The countdown has been dragged out for a few weeks at this point but now we have reached the number one wrestler from 2017. Though some might disagree at this point I don't think there is any debating that after last year Kazuchika Okada is the best wrestler in the world. Even though Kenny Omega was a close second I think overall Okada was able to pull out great match after great match with just about everyone he was put in the ring with last year. New Japan has been able to build Okada from the ground up over the years and has developed him from a young gun to the "Ace" of the company.
Though his time in New Japan did begin in 2007 it took a few years and a trip over to the United State for him to find his footing. For those who may not be aware Okada did spend time in TNA for a short period of time during his excursion, but was booked as nothing more than a jobber within in the company. In many ways though the way they booked the Japanese stars really is what causes the end of the working agreement between New Japan and TNA. Upon his return in early 2011 Okada's push would begin and within a year would challenge for the IWGP World Title and begin his feud with Tanahashi. It was also around 2012 that Okada would begin to create his new gimmick. To create his new gimmick he would bring together parts of various wrestling styles including the "dropkick" from Mexico, "fighting spirit" from Japan, and "TV & Entertainment" from United States.
Overall it did take Okada a few years to put everything together it is a testament to the potential that NJPW saw in him that right after his return from being a jobber in America he is pushed to the World Title. From there he would slowly become one of the primer athletes in the world and would move to become the "Ace" Now at the age of thirty and already not just the longest reigning IWGP Champion in history but one of the greatest at that their is no telling where Okada ranks among the all time greats once he hangs up the boots for the last time.
Though his time in New Japan did begin in 2007 it took a few years and a trip over to the United State for him to find his footing. For those who may not be aware Okada did spend time in TNA for a short period of time during his excursion, but was booked as nothing more than a jobber within in the company. In many ways though the way they booked the Japanese stars really is what causes the end of the working agreement between New Japan and TNA. Upon his return in early 2011 Okada's push would begin and within a year would challenge for the IWGP World Title and begin his feud with Tanahashi. It was also around 2012 that Okada would begin to create his new gimmick. To create his new gimmick he would bring together parts of various wrestling styles including the "dropkick" from Mexico, "fighting spirit" from Japan, and "TV & Entertainment" from United States.
Overall it did take Okada a few years to put everything together it is a testament to the potential that NJPW saw in him that right after his return from being a jobber in America he is pushed to the World Title. From there he would slowly become one of the primer athletes in the world and would move to become the "Ace" Now at the age of thirty and already not just the longest reigning IWGP Champion in history but one of the greatest at that their is no telling where Okada ranks among the all time greats once he hangs up the boots for the last time.
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