Kazuchika Okada is preparing for his next big match but is also looking ahead at future opponents. The top NJPW star is slated to challenge IWGP Heavyweight Champion Shingo Takagi in the main event of the first night of Wrestle Kingdom 16, which takes place at the Tokyo Dome on Tuesday.
To promote the show, Okada did an interview with Sports Illustrated and during it, he talked about wanting to wrestle CM Punk and Bryan Danielson.
“Danielson and Punk would make for some incredible matches. A lot of those dream match scenarios are about getting excited for the possibilities, and once the match is done, it’s done. So it is important to keep that excitement and anticipation, I think. Still, if we wait too long, they’ll both retire eventually, so I want to face them both while they’re still active.”
These matches are real possibilities as All Elite Wrestling has a working relationship with New Japan Pro Wrestling. The only problem standing in the way of it happening is the COVID-19 protocols in Japan. If AEW sends Punk or Danielson to the country, they will need to quarantine 14 days when they first arrive. Okada would also have to be in quarantine coming back to Japan if he traveled to the United States.
