Kazuchika Okada HEEL TURN REACTION! | WrestleTalk Podcast

[@MultiClassGeek]

Always lovely to see Tempest absolutely losing his sh*t on camera.

[@BlackWind-rx5il]

They did the smartest thing they possibly could with this. It didn't matter if he went to AEW or WWE, the important thing in my opinion was doing exactly this, making him heel and ally him with somebody who knows how to get heat and attention. Because Okada is one of the greatest in ring performers of the last 30 years BUT he never was great on the mic, even in japanese. It's not a coincidence he had Gedo by his side for the first 6 years of his career. Gedo did most of the talking for him. Also Okada as a babyface never connected on a deeper level with the japanese crowds. What I mean by that is that the japanese crowd have an extreme level of respect and appreciation for Okada for how good he is in the ring, that's typical of the japanese fans which as way more respectful and much less "irreverent" and "unforgiving" than the american crowds. But when it comes to pure love and affection, Okada never got that the way Tanahashi or Naito have, also because he has much less endearing personality and character. This kind of "mixed" reaction made him a perfect tweener in Japan. He was cheered heavily against the bad guys, but he was often the bad guy when facing guys like Tanahashi and Naito. The best thing possible in America was to make him heel at the start of his run. And siding with the Young Bucks both gives him people that can speak for him and that kind of heat to not get lost in the shuffle. Also, a gigantic pathway to Okada vs Omega 5 when Kenny is healthy again. If that's sooner rather than later, that's a Wembley match if I've ever seen one.

[@Mr_Leo_DS]

Honestly, Okada might have been the first ever wrestler to play a babyface rich man gimmick successfully

[@AnthonyAutomatic145]

Okada takes Kingstons titles at Double or Nothing, and sets up the Wembley match vs Omega

[@MultiClassGeek]

Co-main with Ospreay v Strickland for the world title

[@michaelparkinsonsfreeparkerpen]

@@MultiClassGeek Maybe have Strickland vs Joe be for the title and wait for Wembley 2025 for Ospreay to win it.

[@MetalMe55iah]

aged like cheese

[@Frosterino]

Dynamite ruled last night, their best episode in a WHILE. Hope they keep the momentum going because right now this genuinely does feel like a "new era."

[@wilcee238]

That was the worst episode of Dynamite I’ve ever seen. Hook going over Cage? Switchblade is a heel in a face faction with the Acclaimed? Swerve beat the ROH tag champs basically by himself? AEW makes no sense. But I know I’m a “Vincel E-drone”. Tony Khan can’t book.

[@R-A-9]

⁠@@wilcee238the tag team losing was terrible but it’s ROH. I wish he’d stop putting ROH belts on AEW shows. Heel and face working together can work though the faction sucks I mean it’s the other ROH titles

[@JonathonFailsAtLife]

@@wilcee238 If this show indicates that Tony can't book, I'ma keep watching til he gets it right. I'm enjoying it, now, what more when he gets it right? 🤣

[@DJANGO_excl]

Their best episode since last weeks episode lmao these past few aew shows have been GREAT

[@louquay]

Big statement considering how amazing Dynamite has been this year

[@ohhhkingslayer]

So this is how we are getting Kenny Vs Okada

[@gregoryhelms2777]

Love this, great stuff, great idea for doing reactions like this as well

[@JonathonFailsAtLife]

I was at this show and the double shock was insane. It's the biggest debut/swerve in AEW's history and no one saw this coming.

[@elcactusdelamuerte506]

Tbf everyone and their mother was pretty sure he was joining aew and the rumour for weeks was he was on this episode. The cole debut and turn was more of a shock

[@JonathonFailsAtLife]

@@elcactusdelamuerte506 Nah, we knew he was coming to AEW, but him joining the Elite was on almost no one's bingo card. And no, the Cole swerve was not more predictable than this as the Bucks and Okada have never been aligned in any major federation. Cole was literally kicked out of the stable because his contract ended and he was going to the WWE.

[@elcactusdelamuerte506]

@@JonathonFailsAtLife we didn't know Cole was debuting 6 months in advance. And the second you saw him in the suit you knew Okada was turning heel to join up with his best mates

[@JonathonFailsAtLife]

​@@elcactusdelamuerte506 Lol just say you don't like it and go, bud.

[@elcactusdelamuerte506]

@@JonathonFailsAtLife I did like it, just I wouldn’t say a debut we’ve known about for the better part of a year, whos work isn’t well known by a lot of western fans and those who do know he plays a heel character (treated as a babyface, but always performs heel acts ie an ego bigger than the sun and has spent the last year attacking kids for the crime of being kids, E.t.c.) turning up in a suit on a segment with his two best friends and revealing he’s a heel means one of two things either there’s no real shock or you don’t know who Okada is so there’s no impact. The only ones getting the full shock are people who claim to be massive njpw fans, but haven't actually seen one of their shows and couldn't even name the current champions. It’s a great angle, just far from the biggest shock debut or swerve like you claim.

