Kazuchika Okada made his long-awaited debut as an AEW wrestler on this week's Dynamite, and the venue was a huge success in anticipation of the big moment.
Okada appeared during a segment that saw the EVP Young Bucks interrupted by Eddie Kingston.
Kazuchika Okada explodes dynamite
Rainmaker elicited a deafening pop from the audience when his signature “Coin Drop” theme hit.
Shockingly, Okada aligned himself with the Young Bucks minutes after Matthew and Nicholas Jackson suspended Hangman Adam Page from Elite and banished an injured Kenny Omega from “their” group.
Okada hit Kingston with a rainmaker, indicating his intention to challenge for the Triple Crown title.
Nicholas said aloud. “I forgot to announce one thing! A new member of the Elite… “The Rainmaker” Kazuchika Okada!
“Omega out, Okada in! Unbelievable!” Tony Schiavone said.
“Is Okada shaking his hips and pointing at Kingston for the Continental Crown? Kazuchika Okada is an All-Elite and a new member of the Elite. What a shocking turn of events.”Excalibur added.
How much is Kazuchika Okada's AEW contract worth?
Okada is one of wrestling's hottest free agents and was in talks with WWE before moving to AEW, where he previously worked.
according to tokyo sportsAccording to insiders, Okada has signed a three-year contract with All Elite Wrestling worth an estimated 2 billion yen over four years.
In US dollars, this equates to $4.5 million per year over the term of the contract.
Okada has made it clear that staying in Japan is not an option.
According to Fightful, Okada said, “I'm already looking ahead to what's next and I'm leaving New Japan with the intention of never returning.”
“I'm sorry about that, but I don't think so. Of course, I want to cherish the feelings and words I received.”
Dirt seat promotes sell-out
AEW had a huge turnout for the Dynamite taping this week amid speculation that Okada would make a shocking debut.
This debut did not come in the form of a special announcement from Tony Khan.
But spectators were buoyed by Dirt Sheet speculation and geared up to see the Rainmaker live.
PW Insider and others reported early speculation about Okada's participation.
You can watch AEW matches every weekend on TNT Africa from 10:00 CAT.
