Could we see Kazuchika Okada head down to the tag team division?
Tanahashi and Okada have been rivals since their classic feud back in 2012/2013; however, both former IWGP Heavyweight Champions have grown to respect one another, but the competitive nature between the New Japan Pro-Wrestling stars still remains there.
On February 21, Tanahashi and Kota Ibushi beat six-time IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions Guerillas of Destiny to become the new Tag Team champs. Speaking on New Japan's website, Okada believes that fighting in the tag team division has become more appealing due to the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion competing in the division:
“I’ve gotta say, ever since Tanahashi and Ibushi won the tag belts, that division is looking a lot more appealing. The prospect of guys that I’ve fought so hard with in singles being tag champions, that’s intriguing. And wrestling the two of them together, that’s something different to singles matches we’ve had before. I know I only just lost my title to Naito, but if it’s a question of wrestling for the tag titles or a double IWGP championship match, the tag titles are more interesting to me," Okada said.
If the 32-year-old were to make the transition over to the tag team division, his partner of choosing would be a man he trusts the most, YOSHI-HASHI:
"Absolutely. But that goes for singles too; I think a lot of people’s perceptions about the IWGP Heavyweight Championship changed when Naito beat me for the title. It’s something new, it’s a breath of fresh air. I really feel that I want to show something new, so there is something appealing about being in a tag team championship situation- it’s something I’ve never done- rather than try and take my belt back from Naito. Only thing is, I’m not so good at tags… Ospreay is a phenomenal wrestler, but I’ve always teamed with YOSHI-HASHI, and I’d like to keep that going"