Kingdom 13. His big performances, positive love reactions from the audience and his endurence led him to become one of the world's greatest professional wrestlers of all-time and one of the big aces of New Japan Pro-Wrestling alongside long-time rival Hiroshi Tanahashi.

## Other media

Along with fellow NJPW wrestler Shinsuke Nakamura, Okada is featured in the Japanese music video for Pharrell Williams' song *Happy*, released in May 2014. In 2015, Okada voiced a character in the *World Trigger* anime series. The following year, he voiced a character in another anime, *Future Card Buddy Fight 100*. Okada, along with fellow NJPW wrestlers Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Tetsuya Naito and Toru Yano, appears as a member of the gang Justis in the 2016 video game *Ryū ga Gotoku 6*. In January 2017, it was announced that the *Tekken 7: Fated Retribution* video game would feature Okada's in-ring costume as an alternate outfit for the character King. When equipped, King performs the *Rainmaker* as his "Rage Art" move. The Okada-geared King was featured on the September 12, 2017, episode of WWE's *205 Live* program.

## Personal life

Okada was engaged to TV Asahi presenter Yoko Mori, whom he had been in a relationship with from 2013 to 2017. In August 2014, after his uncle and cousin had both been diagnosed with cancer, Okada established the "Rainmaker Kikin" ("Rainmaker Fund") to battle children's cancer. For every match Okada won, he pledged to donate ¥30,000 (the equivalent of US$378). As of 2017, he is currently in a relationship with voice actress and singer Suzuko Mimori with announced her marriage to Okada in April 2019. In May 2022, it was announced that the couple were expecting their first child with them welcoming the birth of their child on August the same year. On May 24, 2021, Okada revealed during an interview with Tokyo Sports that he had tested positive for COVID-19 amid its pandemic in Japan. Okada supports English soccer team, Manchester City, with Okada stating that he started supporting Manchester City after watching their 'All or Nothing' documentary of their success on *Amazon Prime Video*.

## In wrestling

* **Finishing moves**
	+ German suplex – 2004–2011; used as a signature move thereafter
	+ *Money Clip* (Seated inverted Anaconda vice) – 2017–present
	+ *Rainmaker* (Wrist-lock transitioned into a short-arm lariat) – 2012–present
	+ *Red Ink* (Kneeling cross-legged STF) – 2013–present
* **Signature moves**
	+ Backdrop suplex
	+ Cross-arm neckbreaker
	+ Cobra clutch to a facedown opponent
	+ Cobra hold to a kneeling opponent
	+ DDT, sometimes while elevated
	+ *DID – Deep In Debt* (Arm-trap inverted three-quarter facelock)
	+ Diving crossbody
	+ Diving elbow drop
	+ *Emerald Flowsion* (Shoulder sitting side slam, sometimes while spinning or preceded by a pumphandle)
	+ Flapjack
	+ *Heavy Rain* (Fireman's carry neckbreaker slam)
	+ Modified osotogari – 2009–2011
	+ Multiple kick variations
		- Big boot
		- Drop, sometimes from the top rope or sliding
		- Enzuigiri - adopted from Antonio Inoki
		- *John Woo* (Running high-impact front drop, knocking the opponent into the turnbuckles) – adopted from SUWA
	+ Multiple piledriver variations
		- *Gotch-style Tombstone Piledriver* (Kneeling cradle reverse) – used rarely; parodied from Minoru Suzuki
		- *Landslide* (Over the shoulder sitout scoop slam)
		- *Michinoku Driver* (Sitout scoop slam)
		- *Tombstone Piledriver* (Kneeling reverse piledriver, sometimes while jumping or spinning)
	+ *Reverse Neckbreaker* (Over-the-shoulder back-to-belly piledriver onto the knee)
	+ *Senton Atomico* (Slingshot somersault senton)
	+ Snap suplex
	+ *Spinning Rainmaker**(*Hammerlock spun into a discus lariat) –2018–present
	+ Superfly (Frog splash)
	+ *Topé con Hilo* (Suicide somersault senton)
* **Managers**
	+ Gedo
* **Wrestlers managed**
	+ Samoa Joe
* **Nicknames**
	+ **"Rainmaker"**
	+ "Shin Jidai no Ace" (Japanese for "Ace of the New Era")
	+ "Kane no Ame ga Furaseru Otoko" (Japanese for the "Money Raining Man")
* **Entrance themes**
	+ "Tough Boy" by Tom★Cat (Early Debut)
	+ "Rock and Roll in a Shaken Mood" (Mexico)
	+ "Cefiro & Radio Comeback (Seishun Saikai)" by Maximum the Hormone (2007)
	+ "Kick It, That Makes Me Funk" by Yonosuke Kitamura (NJPW) (2007–2011)
	+ "Rain Maker" by Yonosuke Kitamura (2012–2014)
	+ "Rain Maker: 20130104" by Yonosuke Kitamura (2013)
	+ "Rain Maker (2014 Edit)" by May's (2014–2018)
	+ "Rain Maker -laevatein- (2018)" by Yonosuke Kitamura (2018)
	+ "**Rain Maker -Next Level-**" by Yonosuke Kitamura (2019-Present)

## Championships and accomplishments

* **New Japan Pro Wrestling**
	+ IWGP Heavyweight Championship (5 times)
	+ IWGP World Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
	+ NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Hiroshi Tanahashi and Tomohiro Ishii
	+ Tokyo Dome IWGP Heavyweight Championship challenge rights certificate (2012, 2014)
	+ Tokyo Dome IWGP World Heavyweight Championship challenge rights certificate (2022)
	+ G1 Climax Championship (2021)
	+ G1 Climax (2012, 2014, 2021, 2022)
	+ New Japan Cup (2013, 2019)
* ***Pro Wrestling Illustrated***