[@LuisRdzG10]

Heel Okada was something that no one expected. I can asure that. Well done AEW

[@zereph0215]

Seeing Tempest's body just vibrate once the coins dropped was a DELIGHT

[@hadhoda12345]

Debuting Okada as a heel alongside the Bucks who will take care of all/most of the talking is just perfect, well done AEW! I also loved this genuine reaction from Tempest, it completely took him by surprise and that is what wrestling is all about.

[@MegaCharliehunter]

I think the doll just winked at me

[@markhalm9889]

Don't make direct eye contact

[@eucalipto9724]

loved all about this! the moment deserved a reaction like this btw. a lot of aew stuff deserves reactions like this tbh...

[@cymraegpunk1420]

Such a fun little twist on what you'd expect with Okada coming in.

[@samdath3439]

I'm here for heel Okada.

[@martysamuels]

THIS WAS AWESOME

[@BatherZx]

Mateeeee I even knew it was coming and as soon as that coin drop and Tempest screamed. Instant goosebumps again.

[@c200065524]

Reaction starts at 7:43

[@Jessejames7321]

Oh man you haven't done one of these in a while!

[@Alucard-A-La-Carte]

Been too long since we had a wonderful AEW moment to react to. Wrestling is BACK, bay-bay!

[@kryceksangel]

Okada is such an amazing heel

[@ajbayerl]

Makes sense. Cody said in an interview around the first All In show iirc that Okada had a wookie life debt with the Bucks.

[@mitchellchagas1669]

I wreckon Okada joining heel Elite (and like was mentioned having Bucks be a major mouthpiece) is similar to Baley formerly leading Damage CTRL and helping the Japanese stars get over with North American fans. Love the move. AEW is cookin. P.S, the 'holy mackinaw' from Tempest proves hes a good ol Canadian 🇨🇦

[@kendrickurgena9723]

Y'all should've looked at the entrance tunnels. 😂

[@2Stoned2Care153]

8:37 Sad violin starts playing 😂😂😂

[@ianbumstead8733]

Holy mackinah indeed Tempest. Love your never ending support of our sports teams. Ontario loves you buddy.

[@roman727]

I am here for the new Era of the Corporate Eliete

[@relativ6192]

SAME! SAME!

[@dynovfr]

Love Okada as a heel

[@KlaunVI]

😂😂😂 that was awesome. Cheers boiz.

[@beatle11]

I did not know I wanted this!

[@michaeljensen3548]

Poor Tempest 😂

[@meeks7855]

That was awesome.

[@mistermikeyjay]

Love the reactions, gents. And Tempest, for the Joe Bowen reference, I give you another one: Bless You, Boys!!!

[@josephlongshore6013]

Aew is so exciting right now

[@rasmusforchhammer9557]

So fun

[@irrsinnrainer]

Loved the segment and it sure is a twist to present Okada in a new light for his debut as an AEW guy. Little bit of fantasy booking: With Okada coming in as part of The Elite and it being presented as a deal by the EVPs, what about Mercedes coming in as part of this, too? The EVPs getting Okada and Mercedes as part of The Elite to go for all the gold. Yeah, I know the "evil authority" shtick may not be the freshest idea but with the character work of the Bucks, a freshly turned Okada and Mercedes coming in (who always worked better as a heel) it could be an interesting thing to do.

[@TheGreatDevlin]

Crossover between the men and women's division is so rare that I'd be open to it. I feel like the only mixed factions are HoB and kinda the Best Friends.

[@OneReallyGrumpyJill]

Eddie vs Okada will be fucking vile

[@brandonjones180]

So several minutes of dead air would have gotten me fired from my producer job years ago...

[@johnbarfield3516]

I was there. When that coin dropped I lost my MIND

[@RussellMTriton]

Thank You! Yes, I really hoped this would happen as soon I watched rainmaker come out. Thank You.

[@josuemillan1237]

The moment he came out with a suit I knew what was coming 😅 PD: noooooo, Tempest should be with Luke for the Dynamite reviews!!!!!

[@reubenelite]

Love this

[@relativ6192]

MAN, THE FEELING IS BACK IN AEW BOYS!

[@cheezymcwang8431]

Not exactly how All In or All Out turned out, but both were still great shows and the future (as of Oct '24) is looking bright.

[@johnrigs6540]

Best version of the Bucks ever with this EVP gimmick- Hilarious and completely entertaining every week. (Firing Kenny for Diverticulitis!) Making Okada a member of the Elite pure genius. Sensational Dynamite last night - you can tell there is a new writer around and she is definitely making an impact. Finally we’ll be getting some great storylines to go along with the unmatched in ring action.

