by Daniel Johnson
NJPW Invasion Attack Hype Video
Sometimes when a person is given too much in too little time they self-destruct. Even worse this dilemma is not just limited to people with the first name, “Warrior,” but has affected people ranging from Corey Haim to Axl Rose to Dave Chappelle, sometimes tragically, sometimes in cases that bring out schadenfreude in just about anyone.
Kazuchika Okada undoubtedly had the most successful year of his career last year. That is until at least this year ends as the last few weeks have shown Okada may eclipse his previous success. Aside from winning the NJPW New Japan Cup 2013 in March, earlier this month he earned his second IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
Let’s back up a bit.
Manabu Nakanishi and Yuji Nagata vs. Riki Choshu and Kazuchika Okada
This match is from 2009, which doesn’t seem so long ago until you look at how different Okada looks from the previous hype video. Yet, Okada’s performance shows his talent even back then. He starts off with a killer looking dropkick, does a plancha over the top rope to the floor and sells like a champ throughout. Having been ready for so much more at this point and being given so much less has no doubt at least in part shaped his mindset to keep his success. Of course Chappelle, Rose and yes even Haim had to work on their craft to some extent before breaking through…and later breaking down. So far it looks like Okada can only reach higher ground as he helps carry NJPW, but no matter where he goes, the Rainmaker has already made his mark.
Categories: Wrestling Clips
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