New Japan Pro Wrestling has undergone many roster changes in the years since Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks left to start what is now a pro wrestling powerhouse, All Elite Wrestling.
Omega has continued to pay close attention to NJPW since leaving and recently spoke with Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso about their growth.
Omega said, “It’s been a while since myself and the Young Bucks left New Japan, and the hierarchy in the company has shifted. I’ve really liked seeing the landscape in New Japan develop to where it is now. It’s interesting to see who’s assumed more responsibility or who hasn’t taken time off and is still helping carry the company.”
Continuing on, Kenny Omega said that Forbidden Door presents an opportunity for other talent to connect with the crowd. Omega said “I love the air of mystery surrounding Forbidden Door. Some major belts could change hands. It’s exciting to see these two worlds collide, and this vision of pro wrestling—and this relationship with New Japan—is finally coming to fruition. That’s what I always wanted in AEW. We now have a relationship with New Japan, AAA, DDT, and Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling.”
Jay White and Will Ospreay have both stepped up for NJPW and Omega has taken notice. He said “I had a feeling Jay and Ospreay would be in a position where they would have to step up, and I felt like people in New Japan didn’t realize the talent they had in Shingo. His singles matches in Dragon Gate were outstanding. The man is a beast of a wrestler. I’d lobbied really hard for him to break out of the juniors, and when he did, he took his opportunity and ran with it. Jay White emerged into this very unique wrestler. There isn’t anyone like Switchblade, anywhere, except for Switchblade. And I’ve said this a million times before, but no one has a better tool chest than Will Ospreay. He can do it all.”
Omega firmly believes that Jay White has evolved into the superstar that NJPW needs. He said, “Perhaps this is throwing a bit of shade, but when comparing the two, it’s Jay that evolved into the box office guy New Japan needed. He might not have that same flash, but he has the substance. You always want to know more about him psychologically and watch what he’s going to do next. Will Ospreay’s matches are more of a spectacle. He’ll do whatever the current-day definition is of a five-star match. So Will is what the new five-star match is these days, and Jay is the star that New Japan needed.”
You can read the entire interview here. Let us know what you think in the comments below.