	+ *PWI* ranked him No. 230 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2010
	+ *PWI* ranked him No. 286 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2011
	+ *PWI* ranked him No. 40 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2012
	+ *PWI* ranked him No. 5 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2013
	+ *PWI* ranked him No. 5 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2014
	+ *PWI* ranked him No. 27 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2015
	+ *PWI* ranked him No. 2 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2016
	+ *PWI* ranked him No. 1 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2017
	+ *PWI* ranked him No. 3 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2018
	+ *PWI* ranked him No. 5 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2019
	+ *PWI* ranked him No. 6 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2020
	+ *PWI* ranked him No. 25 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2021
* ***Tokyo Sports***
	+ Best Bout Award (2012) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi on June 16
	+ Best Bout Award (2014) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura on August 10
	+ Best Bout Award (2015) vs. Genichiro Tenryu on November 15
	+ Best Bout Award (2016) vs. Naomichi Marufuji on July 18
	+ Best Bout Award (2017) vs. Kenny Omega on January 4
	+ Best Bout Award (2018) vs. Kenny Omega on June 9
	+ Best Bout Award (2019) vs. SANADA on October 14
	+ Best Bout Award (2020) vs. Tetsuya Naito on January 5
	+ Best Bout Award (2022) vs. Will Opsreay on August 18
	+ MVP Award (2012, 2013, 2015, 2019, 2022)
* **Toryumon Mexico**
	+ Young Dragons Cup (2005)
* ***Wrestling Observer Newsletter***
	+ 5 Star Match (2013) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi on April 7
	+ 5 Star Match (2013) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi on October 14
	+ 5 Star Match (2016) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi on January 4
	+ 5 Star Match (2016) vs. Tomohiro Ishii on August 6
	+ Best Wrestling Maneuver (2012, 2013) *Rainmaker*
	+ Feud of the Year (2012, 2013) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi
	+ Japan MVP (2022)
	+ Match of the Year (2013) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi on April 7
	+ Most Improved (2012)
	+ Most Outstanding Wrestler (2017)
	+ Pro Wrestling Match of the Year (2013) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi on April 7
	+ Pro Wrestling Match of the Year (2016) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi on January 4
	+ Pro Wrestling Match of the Year (2017) vs. Kenny Omega on January 4
	+ Pro Wrestling Match of the Year (2022) vs. Kazuchika Okada on August 18
	+ Wrestler of the Year (2017)

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 *ja:新エース24歳オカダＩＷＧＰ挑戦／新日本* (in Japanese). *Nikkan Sports* (2012-02-05). Retrieved on 2012-11-20.
2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 *ja:オカダ・カズチカ*. *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2012-02-08.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Kazuchika Okada . *Puroresu Central*. Retrieved on 2010-01-25.
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Young Dragons Cup 2005 . *Pro Wrestling History*. Retrieved on 2015-05-08.
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 UWA Hardcore . *Online World of Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2012-02-13.
6. ↑ Chikara Pro Wrestling . *Online World of Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2012-02-13.
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 Kazuchika Okada . *Puroresu Central*. Archived from the original on 2010-11-28. Retrieved on 2015-05-08.
8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Young warriors head overseas, ex-Noah stars on 1/31, Chono absent . *Strong Style Spirit* (2010-01-19). Retrieved on 2010-01-25.
9. ↑ Martin, Adam 2010-01-19. New Japan star heading to TNA . *Wrestleview*. Retrieved on 2011-12-20.
10. ↑ Results New Japan, 1/31/10 . *Strong Style Spirit* (2010-01-31). Retrieved on 2010-01-31.
11. ↑ *ja:豪華絢爛な全13試合！ 1月4日「レッスルキングダムV in 東京ドーム」対戦カード決定！* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2010-12-14). Retrieved on 2010-12-23.
12. ↑ Full 1/4 Tokyo Dome card announced, plus 12/23 lineup! . *Strong Style Spirit* (2010-12-14). Retrieved on 2010-12-23.
13. ↑ (Results) New Japan, 12/23/10 . *Strong Style Spirit* (2010-12-23). Retrieved on 2010-12-23.
14. ↑ *ja:レッスルキングダムⅤ ｉｎ 東京ドーム* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2011-01-04.
15. ↑ Gerweck, Steve 2011-01-04. 1/4 TNA-NJPW Results: Tokyo, Japan . *Wrestleview*. Archived from the original on 2011-01-07. Retrieved on 2011-01-04.
16. ↑ NJPW/CMLL cards announced, Tanahashi’s first challenger to be determined on 1/30, Okada news . *Strong Style Spirit* (2011-01-05). Retrieved on 2011-01-08.
17. ↑ Martin, Adam 2011-05-14. 5/13 New Japan Pro Wrestling Results: Rahway, NJ . *Wrestleview*. Archived from the original on 2012-10-01. Retrieved on 2011-05-15.
18. ↑ Martin, Adam 2011-05-15. 5/14 New Japan Pro Wrestling Results: New York . *Wrestleview*. Archived from the original on 2011-05-22. Retrieved on 2011-05-15.
