NJPW News: Update on Kenny Omega's contract and future plans
What's the story?
On a recent edition of Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer discussed the contract situation and future of IWGP United States Champion Kenny Omega following Wrestle Kingdom 12.
In case you didn't know...
Kenny Omega debuted for New Japan Pro Wrestling on January 31, 2010. Prior to wrestling for New Japan Pro Wrestling, Omega wrestled for several promotions including former WWE developmental territory Deep South Wrestling.
Within New Japan Pro Wrestling, Omega is the current IWGP United States Champion and has also won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship (twice), IWGP Intercontinental Championship (once), as well as winning the G1 Climax Tournament in 2016.
The heart of the matter...
Meltzer reports that Omega's contract is set to end on January 31, 2018; which would be a few weeks after his match against Chris Jericho at Wrestle Kingdom 12. The current expectation is that Omega will re-sign with New Japan Pro Wrestling when the current deal expires.
Since Omega has a lot of friends on the WWE roster, many believed that he would make the jump some day. With the recent friction between the WWE and The Young Bucks, it is likely that now is not the time for Omega. If he only signs a one-year deal with New Japan Pro Wrestling, that could be telling about his long-term plans.
What's next?
The next big match for Kenny Omega is Wrestle Kingdom 12 when he defends his IWGP United States Championship against Chris Jericho on January 4th in the Tokyo Dome. The main event on the card is IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada taking on former champion Tetsuya Naito of Los Ingobernables de Japon.
Author's take...
Much like the Young Bucks, I think Kenny Omega can easily thrive by staying where he is at as a top superstar in New Japan Pro Wrestling in addition to their contracted appearances with Ring Of Honor.
I think there will be a time that Kenny Omega will be in the WWE as I think he's curious to see how he would do in the biggest pro wrestling company in the world, I just don't think next year is the time.
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