Kenny Omega Says Guys Like Cena & Rollins Are Not on His Level, Explains Why They Couldn’t Excel in the Grueling G1 Climax Tournament

August 17, 2016

2016 New Japan Pro Wrestling G1 Climax winner Kenny Omega recently spoke with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated’s Extra Mustard and below are some interview highlights:

On whether or not talents like John Cena, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns or Dean Ambrose could excel in the G1 Climax tournament:

“Absolutely not,” said Omega. “That’s not even me speaking in character–that’s just them not being on my level, at all, physically or mentally. I’m not taking anything away from them–they’re fantastic, great performers, great people. But what we do here is completely different from what they do there.

Do I think John Cena could come here and do what I do?” asked Omega. “No. Do I think anyone else could? No, not even close. That may come across as sounding egotistical, but it’s just the reality of the situation. We have a very physical style, and the physical demand for what they do is different.

If they asked the same question oppositely, could I do John Cena’s schedule with all of the charity events he does? He’s always on the move–could I do that as well as John Cena? Definitely not. It’s apples and oranges, you can’t really compare. All the same, I respect what they do, and I do believe that respect is mutual and goes both ways.”

Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.

Nick attended New York University and graduated in 2001 with a degree in Drama.

Nick first entered the internet wrestling community back in 2004 when he became the co-host of The Voice of Wrestling Radio Show. From there, Nick made the transition from radio personality to editor when he began working with WrestleZone in 2008.

Nick is a member of two Off-Broadway theatre companies, Another Urban Riff, and the Drama Desk Award winning Godlight Theatre Company. Nick has appeared in over a dozen Off-Broadway plays since he moved to New York City, and has shot several short and feature length films. In 2010, he completed principle photography on a film titled "How to Score Your Life," which also features TNA Knockout ODB.

Inspiration in his life has come from many people including his family, Woody Allen, Steven Spielberg, Jack Nicholson, The Beatles, and of course, Lassie.