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AEW star Kazuchika Okada is an experienced pro wrestler. He made a name for himself in New Japan Pro-Wrestling and also had the privilege of introducing the King of Pro Wrestling (KOPW) Title in the promotion in 2020. However, NJPW has confirmed that the championship is now officially retired.
The now-defunct title was introduced as a trophy in 2020. Stars who held the gold could defend it all year long. An official champion was crowned at the end of each year. At NJPW Road to Tokyo Dome, Great-O-Khan became the final KOPW Champion and revealed that he would be retiring the title.
The IWGP Committee officially announced the retirement of the KOPW Championship as part of a recent press release.
“After the request of KOPW 2024 Champion Great-O-Khan on December 22 2024, the IWGP Committee has hereby formally retired the KOPW Championship. The KOPW Title was created in July 2020 by Kazuchika Okada. With fan votes determining rules, over 50 matches were contested for the KOPW Championships over its lifespan. On behalf of the IWGP Committee, NJPW thanks fans for their support of the KOPW Title, and for their votes and interaction over the years.” [H/T: Medium]
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Yota Tsuji claims Kazuchika Okada signed with AEW for money
The Rainmaker arrived in AEW in 2024 and shockingly turned heel by aligning with The Young Bucks. Kazuchika Okada defeated Eddie Kingston to win the Continental Championship in March 2024 and has held the title since.
Speaking to Proresu Today, Kazuchika Okada's former tag team partner from Japan, Yota Tsuji, claimed that The Rainmaker shined in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, but signing with All Elite Wrestling had made him obsessed with money.
"AEW's way of doing things is to some extent disrespectful of Japan. ... Okada was able to shine in New Japan because he had the best opponents. ... He has lost his pride and has become a wrestler obsessed with money," Yota Tsuji said. [Translated using Google]
We will have to wait and see whether Kazuchika Okada fires back at Yota Tsuji in the future.