19. ↑ Martin, Adam 2011-05-16. 5/15 New Japan Pro Wrestling Results: Philly, PA . *Wrestleview*. Archived from the original on 2011-06-10. Retrieved on 2011-05-16.
20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 ja:岡田かずちか (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Archived from the original on 2010-12-28. Retrieved on 2010-12-23.
21. ↑ *ja:1.4東京ドームで、武藤敬司vs内藤哲也が電撃決定! 真壁vs高山! MVPのパートナーはシェルトン・ベンジャミン!!　全カード決定!!* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2011-12-09). Retrieved on 2011-12-09.
22. ↑ *ja:NJPW 40th anniversary Tour. レッスルキングダムⅥ in 東京ドーム* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2012-01-04.
23. ↑ *ja:「逃げんのか？」棚橋に“保護者”外道がオカダの挑戦を迫る!! 会見動画＆1.4東京ドームOP映像もアップ!!* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2012-01-06). Retrieved on 2012-01-07.
24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 Barrasso, Justin 2016-05-11. Week in Wrestling: Jimmy Hart on the art of theme songs; Trish Stratus . *Sports Illustrated*. Retrieved on 2016-08-11.
25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 NJPW 40th anniversary Tour New Japan Ism 2012  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2012-02-07.
26. ↑ NJPW 40th anniversary Tour New Japan Ism 2012  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2012-02-07.
27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 NJPW 40th anniversary Tour New Japan Ism 2012  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2012-02-07.
28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 The New Beginning  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2012-02-12.
29. ↑ *ja:NJPW 40th anniversary 旗揚げ記念日* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2012-03-04.
30. ↑ *ja:NJPW 40th anniversary レスリングどんたく 2012* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2012-05-03). Retrieved on 2012-05-03.
31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 Dominion 6.16  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2012-06-16). Retrieved on 2012-06-16.
32. ↑ *ja:カードファイト!! ヴァンガード Presents NJPW 40th anniversary Tour G1 Climax 22 ～The One And Only～* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2012-08-01). Retrieved on 2012-08-05.
33. ↑ *ja:カードファイト!! ヴァンガード Presents NJPW 40th anniversary Tour G1 Climax 22 ～The One And Only～* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2012-08-05). Retrieved on 2012-08-05.
34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 34.3 *ja:カードファイト!! ヴァンガード Presents NJPW 40th anniversary Tour G1 Climax 22 ～The One And Only～* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2012-08-12). Retrieved on 2012-08-12.
35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 35.2 Caldwell, James 2012-08-12. NJPW: Former TNA wrestler wins G1 . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2012-08-12.
36. ↑ *ja:初出場オカダ、最年少でG1初制覇も「当然のこと」=新日本プロレス* (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2012-08-12). Retrieved on 2012-08-12.
37. ↑ *ja:オカダが1.4東京ドームのIWGP王座挑戦“権利証”をゲット!! 　だが菅林社長は“ある条件”を提示!!* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2012-09-06). Retrieved on 2012-09-06.
38. ↑ Caldwell, James 2012-09-06. NJPW Video - Former TNA wrestler's Tokyo Dome main event contract signing . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2012-09-06.
39. ↑ Caldwell, James 2012-09-07. NJPW: Update on former TNA wrestler's Tokyo Dome main event quest . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2012-09-07.
40. ↑ NJPW 40th anniversary King of Pro-Wrestling  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2012-10-08.
41. ↑ Namako, Jason 2012-10-08. 10/8 NJPW iPPV Results: Tokyo, Japan . *Wrestleview*. Archived from the original on 2012-11-01. Retrieved on 2012-10-08.
42. ↑ NJPW 40th anniversary Power Struggle  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2012-11-11.
43. ↑ Namako, Jason 2012-11-12. 11/11 NJPW iPPV Results: Osaka, Japan . *Wrestleview*. Retrieved on 2012-11-13.
44. ↑ *ja:11月20日(火)開幕!!　『World Tag League 2012』の対戦カード決定!!　TDC大会、愛知大会には桜庭＆柴田が特別参戦！* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2012-11-16). Retrieved on 2012-12-01.
45. ↑ NJPW 40th anniversary Tour World Tag League 2012  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2012-12-01.
46. ↑ NJPW 40ｔｈ anniversary Tour World Tag League 2012  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2012-12-01.
47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 47.2 47.3 47.4 47.5 *ja:「２０１２年度プロレス大賞」受賞者* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2012-12-11). Retrieved on 2012-12-10.
48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 48.2 48.3 48.4 *ja:【最年少タイ!!】オカダが『プロレス大賞』MVPを「あたりまえ」の初受賞!! ベストバウトはオカダvs棚橋！中邑は技能賞!!* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2012-12-11). Retrieved on 2012-12-10.
49. ↑ *ja:Wrestle Kingdom 7 ～Evolution～ in 東京ドーム* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-01-04.
50. ↑ Show Results - 1/4 New Japan Tokyo Dome Show: Former WWE stars in undercard matches, Tanahashi vs. Okada, did any titles change hands? . *Pro Wrestling Torch* (2013-01-04). Retrieved on 2013-01-04.
51. ↑ *ja:オカダ「WWE移籍報道」の真相激白* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2013-01-15). Retrieved on 2013-01-15.
52. ↑ Road to The New Beginning  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-02-10.
53. ↑ The New Beginning  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-02-10.
