Two of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s (NJPW) former champions and bigger stars are finishing up with the promotion. Kenny Omega made the announcement on by speaking with Tokyo Sports. KUSHIDA confirmed the news at the post-Wrestle Kingdom 13 Press Conference, which can be seen down below.
Omega has been one of the hottest names outside of the United States. WWE has reportedly offered him a very appealing deal when it pertains to a salary. It seems if WWE is not Omega’s next step, then All Elite Wrestling (AEW) would make for the obvious fit. Omega has a past with some of the top names in the company like Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson) and Adam Page. AEW probably would not be able to match WWE’s offer, but friendship might matter more than money.
As for KUSHIDA, he is rumored for WWE; probably working in NXT at first. He mentioned during a post-Wrestle Kingdom 13 Press Conference that he is heading overseas.
Below are translated comments from Omega and KUSHIDA.
Kenny Omega is leaving NJPW. https://t.co/hfSYmZKaHd
— chris charlton (@reasonjp) January 7, 2019
. @KennyOmegamanX ‘reflecting back on it, the #njwk13 match was a bout to decide the protagonist of New Japan… I take full responsibility for the loss’
— chris charlton (@reasonjp) January 7, 2019
‘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
KUSHIDA: As Sugabayashi said, I will leave NJPW on January 31. This was an extremely tough condition made with Meij, Sugabayashi and Kidani. It was a very big decision in my life and I’m thankful they understood. I will head overseas and to see the world of pro wrestling.
— chris charlton (@reasonjp) January 7, 2019
KUSHIDA: I have been here in NJPW for 8 years. I was surprised at the scale of the business when I first came in and proud of being able to work here. The warm reception and words from the fans made me who I am and I am so grateful to them.
— chris charlton (@reasonjp) January 7, 2019
KUSHIDA: I am contracted with this company until the end of January so I won’t be talking much about beyond then. But it has been my dream for a long time to travel the world with professional wrestling. And that’s what I will be doing.
— chris charlton (@reasonjp) January 7, 2019
KUSHIDA: I increasingly took on the role lately of working with younger talent, and while not teaching, learning together. Along with that, going back and forth between ROH and New Japan I realised I am now 36 and have much less in front of me career wise than behind.
— chris charlton (@reasonjp) January 7, 2019
