>>12516937it's not baffling at all. it's pretty standard for japanese companies to have an up and coming star lose to the big stars repeatedly, while having great matches. people get behind him as the underdog to root for because they want to see him get that big win, then he finally gets it and the payoff is tremendous. not everyone needs to be okada hotshotted lil bro.
secondly, shooter can still beat ospreay for the title. everyone thinks will is leaving after wrestle kingdom or losing it to finlay, but they could easily swerve you by having will retain even after his "contract has ended." he's still going to work for NJPW. shota could challenge him at the next show and get that big win and be on his way to being a regular headliner.
it's simple lil bro.
