Tetsuya Naito Says Goodbye to Kazuchika Okada in Sapporo

By: R. Faliani

New Japan Pro Wrestling presented their annual New Beginning in Sapporo spectacle, and the night two of said spectacle found IWGP World Champion Tetsuya Naito defending his title against SANADA, with Kazuchika Okada on the commentary table, who’s leaving NJPW. After retaining his belt against his former partner in Los Ingobernables de Japon, Naito took the microphone and sent the crowd home happy, but, he took the time to say goodbye to his biggest rival in the company.

【新日本】内藤哲也がIWGP世界王座Ｖ１　退団オカダを制御不能流に見送り「またどこかで会おうぜ」｜東スポWEB https://t.co/hlLMBBXOkw

— 岡本佑介@東京スポーツ新聞社 (@okamotospo) February 24, 2024

Okada, who was in commentary, was surprised to see Naito giving a shoutout to he who once became his worst nightmare as monarch of the company. The IWGP World Champion took the time to address Okada’s departure from NJPW, and he left a heartfelt message:

“There is a man who is leaving this ring today. In August 2007, I was the first person he had a match within the New Japan ring. Now, he’s leaving. I’m going to miss you, Okada.”

.@s_d_naito × @rainmakerXokada

Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/9iZJzPgCfN#njnbg #NJPW #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/etxxnWuSNg

— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) February 24, 2024

As Naito called Okada into the ring, “The Rainmaker” got inside and greeted Naito. The IWGP World Champion extended his fist to his long-time rival in true Ingobernable fashion, but also, in true Naito fashion, he quickly spit in his face and got under his skin one last time. The crowd erupted after seeing both men laugh at such an emotional ending to the show.

【新日本】内藤哲也がIWGP世界王座Ｖ１　退団オカダを制御不能流に見送り「またどこかで会おうぜ」｜東スポWEB https://t.co/hlLMBBXOkw

— 岡本佑介@東京スポーツ新聞社 (@okamotospo) February 24, 2024

After the show, Naito went backstage and talked about it in detail. Based on the report from Tokyo Sports, the IWGP World Champion was certainly emotional with this, but his charisma and capability to be under Okada’s skin hid it very well. When asked about his former rival, Naito said:

“If it weren’t for Okada’s success after his triumphant return, I wouldn’t have been frustrated. But because of that setback, I went to Mexico and met Los Ingobernables after much frustration and trouble.”

“In that sense, I am grateful to Okada. You’re leaving tonight, right? Then get the hell out of here. But Okada! I’ll see you again somewhere, cabron!”

As Okada leaves, the company starts a new era without “The Rainmaker”. Naito is going to step up as the most important wrestler in NJPW today, but the company needs to invest in its younger talent. Naito said goodbye to Okada, but as we know, the champion is preparing for his match against SHO in March and he needs to bring his best to continue representing the lion’s mark.