54. ↑ 54.0 54.1 *ja:オカダ新技「レッドインク」で完全復活だ* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2013-03-10). Retrieved on 2013-03-10.
55. ↑ 55.0 55.1 New Japan Cup 2013  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-03-11.
56. ↑ Meltzer, Dave 2013-03-11. Mon. update: Notes on tonight's Raw, Who was flown in, New Japan Cup and Smith scores biggest career win, Hogan lawsuit, Impact, SummerSlam tickets, Dino Bravo, End of U.S. TV's greatest villain, Nash does TV shoot, Marathon of movies from past wrsetler  (in Japanese). *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Archived from the original on 2013-03-13. Retrieved on 2013-03-12.
57. ↑ New Japan Cup 2013  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-03-17.
58. ↑ 58.0 58.1 New Japan Cup 2013  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-03-23.
59. ↑ *ja:オカダＮＪ杯も！初出場初優勝／新日本* (in Japanese). *Nikkan Sports* (2013-03-24). Retrieved on 2013-03-23.
60. ↑ *ja: 新日本プロレス「New Japan Cup 2013」優勝決定戦* (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2013-03-23). Retrieved on 2013-03-23.
61. ↑ 61.0 61.1 Invasion Attack  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-07.
62. ↑ Caldwell, James 2013-04-07. Caldwell's New Japan "Invasion Attack" iPPV report 4/7: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of new IWGP World champion, U.S. stars in title matches, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2013-04-07.
63. ↑ *ja:新日本プロレス「Invasion Attack」* (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2013-04-07). Retrieved on 2013-04-07.
64. ↑ *ja:レスリングどんたく 2013* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-05-03.
65. ↑ Show results - 5/3 NJPW Dontaku PPV: U.S. stars lose titles or title matches, Okada's first IWGP Title defense, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch* (2013-05-04). Retrieved on 2013-05-04.
66. ↑ Dominion 6.22  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-06-22.
67. ↑ Show results - 6/22 NJPW Dominion iPPV: Devitt vs. Tanahashi, NWA Title defended, Benjamin, Hoyt, Shelley, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch* (2013-06-22). Retrieved on 2013-06-22.
68. ↑ *ja:吉野家Presents Kizuna Road 2013* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-07-20.
69. ↑ *ja:王者オカダ、３度目防衛成功／新日本* (in Japanese). *Nikkan Sports* (2013-07-21). Retrieved on 2013-07-20.
70. ↑ ja:Ｖ３成功のＩＷＧＰ王者・オカダがＧ１連覇宣言＝新日本プロレス (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2013-07-21). Archived from the original on 2013-10-02. Retrieved on 2013-07-20.
71. ↑ Namako, Jason 2013-07-20. 7/20 NJPW iPPV Results: Akita, Japan (Devitt vs. Okada) . *Wrestleview*. Retrieved on 2013-07-20.
72. ↑ *ja:ブ『G1 Climax 23』出場メンバー発表!! 飯伏幸太、石井智宏が初出場!! 柴田勝頼が9年ぶりエントリー!!* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2013-07-05). Retrieved on 2013-08-11.
73. ↑ *ja:ブシモ Presents G1 Climax 23* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-08-11.
74. ↑ *ja:ブシモ Presents G1 Climax 23* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-08-11.
75. ↑ *ja:ブシモ Presents G1 Climax 23* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-08-11.
76. ↑ Caldwell, James 2013-08-11. Live results - New Japan's G1 Climax Finals 8/11: Caldwell's complete coverage of Sunday's event featuring Naito vs. Tanahashi, Shelton, Hoyt, Bulldog, Jr., Devitt, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2013-08-11.
77. ↑ *ja:【両国2日目3】Harashima王座奪取／飯伏はオカダに惜敗* (in Japanese). *DDT Pro-Wrestling* (2013-08-18). Retrieved on 2013-08-18.
78. ↑ *ja:新日オカダが勝利！飯伏を挑発／ＤＤＴ* (in Japanese). *Nikkan Sports* (2013-08-18). Retrieved on 2013-08-18.
79. ↑ 79.0 79.1 *ja:オカダ・カズチカがDDT両国大会に降臨!!　飯伏幸太とのドリームマッチを制す!!* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2013-08-18). Retrieved on 2014-01-19.
80. ↑ Destruction  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-09-29.
81. ↑ *ja:新日本プロレス「Destruction」* (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2013-09-29). Retrieved on 2013-09-29.
82. ↑ Caldwell, James 2013-09-30. Japan news: NWA Title defended on Sunday, big IWGP Title re-match set up, former ROH champ returning . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2013-09-30.
83. ↑ 83.0 83.1 King of Pro-Wrestling  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-10-14.
84. ↑ Namako, Jason 2013-10-14. 10/14 NJPW iPPV Results: Tokyo, Japan (Tanahashi/Okada) . *Wrestleview*. Retrieved on 2013-10-14.
85. ↑ *ja:棚橋がゲームざんまいの自堕落生活* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2013-10-27). Retrieved on 2015-12-08.
86. ↑ Power Struggle  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-11-09.
87. ↑ *ja:新日本プロレス「Power Struggle」* (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2013-11-09). Retrieved on 2013-11-09.
88. ↑ Namako, Jason 2013-11-11. 11/9 NJPW iPPV Results: Osaka, Japan (Okada/Anderson) . *Wrestleview*. Retrieved on 2013-11-11.
