Backstage Reaction To Okada's AEW Re-Debut, And Plans (Patreon)

Okada is in AEW and as a heel.

The perennial Wrestle Kingdom main eventer and legendary Japanese star has already created a legacy that leaves him as one of the most highly regarded wrestlers of all-time, but his debut as a heel surprised many wrestling fans. So far internally, AEW is very happy with the move.

Fightful Select reported recently that the decision was made well ahead of even Okada signing with AEW that the company wanted to bring him in as a heel with the Young Bucks. Sources we've spoken to say that Tony Khan had the idea as far back as around the holidays that once Kenny Omega was sidelined they'd effectively "fire" him from The Elite.

Specifically we've heard Tony Khan has long been of the belief even before AEW that Okada can be a major heel star on American wrestling TV. Sources in AEW claimed that this past week's performances only solidified that and the company considered it a home run.  Particularly, Okada's facial expressions in the spot were received really well. The hope is that in AEW he can do things differently than he's ever done in wrestling in the past, with an already decade-long track record at the top of NJPW.

AEW and Tony Khan were also very confident in the chemistry that the Young Bucks had, something they'd anticipated based on previous work together.

We're told that AEW officials were also very happy with the response to the AEW Collision segments that Okada was in, as well as the backstage interview and segments. AEW felt it was important to time his debut for immediately after Sting retired, to give them another big star in a big spot.