[@robg8307]

Copyright issue since we can hear the audio?

[@404FatalError]

Watching the penny drop

[@devinlowe51]

Ngl haven’t been paying attention to ROH as of late, but maybe the Mainevent of supercard of honor is Okada Vs Eddie? They both deserve a bigger stage than ROH can provide atm but that just might be enough to move tickets

[@kaiyregrady24]

Dynamite Was Fxcking AWESOME !

[@shinister9720]

i hope you guys did an osprey vs fletcher reaction video that would be a fun watch

[@gusgeorge13]

Okada vs Eddie Okada vs Kenny in the future Danielson vs ospreay So good

[@fightrudyfight5799]

He got his heart broken just like Ralph Wiggum with Lisa Simpson 😂😂😂

[@oljproject16]

this new Nicholas and Matthew Roy gimmicks is so entertaining

[@TheLostScout]

I love tempests reactions

[@spitornottospit9429]

Yes way!

[@kaybeeva]

7:42 THERE IT IS

[@shagonoy]

The Original character of OKADA in NJPW was a HEEL. Like a Rick Flair. OMG !! That would be a gimmick. And pair the actual Rick Flair with him. OMG an Asian pretty boy, silver spoon heel, that is Awesome.

[@marklapena854]

I originally wanted Ospreay v Omega III at Wembley. Now, I’m not so sure. Omega v Okada V and Ospreay going for the world title? I’m All In, bruv!

[@leopoldkain6815]

I hate to say this but I was at least expecting screen shots of AEW during this.

[@Keef101]

I love the reaction! However, I don’t really have any interest in seeing Mercedes in AEW so I enjoyed this episode, I won’t really be into next week, though for that reason

[@trza49er]

Not exactly a smooth transition into that Rainmaker, but still a surprising heel turn to say the least. Sets up some potentially epic shit down the line.

[@donniedarko8023]

What a goosebumps moment when the coins could be heard

[@aztecwrrior1997]

At least this reaction was better than A$$boys winning the tag team championships

[@obredaanps3]

AEW has been improving of late and I hope the trend continues. Still some improvements need to be made but overall, the direction of AEW is more promising right now than in 2023. Wrestling is just better when both AEW and WWE are delivering solid shows on a weekly basis.

[@garycardwell3317]

Tempest I think you meant to say Heelite

[@c200065524]

Good one! 😂

[@mysticeternalofficial]

I really thought Danielson was going to come to help.

[@ksgthelastshot7367]

As soon as i saw the suit I knew he was siding with the bucks

[@Clout_chasing_boy]

Eddie Kingston looks like the labourer you pay on Fridays because when you paid him Wednesdays he wouldn't show up on Thursdays

[@RizzlrHbk-iu9bt]

What are the Tunnels?

[@johnj2784]

Two entrance tunnels, one for babyfaces and one for heels.

[@updatedude]

Don Callis: I TOLD you Kenny. The Bucks are no good for you. Don x Omega reuniting?

[@Djshnx]

Honestly...more excited for Danielson Vs Ospreay

[@shadowfoxx4]

Sooooo question can you have a heel turn during a debut?? Like dude came out for the first time then joined the bad guys, was he ever actually a face in this company?

[@cymraegpunk1420]

Well in his other appearances in the company he was a face I suppose.

[@shadowfoxx4]

@@cymraegpunk1420 but I think this was his first appearance in AEW

[@cymraegpunk1420]

@@shadowfoxx4 it's not, he did stuff on AEW around the forbidden door PPV

[@shadowfoxx4]

@@cymraegpunk1420 ooo ok thanks

[@adstar1947]

Drew Galloway will be signed after shittymania

[@lonwrestling]

Debuts at all in 👍

[@adstar1947]

@GIW99 deffo, but seth did say will osprey was a dream match.

[@lonwrestling]

@@adstar1947 Their twitter “behaviour” in 2019 was something else 😂😂😂

[@anthonyramos9232]

Tempest feels betrayed

[@MultiWweiscool]

He has been in AEW and had matches. I wanted him to go to WWE. But AEW need bigger "stars". WWE have more than enough, but think WWE over AEW

[@christopherdunstan1519]

Rainmaker!!!!!

[@whathappenswhenimbored]

This is exactly what I wanted them to do with Okada!

[@cristhiancamilogranadosleo8817]

I have no clue on how they're going to handle Samoa Joe with Ospreay, Okada, Strickland, White, MJF, and any other that comes soon. LORD. 😮😅❤🎉

[@metalbudsgaming8371]

They fired Kenny and replaced him with his greatest rival. That's good shit.

[@ElmoWatchesWrestling]

The literal “turning” part took a bit of time.

