Kenny Omega has to be involved with NJPW x AEW’s Forbidden Door in some fashion

With the joint PPV event, Forbidden Door, to be put on by both AEW and NJPW on the 26th of June, many are wondering just who will be wrestling or at least present at the event. In this piece we’ll be arguing just why the one, the only, Kenny Omega has to be involved with NJPW & AEW’s Forbidden Door in some fashion.

What we know so far

Well, we know it’ll be held at the United Center in Chicago and that Tony Khan has promised dream matches, but really other than that, it’s pretty still very much up in the air.

We all know what we’d like to see happen and who we’d love to see involved in matches and really, that’s what this piece is primarily about, but in essence, it’s anyone’s game.

Who is the king of NJPW?

That’s a massive question that cannot be answered. There have been so many dominant pro wrestling legends that have wrestled in the promotion and who have crossed over into AEW and other prominent promotions, but we can definitely make a list of some epic stars and on the top of that list for many fans is undoubtedly Kenny Omega.

And perhaps we can’t mention Kenny Omega without mentioning Kazuchika Okada. Okada has recently stated that the event shouldn’t even go on without him, he making the statement while speaking to the press at a news conference in Japan just recently. Here’s some of what he said:

"“Well, of course, I don’t know what shape that event will take, but the fact that we’re having this combined event at all means I should absolutely be a part of it…There wouldn’t be much point in having a supershow like that if I’m not there…They definitely have world-class talent, but no matter how many great wrestlers they may have, I’m sure there are a lot of people who have never heard of them…And it goes both ways. There are AEW fans who only watch AEW and will be seeing Kazuchika Okada for the first time. But whatever happens, I’m fully confident that those people will be leaving knowing how good I am. No matter who it might be, I think that a lot of people will get fired up; draw on that energy. There’ll be fans counting the days, not sleeping the night before, and that’s great. But anything more specific, I can’t really say at this point.”via Kazuchika Okada / NJPW (Transcription)"

Over the years, Okada has also stated that he has wanted to get into the ring with CM Punk or even Bryan Danielson, and either match would be a dream match for sure, but nothing is certain yet.

But if Okada is the Alfa then what of the Omega?

Why Kenny Omega should not only be present but headline

Kenny Omega’s history with NJPW has been well documented over the years. He is a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion and his rivalry with the aforementioned Okada is the stuff of legend.

The two men have been in the ring together in one capacity or another for a total of 66 times…their bout at Wrestle Kingdom 11, a legendary confrontation that has gone down in history; not to mention all the other epic confrontations Omega has had on that platform and others.

So if Okada will be there, Omega should be there and what better place to give the people yet another confrontation of epic proportions. So am I saying I’d love the rematch? Sure. I think a lot of people would love to see this, although in the end, many would probably love Okada and Omega to face new adversaries too.

One tiny problem

Kenny Omega had an insane 2020-2021. This led to a  string of injuries that of course then led to him needing to take some time away, he walking away from active competition in November of 2021 when he lost the AEW World Heavyweight Championship at Full Gear to “Hangman” Adam page…he ultimately stepping away to “fix things,” as he himself stated.

Injuries included on his list of things to “fix,” were a hernia, some problems with his knees, and a torn labrum in his shoulder region.

Can dreams come true?

Sure, but the timing needs to be right. If Omega has healed from his injuries and has kept up with his training, which he is always in tip-top shape, then there should be no reason why he won’t return. But just who he will face is the question that remains, dear readers.

I still think a rematch with Okada would be a great way to go, but then again…why not Ospreay, who indirectly referenced Omega on Social media, indirectly stating that Omega was his hero? At least that’s the way omega took it, according to his very own retweet.

Other possible opponents for Omega

Naito would be a great one, but he is going in for eye surgery and who knows if he will be cleared to wrestle. The last time he had a surgery in the same region of the eye—the superior oblique muscle specifically—it took 20 days to heal, so you never know.

Hype is building dear readers, and a need for Omega on the card is being made quite apparent, but time will tell as always in the sport of professional wrestling, I guess it’s anyone’s guess. But rest assured, the event should be one that will be heralded for generations to come.

And of course to talk about what he means to AEW and its history…. Really, he has been there since its inception and you can’t think of AEW without thinking of Kenny Omega. So in essence Omega has just got to be there; he means so much to both promotions. Fingers crossed.