Kazuchika Okada and Sanada have officially signed the contract for their upcoming IWGP Championship match in Dontaku. The Rainmaker and the Los Ingobernables de Japon standout will battle for New Japan’s most prestigious title on Saturday, May 4.
The challenger however, is 5-0 against the champion all-time when it comes to singles matches. But Sanada does not seem overly concerned about that fact.
“The past is the past. I’m at my best right now.”
Okada actually chose to defend his championship against the LIJ star, which means Sanada did not have to earn his shot at the title. Okada was asked during the contract signing why he chose Sanada as his opponent on May 4.
‘We’re the same age, of the same generation and the match made me realize that this generation can really tear it up. I want to show that again on Saturday.’
The match Okada is referring to took place between the two men on March 24. Okada was evidently swayed by Sanada’s efforts against him in the New Japan Cup final, which ultimately led to their upcoming showdown in Dontaku. Many fans point to the New Japan Cup match as the true test of Sanada’s career to this point and The Cold Skull passed that test by a wide margin.
It’s clear that Sanada is becoming a top guy in New Japan. Whether or not he will become the new IWGP Heavyweight champion remains to be seen.
New Japan Pro Wrestling