89. ↑ World Tag League 2013  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-12-07.
90. ↑ World Tag League 2013  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-12-07.
91. ↑ *ja:【WK8】オカダと内藤、中邑と棚橋、デヴィットと飯伏が、タイトルマッチに向けてコメント！【1・4東京ドーム対戦カード発表記者会見】* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2013-11-11). Retrieved on 2013-12-09.
92. ↑ Meltzer, Dave 2013-11-11. New Japan announces fan voting for Tokyo Dome main event . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Archived from the original on 2013-11-11. Retrieved on 2013-12-09.
93. ↑ *ja:【WK8】1.4東京ドーム全カード!! 　メインは中邑vs棚橋に決定!! 後藤vs柴田! 真壁vsファレ! 小島がNWA挑戦! ハーリー・レイス氏も登場!! 　“X”とは？* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2013-12-09). Retrieved on 2013-12-09.
94. ↑ Meltzer, Dave 2013-12-09. Tokyo Dome main event is . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Archived from the original on 2013-12-12. Retrieved on 2013-12-09.
95. ↑ 95.0 95.1 *ja:オカダ・カズチカが２年連続「プロレス大賞」ＭＶＰ！２５年ぶりの快挙* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2013-12-10). Retrieved on 2013-12-09.
96. ↑ *ja:オカダが2年連続でプロレス大賞MVPを受賞！史上4人目の快挙だが、本人は「当たり前の結果」* (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2013-12-10). Retrieved on 2013-12-09.
97. ↑ *ja:バディファイトPresents Wrestle Kingdom 8 in 東京ドーム* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-01-04.
98. ↑ Caldwell, James 2014-01-04. Caldwell's NJPW Tokyo Dome results 1/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of New Japan's biggest show of the year - four title changes, former WWE/TNA stars featured, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2014-01-04.
99. ↑ The New Beginning in Osaka  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-02-11.
100. ↑ Namako, Jason 2014-02-12. 2/11 NJPW iPPV Results: Osaka, Japan (Okada/Goto) . *Wrestleview*. Retrieved on 2014-02-13.
101. ↑ Invasion Attack 2014  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-04-06.
102. ↑ Caldwell, James 2014-04-06. Caldwell's NJPW PPV results 4/6: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of "Invasion Attack 2014" - Nakamura regains IC Title, A.J. Styles big angle, new NWA tag champions, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2014-04-06.
103. ↑ *ja:レスリングどんたく 2014* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-05-03.
104. ↑ Namako, Jason 2014-05-03. AJ Styles crowned the new IWGP Heavyweight Champion . *Wrestleview*. Retrieved on 2014-05-03.
105. ↑ *ja:ＡＪ　オカダ極悪葬　ＩＷＧＰ王座非道戴冠* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2014-05-04). Retrieved on 2014-05-04.
106. ↑ Caldwell, James 2014-05-17. Caldwell's ROH iPPV results 5/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of War of the Worlds - ROH Title & IWGP Title main events, new ROH tag champs, Steen vs. Nakamura, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2014-05-17.
107. ↑ Back to the Yokohama Arena  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-05-25.
108. ↑ Caldwell, James 2014-05-25. Caldwell's NJPW iPPV results 5/25: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live show featuring Styles vs. Okada for IWGP World Title, MOTY Contender, NWA Tag Titles, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2014-05-25.
109. ↑ Caldwell, James 2014-07-21. Caldwell's NJPW G1 Climax results 7/21 (Night 1): Complete coverage of A.J. Styles vs. Okada main event, Tanahashi, Nakamura, Shelton Benjamin, Bullet Club, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2014-08-08.
110. ↑ *ja:バディファイトPresents G1 Climax 24* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-08-08.
111. ↑ Namako, Jason 2014-08-08. 8/8 NJPW G-1 Climax Day 11 recap (Okada/Suzuki) . *Wrestleview*. Retrieved on 2014-08-08.
112. ↑ 112.0 112.1 *ja:バディファイトPresents G1 Climax 24* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-08-10.
113. ↑ Caldwell, James 2014-08-10. Caldwell's New Japan G1 Climax finals results 8/10: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Okada vs. Nakamura tournament finals, Styles vs. Tanahashi, Jeff Jarrett, ROH tag champs, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2014-08-10.
114. ↑ Destruction in Kobe  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-09-21.
115. ↑ Caldwell, James 2014-09-21. Caldwell's New Japan PPV results 9/21: Complete live coverage of "Destruction in Kobe" - Nakamura regains IC Title, Tanahashi vs. Shibata, A.J. Styles, new Jr. Hvt. champion, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2014-09-21.
116. ↑ Destruction in Okayama  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-09-23.
117. ↑ Namako, Jason 2014-09-23. 9/23 NJPW Results: Okayama, Japan (Okada/Anderson) . *Wrestleview*. Retrieved on 2014-10-13.
118. ↑ King of Pro-Wrestling  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-10-13.
119. ↑ PPV results - 10/13 New Japan in Tokyo, Japan: Styles drops IWGP World Hvt. Title to Tanahashi, more title changes, former WWE star returns to New Japan, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch* (2014-10-13). Retrieved on 2014-10-13.
120. ↑ *ja:『World Tag League 2014』出場チーム＆公式戦が決定！ 棚橋はヨシタツとタッグ結成！ 桜庭、AJ、柴田、ROH、NWAも参戦!* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2014-11-11). Retrieved on 2014-12-05.
