NJPW News: Kenny Omega says he can take NJPW to new levels as champion
What’s the story?
One of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s biggest stars Kenny Omega was asked in an interview about his role in New Japan Pro Wrestling’s global expansion. He didn’t hold back on his value to the company
In case you didn’t know...
Kenny Omega was arguably the hottest and most talked about wrestler at the beginning of the year. He began to gain traction after becoming the first non-Japanese wrestler to win the G1 Climax tournament, and subsequently the first non-Japanese superstar to headline a Wrestle Kingdom show.
Despite the fact that Omega lost his match against Okada at Wrestle Kingdom XI, he still gained near universal praise from the wrestling community. More talk began when Omega revealed that his contract with NJPW was coming to a close, leading to speculation about WWE possibly getting Omega in time for the Royal Rumble.
Also read: Kenny Omega talks about what it would take to get him to jump to the WWE
The Cleaner ended up staying with NJPW because he presumably wanted to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
NJPW is going to California later this year to hold the G1 Climax tournament, indicating that they are now in global expansion mode.
The heart of the matter
Omega had the following to say to njpw1972.com:
"Ok, here’s the thing…if I’m the champion, then you can challenge the world. Because then you have the one guy that can lead this company to bigger things. If you have someone like Okada holding the belt, then just stay in Tokyo! Because then there’s no appeal out there. There’s no appeal for that anywhere, except your home base.”
Omega then began to elaborate on his drawing power:
“I am the gateway drug. Do you want to take the Okada pill, or do you want to see just how FAR this rabbit hole goes? Then you’ll take the Kenny Omega pill! You enter that…O-Matrix! And then you can see what makes New Japan so special. Because the guy that gets the most out of all of these wrestlers here is me!”
He also staked his claim as to why NJPW should put the IWGP Heavyweight Championship on him:
“So you want to talk about me writing the playbook? Look, I’m not trying to be selfish. If I wasn’t the best wrestler, I’d say, “Look, you gotta give it to THIS guy! He’s the leader and I’ll be his warm-up act, that’s fine.” But I’m not an idiot. I know the truth, and the truth is I am the most creative, the best, the man of the hour! Put the belt on me, ‘cause I should be the rightful champion. I can take this company to better things and bring in the big bucks.”
Omega’s claims aren’t fully wrong. He is without a doubt a far bigger draw abroad, especially in the United States, than any other wrestler in NJPW, Okada included. The fact that New Japan World had 10,000 subscribers from the United States just for Wrestle Kingdom XI validates his claims.
What’s next?
Omega will continue his pursuit of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and look to get a rematch with Okada; he is also a big draw and undoubtedly, the best option to carry the IWGP Heavyweight Championship when New Japan goes to the United States.
Author’s Take
As long as Omega stays with NJPW, there is little doubt that he will win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in a matter of time. It seems like something that will occur sooner rather than later, as it should be.
Send us news tips at fightclub@sportskeeda.com