KUSHIDA, Kenny Omega Leaving NJPW
Now with Wrestle Kingdom behind us, we’re looking forward to January 31st as some New Japan Pro Wrestling contracts are set to expire. Two major names whose contracts are up won’t be re-signing.
During the Wrestle Kingdom 13 press conference on Monday, KUSHIDA announced that after eight years he will be leaving the company at the end of the month. “As for the future, I would like to see the wide world of professional wrestling with my own eyes, from one end of the earth to the other,” he said according to a news story on NJPW’s English website. He has said in the past that he has enjoyed working with large opponents during his tours with Ring of Honor so that is a likely option, but there has also been some interest from the WWE so he could end up in NXT.
But the big story here is former IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega also leaving. He was interviewed by Tokyo Sports and while most of it was in kayfabe and was discussing his loss to Hiroshi Tanahashi, he did seem to confirm he is gone from the company at the end of the month. All Elite Wrestling has a “rally” on Tuesday in Jacksonville to give more details on the company and promote their Double or Nothing event, so there is a chance Omega could show up to announce he has signed with them. The other option is going to the WWE, who have been pursuing him for quite a while. The important thing to note with WWE is that since his NJPW contract is up on the 31st and the Royal Rumble is on the 27th, he would not be able to be a surprise entrant in the Rumble match.
With both men’s future unknown, it’s going to be a very interesting month.