121. ↑ World Tag League 2014  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-12-05.
122. ↑ *ja:Wrestle Kingdom 9 in 東京ドーム* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2015-01-04.
123. ↑ 123.0 123.1 Caldwell, James 2015-01-04. Caldwell's NJPW Tokyo Dome show results 1/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Wrestle Kingdom PPV - Tanahashi vs. Okada, Bullet Club, Nakamura, Jim Ross, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2015-01-04.
124. ↑ *ja:オカダ“１・４ショック”で深刻スランプ* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2015-01-15). Retrieved on 2015-03-05.
125. ↑ New Japan Cup 2015  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2015-03-05.
126. ↑ *ja:【新日ＮＪＣ】オカダ初戦敗退…やっぱりスランプ？* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2015-03-06). Retrieved on 2015-03-06.
127. ↑ Invasion Attack 2015  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2015-04-05.
128. ↑ Show results - 4/5 NJPW "Invasion Attack" in Tokyo, Japan: A.J. Styles defends IWGP World Title in main event, ROH tag teams win both Tag Titles, Bullet Club in action, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch* (2015-04-05). Retrieved on 2015-04-05.
129. ↑ 129.0 129.1 Dominion 7.5 in Osaka-jo Hall  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2015-07-05.
130. ↑ Meltzer, Dave 2015-07-04. New Japan Dominion live coverage from Osaka Jo Hall - Styles vs. Okada for IWGP title, Nakamura vs. Goto for IC title and notes on biggest event since the Tokyo Dome, plus all G-1 main events . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Archived from the original on 2015-09-19. Retrieved on 2015-07-05.
131. ↑ Sempervive, Mike 2015-07-18. The Big Audio Nightmare's Guide to the annual New Japan G1 Climax . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Archived from the original on 2015-07-22. Retrieved on 2015-08-15.
132. ↑ *ja:バディファイトPresents G1 Climax 25* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2015-08-15.
133. ↑ *ja:１１・１５天龍引退試合でオカダ戦“決定”* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2015-08-17). Retrieved on 2015-08-17.
134. ↑ *ja:天龍が引退試合で凄絶負け「負けたぁ」* (in Japanese). *Daily Sports Online*. Kobe Shimbun (2015-11-15). Retrieved on 2015-11-15.
135. ↑ 11/15 Tenryu Retirement in Tokyo, Japan: Tenryu vs. Okada, Funk & Hansen appear, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch* (2015-11-15). Retrieved on 2015-11-15.
136. ↑ 136.0 136.1 136.2 *ja:【プロレス大賞】オカダ・カズチカが３度目のＭＶＰ　ベストバウトも受賞し２冠達成* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2015-12-08). Retrieved on 2015-12-08.
137. ↑ *ja:オカダ・カズチカが2015年度「プロレス大賞」MVP！ 天龍戦でベストバウトも獲得！ 来年の抱負は「結婚したい」!? 本間朋晃が技能賞獲得！* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2015-12-08). Retrieved on 2015-12-08.
138. ↑ Meltzer, Dave 2015-12-07. Kazuchika Okada won Tokyo Sports 2015 MVP Award . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2015-12-08.
139. ↑ *ja:新日が“至宝”オカダ流出阻止へ２億円プロジェクト* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2016-02-13). Retrieved on 2016-02-13.
140. ↑ Meltzer, Dave 2016-01-03. Wrestle Kingdom 10 live results: Kazuchika Okada vs Hiroshi Tanahashi . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2016-01-04.
141. ↑ Meltzer, Dave 2016-02-11. NJPW Beginnings live results: IWGP Heavyweight championship Kazuchika Okada vs Hirooki Goto . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2016-02-11.
142. ↑ Meltzer, Dave 2016-04-09. NJPW Invasion Attack live results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP Championship . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2016-04-10.
143. ↑ *ja:レスリングどんたく 2016* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2016-05-03.
144. ↑ 144.0 144.1 Meltzer, Dave 2016-06-18. NJPW Dominion live results: Tetsuya Naito vs Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP HW Championship . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2016-06-19.
145. ↑ *ja:オカダ４度目ＩＷＧＰ王座奪取* (in Japanese). *Daily Sports Online*. Kobe Shimbun (2016-06-20). Retrieved on 2016-06-20.
146. ↑ 2016 New Japan G1 Climax Results . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2016-08-12.
147. ↑ Rose, Bryan 2016-08-12. NJPW G1 Climax 26 night 17 results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2016-08-12.
148. ↑ Rose, Bryan 2016-10-09. NJPW King of Pro Wrestling live results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Naomichi Marufuji . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2016-10-10.
149. ↑ 149.0 149.1 *ja:【プロレス大賞】ベストバウト　オカダは戸惑い「胸を張ってベストバウトと言える試合では…」* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2016-12-14). Retrieved on 2016-12-14.
150. ↑ NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 11 live results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* (2017-01-03). Retrieved on 2017-01-04.
151. ↑ *ja:【新日１・４ドーム】オカダ　史上最長４６分４５秒の死闘制しＩＷＧＰ２度目の防衛！* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2017-01-05). Retrieved on 2017-01-05.
152. ↑ Meltzer, Dave 2017-01-05. January 9, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Ronda Rousey loses potential final fight, NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 11 review . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2017-01-05.
