Kenny Omega Steps Away From NJPW
Former-IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega recently sat down with Tokyo Sports, saying that he was going to take some time away from New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Translation via Chris Charlton.
“There is no real place for me to fit, so it’s best for me not to be in (NJPW). I can’t be there working under Tanahashi. I don’t think he’s surpassed me, don’t think he’s better. If we can, I want to face him again. But I need time away, and not just from New Japan.”
The comments were similar to the comments Omega made after his loss to Kazuchika Okada at Wrestle Kingdom 11.
I will be stepping away from Japan to reassess my future. The path of my journey may change, but my goals will not. pic.twitter.com/E4vDiGgAwe
— Kenny Omega (@KennyOmegamanX) January 6, 2017
The difference between the two statements are three letters, AEW. With the announcement of All Elite Wrestling, Cody Rhodes, Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson, Hangman Page, Chris Jericho & more have left NJPW. Everyone involved in the company lost at Wrestle Kingdom and was then absent from New Year’s Dash. All men have history with Omega, and speculation is that he’ll be headed to the Jacksonville-based promotion. At the announcement rally, AEW management was tight-lipped on Omega’s involvement, with AEW President Tony Khan referring to The Cleaner as a “free-agent.” AEW isn’t the only company interested in Omega.
There is word that WWE has also made a significant offer to the 2016 G1 Climax Winner. Omega’s contract with NJPW is supposed to end at the close of the month. There is word that NJPW is trying to repair the relationship with Omega, and likely with AEW. There’s talk of NJPW wanting a Tanahashi/Jericho match in the future. There was no mention of Kenny Omega at New Year’s Dash, but the absence was loud.
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