Kenny Omega Apparently Leaving NJPW, Set To Choose Between AEW And WWE
One of the bigger stories heading into 2019 was the large question mark surrounding Kenny Omega’s status with NJPW. Now, in an interview with Tokyo Sports, Omega has said he was leaving NJPW.
Kenny Omega is one of the biggest stars in wrestling outside of WWE, having recently been NJPW‘s IWGP Heavyweight Champion heading into Wrestle Kingdom 13.
Needless to say, when he is on the market as a free agent, the story about where he is going to end up will be a big one.
In Tokyo Sports magazine, Omega gave an interview indicating that he was going to leave NJPW.
Chris Charlton (@reasonjp on Twitter) has translated portions of the interview, where Omega said that he wanted to take time away from NJPW.
‘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.’
— chris charlton (@reasonjp) January 7, 2019
It is interesting to note that Omega said he needed time away, but not just from NJPW. That seems to indicate a break from wrestling as a whole, rather than actually leaving NJPW. With that being said, within the article itself, it talks about how he would likely end up in WWE or AEW. Nonetheless, it is helpful to remember that this isn’t the first time Omega has made such statements when his contract was up with NJPW.
In the press conference following Wrestle Kingdom 13, Hiroshi Tanahashi indicated that he wanted to wrestle Kenny again as they are 1-1, and he would like to finish the series. However, Tanahashi indicated that he was unsure about Kenny’s status and was putting all his focus on his upcoming defense against Jay White.
Analysis
While I can’t say anything for sure, this is sounding like a work to me. Omega has a history of blurring the lines of reality and fiction, and making it hard to know what is real when it comes to his contract status. What I can say for sure is that no matter where Omega ends up, he will be an incredible asset to the company as a worker, and that I wish him nothing but the best in what he chooses.
NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 13 Review, Grades, & Analysis. dark. Next
Personally, I hope he stays with NJPW and that he gets to finish his story with Tanahashi and Kota Ibushi before moving on. I will not speculate further than what I have here, other than stating the facts that we do know: Kenny Omega has indicated he was taking time away from NJPW. That is all we know at the moment. Whatever happens next will be very interesting to see, and I know I won’t be the only one watching closely.