153. ↑ 153.0 153.1 Schwartz, Nick 2017-01-08. John Cena trolls wrestling fans worldwide on his Instagram . *Fox Sports*. Retrieved on 2017-01-27.
154. ↑ 154.0 154.1 Allen, Taylor 2017-01-23. Winnipeg wrestler Kenny Omega wins 'greatest match in pro wrestling history' . *Metro Winnipeg*. Retrieved on 2017-01-27.
155. ↑ Rose, Bryan 2017-01-05. NJPW New Year's Dash results: The return of Suzuki-gun . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2017-02-05.
156. ↑ NJPW New Beginning in Sapporo live results: Okada vs. Suzuki . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* (2017-02-04). Retrieved on 2017-02-05.
157. ↑ *ja:【新日本】オカダ激闘４０分超　アモーレに捧げるＩＷＧＰ王座Ｖ３* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2017-02-06). Retrieved on 2017-02-06.
158. ↑ Rose, Bryan 2017-04-08. NJPW Sakura Genesis live results: Okada vs. Shibata . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2017-04-09.
159. ↑ Rose, Bryan 2017-05-02. NJPW Wrestling Dontaku live results: Okada faces Bad Luck Fale . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2017-05-03.
160. ↑ *ja:ＩＷＧＰ王座Ｖ５のオカダ　ケガ人続きの新日に緊急提言* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2017-05-04). Retrieved on 2017-05-03.
161. ↑ Rose, Bryan 2017-06-10. NJPW Dominion live results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2017-06-11.
162. ↑ Radican, Sean 2017-07-01. Radican's 7/1 NJPW G1 Special In USA (night 1) report – tournament begins to crown first IWGP U.S. Champion, Okada defends IWGP Hvt. Championship against Cody (Rhodes) . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2017-07-01.
163. ↑ 2017 New Japan G1 Climax Standings, Results, Viewing Guide . *Pro Wrestling Torch* (2017-08-12). Archived from the original on 2017-08-13. Retrieved on 2017-08-13.
164. ↑ Rose, Bryan 2017-08-12. NJPW G1 Climax 27 B Block finals live results: Okada vs. Omega III . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2017-08-12.
165. ↑ *ja:あのファレル・ウィリアムスの大ヒットシングル『ハッピー』日本版ミュージックビデオに、中邑真輔＆オカダ・カズチカが出演！* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2014-04-30). Retrieved on 2014-04-30.
166. ↑ *ja:オカダ・カズチカ、「ワールドトリガー」で声優に初挑戦* (in Japanese). *Sankei Sports* (2015-03-30). Retrieved on 2015-04-05.
167. ↑ *ja:ＩＷＧＰ王者オカダ２度目の声優挑戦「かなり緊張した」* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2016-01-25). Retrieved on 2016-01-25.
168. ↑ *ja:新日本プロレスリングの人気選手が神室町最大のギャングに？！オカダ、棚橋、内藤ら6選手がPlayStation®4専用ソフト『龍が如く６ 命の詩。』に出演決定！* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2016-09-16). Retrieved on 2016-09-16.
169. ↑ *ja:【G124】「東スポ」8月12日号の裏一面に『G1』を制したオカダ・カズチカの記事が掲載!! レインメーカー基金設立!!* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2014-08-12). Retrieved on 2014-08-12.
170. ↑ *ja:G１覇者オカダ がんの子供たちのため「レインメーカー基金」設立へ* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2014-08-12). Retrieved on 2014-08-12.
171. ↑ https://www.footballista.jp/special/100705
172. ↑ 172.0 172.1 ja:岡田和睦 (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Archived from the original on 2007-12-21. Retrieved on 2015-05-08.
173. ↑ *ja:オカダがジャーマン！　王者対決制す* (in Japanese). *Nikkan Sports* (2014-03-07). Retrieved on 2014-03-07.
174. ↑ Macklin, Matthew 2017-11-30. New Japan World Tag League day 10 report from Tokyo, Japan . *Pro Wrestling Insider*. Retrieved on 2017-12-15.
175. ↑ JRA presents Road to Tokyo Dome  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro-Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2017-12-17.
176. ↑ 176.0 176.1 176.2 New Japan Respiration オカダ・カズチカ＆Yoshi-Hashi 凱旋帰国試合  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2012-01-04.
177. ↑ 177.0 177.1 *ja:オカダ　レインメーカーで小島粉砕へ* (in Japanese). *Nikkan Sports* (2013-09-29). Retrieved on 2013-09-29.
178. ↑ 178.0 178.1 Metzger, Mike 2015-09-23. Metzger's ROH TV report 9/20 & 9/23: New Japan's top champions Okada & Goto in tag main event, ROH/NJPW announcement, more; Reax to post-PPV episode . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2015-11-28.
179. ↑ 179.0 179.1 Radican, Sean 2015-01-23. Radican's NJPW TV report 1/16: Complete rundown of incredible one-hour show focused on Tanahashi-Okada from WK7 . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2015-11-28.
180. ↑ 180.0 180.1 Namako, Jason 2015-02-23. New Japan on AXS TV Results - 2/13/15 (Okada/Devitt) . *Wrestleview*. Retrieved on 2015-11-28.
181. ↑ 181.0 181.1 Namako, Jason 2015-03-23. New Japan on AXS TV Results - 3/13/15 (Okada/Naito) . *Wrestleview*. Retrieved on 2015-11-28.
