>>13019241I think it's more that in-between two or three shows a year, most AEW crowds are like 3500 people in a 15000 seat arena with tarps everywhere. And instead of forcing his stars to show up and wrestle, Tony pretends Swerve vs Garcia, for no title or stakes, is a compelling main event
Okada can't become a worldwide star in AEW. It's not even a possibility - AEW doesn't do enough overseas shows and promotion, doesn't have the TV deals in place, poor merchandise/branding and their social media is decades behind WWE. The AEW fans that want to land Okada want Tony to overpay so he can do all the matches he's already done before plus wrestle Swerve, Samoa Joe and other worthless mark matches, not because AEW is on the cusp of breaking out worldwide.
It's Okada's life, his choice obviously. He can take the fat paycheck now or have a chance at generational wealth. It's almost impossible to grow his stock in AEW though, so he's got one crack at this.