[@DanTheMan-qy9xp]

☔️

[@OfficalFlameInc]

At all in? Maybe All In 2028. Omegas out for 2 years minimum.

[@maineventfrow]

Yooo

[@jaysgeronca]

Not a big fan of AEW. I like this angle though. I think they are setting up Okada to be a heel to go against Omega (get well soon) and Ospreay. Ospreay is a face, not sure yet on his agenda, if any, ony why he is using Callis, or maybe they haven't thought of the story yet. Story is not the strenght of AEW, as you know.

[@elcactusdelamuerte506]

My guess is UE Vs don Callis family when Davies is back. Given he was advertised for the jericruise up until a week before and even the longest estimates state he should of recovered mid Feb makes me hopeful hes not far off. My guess Bryan Vs Danielson. Don gets involved, Osprey is against it and argues with Don. The family attack him Kyle jumps to his defense/appears torn and gets beaten down for not immediately siding with them with Mark making the save. Or even a few weeks where we don't know where Kyle's loyalties lie with Mark returning making up his mind

[@wilcee238]

So is Swerve a face or heel? How about Switchblade? Hangma’am got suspended by the Elite, does that make him a face now? AEW makes absolutely no sense. #Vincel

[@erikloroff132]

NoOoOoOoOo way.......

[@blakey9869]

Fire Omega only to replace him with his greatest rival Okada

[@markfarleyauthor]

As soon as he came out in a suit, it was pretty obvious though...

[@sayhellowtomy]

WWE Has Better Story Lines Than AEW, My Bad AEW Doesn't Have Story Lines

[@sayhellowtomy]

@@christophermarriott1681 ??? Real Pro Wrestling???

[@craighaley1658]

The Bucks latest plan to cling to relevancy. I'm shocked Jericho wasn't introduced as Okada's new best friend.

[@thomasstanley3008]

The question remains: Does the Young Bucks brand of goofball KZbin comedy work as the mouthpiece for Okada? Their comedy works fine on Being The Elite, but does it work as a regular on-air promo for Okada on a week to week basis?

[@dovahdewitt17]

What a mark

[@rustywagner30]

New Okada was going heel he $hit on NJPW on his way out and buried last 3 opponents

[@trevorbower4716]

That's one way to kill a new signing on his full debut

[@leehailwood2943]

Wwe been pumping in crowd noise

[@BladeRunner-vr5nh]

Thats the first thing u thought seeing this video?

[@leehailwood2943]

no it wasn't actually first thing was shit my bacons burning

[@garenthal9638]

They don’t, they play with the volume of the mics that pick up the crowd

[@Griff88]

Far better ways for okada to debut in aew 2.0

[@iAddictions763]

Who?

[@johnj2784]

Aww bless you, is this your first time seeing anything to do with wrestling? I have to assume it is, if you don’t know who Okada is.

[@iAddictions763]

Okada cry babies in my replies

[@johnj2784]

@@iAddictions763 you get that Cody Crybabies works as a line because of the alliteration right? It doesn’t work otherwise. But good attempt 👍

[@morlun838]

A better wrestler and entertainer than Roman Reigns or the Rock

[@iAddictions763]

@@morlun838 I agree with this

[@garenthal9638]

Aew: haha losers we got Okada, osprey and Sasha! Wwe: *signs Cody, cargill, and punk*

[@JoseConcepcion-zj8ym]

Cody is so last years ago lol cm punk to old we got young and way more over aew got the best of the best jade still green we got the Boss and she's more money then jade give jade more time so aew has shit add Will ofspray aew has the decked stacked oh yeah

[@morlun838]

Sasha > Cargill, Okada > Cody, Ospreay > Punk so AEW win this round

[@garenthal9638]

@@morlun838 If you think Okada has more value to a wrestling company than Cody Rhodes then yes AEW is perfect for you. Don’t mean it as an insult and not saying an opinion is right or wrong. Cody is the most over babyface in the wrestling industry to the degree it humbled the Rock out of the main event of wrestlemania. Osprey has more long term value than punk because of his age but I don’t think anyone realistically believes that right now he’s a bigger draw than punk. Sasha Banks I’ll give you has more value than Cargill but it’s the same as osprey and punk argument, Jade has more long term value. So I’d give Cody / Okada to Cody then the other 4 it’s even

[@BSO111968]

This is so stupid 🥱🥱

[@TheKyoput]

I did not know he was a face. But I barely know who he is and AEW has no interest in telling me. Y'all have fun with your dream matches while your company slowly dies.

[@bc_a5106]

Yup, slowly dying after bringing in 3 major free agents in 3 weeks... you people who say this understand how ridiculous you sound? Why do you even fucking care if you don't watch?!

[@TheKyoput]

@@christophermarriott1681 yeah we all thought WCW was here to stay too. And what an incredibly low bar you have for success.