182. ↑ Radican, Sean 2014-07-26. Radican's NJPW "G1 Climax 24: Night 4 report" 7/26 - show of the year contender w/ Styles-Naito, Shibata-Tanahashi, Nakamura-Nagata standout matches . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2015-03-14.
183. ↑ Radican, Sean 2014-08-05. Radican's NJPW G1 Climax 24: Night 9 review 8/4 - Honma-Smith, Styles-Anderson, Okada-Goto . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2015-03-14.
184. ↑ Namako, Jason 2015-02-23. New Japan on AXS TV Results - 2/6/15 (Okada/Makabe) . *Wrestleview*. Retrieved on 2015-03-14.
185. ↑ The New Beginning  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2012-03-11.
186. ↑ 186.0 186.1 *ja:NJPW 40th anniversary 旗揚げ記念日* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2012-03-05.
187. ↑ 187.0 187.1 187.2 187.3 187.4 *ja:バディファイトPresents Wrestle Kingdom 8 in 東京ドーム* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-01-19.
188. ↑ NJPW 40th anniversary Tour Best of the Super Jr. XIX ～The door to the glory～  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2012-06-17.
189. ↑ 189.0 189.1 Road to Tokyo Dome  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-01-19.
190. ↑ Radican, Sean 2015-08-02. Radican's NJPW "G1 Climax Night 8" PPV Blog 8/1: Elgin continues to impress, Okada-Goto main event, full results & analysis of G1 matches . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2015-11-28.
191. ↑ Radican, Sean 2015-11-07. Radican's ROH Field of Honor Review – Lethal & Nakamura, Okada vs. Strong, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2015-11-28.
192. ↑ Circuit2009 New Japan Truth ～G1 Tag League～  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-01-19.
193. ↑ Circuit2010 New Japan Ism  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-01-19.
194. ↑ *ja:レッスルキングダムⅤ ｉｎ 東京ドーム* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-01-19.
195. ↑ Namako, Jason 2015-01-04. Wrestle Kingdom 9 PPV Results - 1/4/15 (Tanahashi/Okada) . *Wrestleview*. Retrieved on 2015-11-28.
196. ↑ NJPW Presents CMLL Fantastica Mania 2012  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2012-02-07.
197. ↑ NJPW 40th anniversary Tour New Japan Ism 2012  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2012-02-07.
198. ↑ Destruction  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-01-19.
199. ↑ *ja:オカダがデヴィットに忠告！「そんな調子の乗り方じゃあ、新日本プロレスでトップ獲れないよ」【6月22日『Dominion 6.22』直後会見】* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2013-06-24). Retrieved on 2013-06-25.
200. ↑ 3/10 TNA Impact Box Score: Snapshot of Thursday's show - match times, bell-to-bell wrestling, title implications, Win/Loss Records, Current Streaks . *Pro Wrestling Torch* (2011-03-11). Retrieved on 2013-06-25.
201. ↑ *ja:世紀のリマッチ！レインメーカーvs逸材 6.16大阪大会をPPV完全生中継!!* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2012-06-06). Retrieved on 2012-06-16.
202. ↑ *ja:旗揚げ記念日* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-03-06.
203. ↑ 203.0 203.1 Kitamura, Yonosuke. Prowrestle theme music list  (in Japanese). *RMLabel*. Retrieved on 2015-07-07.
204. ↑ *ja:6月4日(水)発売!! “レインメーカーを作った男”北村陽之介さん初のソロアルバム!!*. *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2014-05-27). Retrieved on 2014-06-14.
205. ↑ *ja:絶賛発売中!! テーマ曲CD第2弾「NJPWグレイテストミュージックII」!!*. *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2013-11-16). Retrieved on 2013-11-17.
206. ↑ *ja:新日本プロレスリングテーマ曲集CD『NJPWグレイテストミュージックIV (Vol.4)』が発売決定！1.4東京ドームでの先行販売を実施！* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2015-12-10). Retrieved on 2016-01-08.
207. ↑ Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2016 . *The Internet Wrestling Database*. Retrieved on 2016-09-01.
208. ↑ *ja:オカダＶＳ中邑「プロレス大賞ベストバウト」は新日８・１０西武ドーム「Ｇ１決勝戦」* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2014-12-09). Retrieved on 2014-12-09.
209. ↑ Meltzer, Dave (April 15, 2013). "Apr 15 2013 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: The absolutely gigantic 2013 WrestleMania weekend issue, packed full of news from all over the world". *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Campbell, California: 22. ISSN 1083-9593.
210. ↑ Meltzer, Dave (October 21, 2013). "Oct 21 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Vince has it out with producers, changes Hell in a Cell, El Brazo dies, Tanahashi vs. Okada coverage, Frank Shamrock documentary insight, tons more". *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Campbell, California: 15. ISSN 1083-9593.
211. ↑ Meltzer, Dave (January 11, 2016). "January 11, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Cena out with shoulder injury, New Japan stars to WWE". *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Campbell, California: 30–31. ISSN 1083-9593.
212. ↑ 212.0 212.1 212.2 Meltzer, Dave (January 23, 2013). "The 2012 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Annual Awards Issue". *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Campbell, California: 12–42. ISSN 1083-9593.
213. ↑ 213.0 213.1 213.2 Meltzer, Dave (January 27, 2014). "Jan 27 2014 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2013 Annual awards issue, best in the world in numerous categories, plus all the news in pro-wrestling and MMA over the past week and more". *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Campbell, California: 1–37. ISSN 1083-9593.