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IWGP World champion Kenny Omega is red hot, but would joining the WWE be in his best interests?
Kenny Omega.
You've heard the name, even if you don't watch New Japan Pro Wrestling. One of the most naturally gifted and hard-working athletes in pro wrestling, Omega has turned heads by putting on matches with Rainmaker Okada that are literally off the charts.
Omega's notoriety grew even greater when longtime WWE stalwart John Cena tweeted a picture of Omega. Just a picture, but it was enough to fuel speculation that Omega would be joining WWE and subsequently appear at the 2017 Royal Rumble.
Alas, that was not meant to be. Omega re-signed with NJPW and is now their reigning, undisputed IWGP champion. He still has roughly half a year left on his contract, which of course has given rise to speculation that WWE will seek to acquire him next year when it runs out.
But should Kenny Omega actually make the leap and sign with the WWE, an organization he has been critical of in the past? Or is he better off charting a path that does NOT lead to the largest pro wrestling organization in the world?
Here are five reasons Omega should sign with the WWE, interspersed with five he should not join Vince McMahon's company.
Should Join WWE: It's all about the Benjamins.
Omega does quite well for himself in New Japan, earning over half a million per year (US equivalent.) While this is a lucrative contract, and much higher than many wrestlers earn, it is a drop in the bucket compared to what he could be making in the WWE.
The fact is, WWE is the only promotion that can hand out contracts worth millions of dollars, not to mention merchandising and special appearance fees. Omega could triple or even quadruple his income by signing with WWE.
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Should NOT join WWE: Omega's not in it for the money.
It may be shocking to some, but Kenny Omega isn't in wrestling just for a big payday. He considers pro wrestling to be an art form, and himself to be an artist. Therefore, it's much more important for him to be able to craft his matches without overt interference from management than it is to be a millionaire.
Kenny would almost certainly HAVE to change his style at least some to join the WWE, and he prefers working for a company that allows him a lot of creative freedom between the ropes.
Should join WWE: He could be bigger than Hogan or the Rock.
The 'it' factor is discussed a lot in wrestling circles, but isn't fully understood. It's the secret ingredient that makes all the difference between men like the Rock and men like Roman Reigns. Roman is technically a better wrestler than his cousin, but he lacks the universal appeal of Rock's massive charisma.
Kenny Omega has the 'it' factor in spades. From his chiseled look to his well-developed ring persona to his approachable geeky real-life character, he has all the tools to win the fans over, and not just in a wrestling ring. Omega has expressed interest in acting--he's already appeared in commercials in Japan. With the WWE's Hollywood connections, he has the opportunity to follow in the Rock's footsteps and become a mainstream star.
Should NOT join WWE: He could end up being another Austin Aries
When it comes to pure wrestling talent, you can't get much better than Austin Aries. However, despite his accolades and charisma, the WWE didn't seem to get fully behind his character, and he languished during his WWE run, first in NXT and then on 205 Live.
There's a tendency of WWE to hold back wrestlers who came from other promotions; AJ Styles being the exception, most of them have to 'prove' themselves or even work their way up through NXT like Bobby Roode. If Omega signs with WWE, he could find his talents wasted and end up just like Austin Aries; Bitter about the whole experience.
Should sign with the WWE: Better Merchandising deals.
Kenny Omega's net worth is estimated at less than a million dollars at the present time. While you can easily order his t-shirts and other merchandise online, NJPW lacks the massive merchandise moving juggernaut that WWE has.
WWE t-shirts aren't just found online and at events; They're at discount stores, shopping malls, and even gas stations. Omega could find his merchandise selling at many different venues, which could increase his net worth a great deal.
Should NOT sign with the WWE: The Japanese fans have embraced him.
It can be hard, but not impossible, for a Gaijin-- a foreigner--to get over as a babyface in Japan. Stan Hansen and Scott Norton are two of the men who have managed this feat.
Kenny Omega has achieved this rare status as well, and is beloved by the Japanese fandom even though he is a Gaijin. After so much work to win them over, it would be a waste to leave now.
Should Sign with WWE: A variety of new opponents.
Love them or hate the, right now the WWE has a slew of some of the best wrestling talent in the world.
If Omega joined the roster, there would be dozens of potential dream matches. Omega vs. Styles. Omega vs. Samoa Joe. Omega vs. Dolph Ziggler (which has five-star match written all over it.)
Should NOT sign with the WWE: Omega loves Japan and Japanese culture.
Kenny Omega is a self-professed "Otaku." An otaku is a westerner who loves Japanese culture--particularly focused on anime and video games. He used the 'hadoken' from Street Fighter as a move in the ring, and his theme music was often inspired by video games.
Omega is quite happy working and living in Japan, and unless this changes he may not see the value in joining the WWE.
Should sign with the WWE: Nothing left to accomplish in NJPW.
When Omega finally beat the Rainmaker for the IWGP championship, he became the King of the Mountain, the top guy, the champion.
He also achieved the last accolade available for him in Japan. Omega has had a great run in NJPW, but it's time for him to move on and face new challenges...like the WWE.
10. Should NOT sign with WWE: No more Golden Lovers.
Omega shocked the wrestling world when he re-united with ex tag team partner Kota Ibushi--himself one of the top wrestlers in the world. What's even more shocking is they kept the Golden Lovers gimmick from their rookie days.
The Golden Lovers are, kayfabe wise, actual lovers. They portray a positive, upbeat take on the homosexual lifestyle, which is often treated poorly by the wrestling world. It's highly unlikely that WWE would be interested in signing Ibushi, and even if they did the Golden Lovers would not likely survive the transition because WWE steers clear of controversy when possible.
There you have it: Five reasons Omega should sign with the WWE, and five he should not. Where do you think Omega should wrestle? Please comment and let us know.
