Backstage News On Kazuchika Okada Beginning His AEW Run As A Heel

While it may not have been a shock to see Kazuchika Okada sign with All Elite Wrestling, it did surprise some fans to see The Rainmaker make his debut with the company proper as a heel. 

Okada aligned himself with The Young Bucks and attacked Eddie Kingston on the March 6 edition of Dynamite. 

According to Sports Illustrated (citing sources close to the situation), there was no hesitancy about debuting the 36-year-old as a heel. It added that Tony Khan, the Bucks, Kenny Omega and Okada himself agreed that his AEW run should start with him as a bad guy and that the idea came directly from Khan. 

Though he was a beloved babyface for most of his career in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, the former multi-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion began his main run there portraying an arrogant, playboy heel.

SI's article also noted that Okada trusts Khan, due to the relationship the AEW owner has formed with NJPW over the past five or so years. In addition, Okada fully expects to reignite his feud with Kenny Omega once his long-time rival is healthy.

Okada will next wrestle on the March 13 episode of Dynamite, when he teams up with the Bucks to take on Eddie Kingston, PAC and Penta El Zero Miedo. 

As well as a big push as a featured star, Okada will reportedly also receive a huge salary after signing a three-year contract.