Kenny Omega Is Leaving New Japan Pro-Wrestling

Kenny Omega is leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling.

In an interview with Tokyo Sports magazine, the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion claimed that he would be stepping away from New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and even alluded to taking time off from the wrestling business as a whole.

NJPW historian and occasional commentator for the company, Chris Charlton, provided translations for the interview on Twitter. Omega stated:

“Reflecting back on it, the Wrestle Kingdom 13 match was a bout to decide the protagonist of New Japan… I take full responsibility for the loss. 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 has surpassed me. I 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.”

The contractual status of Kenny Omega has been perhaps the most hotly discussed topic in the industry over the last few weeks, as his contract with New Japan Pro-Wrestling is set to expire at the end of January.

It was expected that he would join his friends in All Elite Wrestling, which is currently in talks for a potential relationships with New Japan going forward, but nothing has been confirmed on that front at this time. It has also been reported that Omega was offered a “fantastic” deal with WWE, rumored to be worth several million dollars.

In the interview with Tokyo Sports Omega also stressed that he had worked hard to become the number one protagonist in winning the IWGP title, but was frustrated by still being considered the villain. He stated that fans in both WWE and AEW would be happy to see him sign there, but he needs to go to a place where he is happy, and he is not currently there. “I will be gone.”

Kenny Omega is leaving NJPW. https://t.co/hfSYmZKaHd

— 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