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2017 was one of the best years for wrestling fans because we got to witness some of the most incredible matches. There were many wrestlers that stood out this year like Kazuchika Okada, Tetsuya Naito, Hiromu Takahashi, Will Ospreay, and many more. But, one wrestler, in my opinion, stood out above the rest, and that person is Kenny Omega.
From putting on classic matches to creating history, Kenny Omega has done it all. Some may argue that Okada is the best wrestler of 2017 because he is the IWGP Heavyweight Champion, but Omega has stood out with far more entertaining performances in every match.
Here are five reasons that will hopefully convince you that Omega is the best wrestler of 2017:
#1 Ability to put on classic matches consistently
Matches like AJ Styles vs. John Cena was good, but Okada vs. Omega was far better on every level. Omega has that ability to put on great matches with anyone. He is a terrific worker. He has also brought out the best in every wrestler he has worked with. Any good wrestler can put on a classic match once in a while, but to do that in nearly every match takes a special kind of talent, and Omega has that talent.
Omega was involved in four of the highest rated matches of year, three of those matches receiving a 6-star rating. His trio of matches against Okada are some of the best wrestling matches in the history of pro wrestling. ‘The Cleaner’ made 2017 his own, and has had probably the best year of his career.
The IWGP United States Champion is now a household name among wrestling fans, and has been one of NJPW’s biggest draws. Anyone who disputes Omega’s talent needs to watch him wrestle. His skills in the ring are second to none, and he possesses the rare ability to innovate when needed during matches.
Even Chris Jericho turned down a WWE contract just so he can challenge Omega to a match at WrestleKingdom. That’s how good he is, and he is going to get better. Next year, expect some incredible things from ‘The Cleaner.’
#2 Ability to bring out the best in his opponents
Very few wrestlers like AJ Styles and Brock Lesnar posses the talent to get the best out of their opponent, and Omega can be included in that elite club of wrestlers who possess this ability. Even when he ends up winning a match, he somehow makes his opponents look tougher than they actually are.
For example, he pretty much carried Trent Baretta through the entirety of their match, and though he won, Baretta came out of that match looking good. He can put a wrestler over without actually putting them over. How many wrestlers can do this with such consistency as Omega. The answer is not many.
Kenny is a high-flyer, technical wrestler, and a brawler all packed in one. His super kicks are jaw breaking, and his finisher is groundbreaking. His matches leave you wanting more, and his mic skills leave you speechless. He can fly around the ring performing death-defying stunts, and can also brawl on the mat when needed to.
His style of wrestling allows him to match up well with pretty much anybody, and this versatility makes for some amazing moments that leave the fans in awe.
#3 Superior Charisma
Omega overshadows the likes of Roman Reigns when it comes to charisma. He has the ability to electrify the crowd, and keep them pumped up throughout his matches.
Japanese crowds don’t easily get hyped, but Kenny’s unique charisma can electrify any crowd in Japan. Pleasing the crowd is never easy - ask John Cena and Roman Reigns - but ‘The Cleaner’ makes it look so effortless. All this has to do with his personality.
The last wrestler who was so electrifying was The Rock, and Omega comes pretty close, and in the future, may even overshadow The Rock’s charisma. ‘The Cleaner’ is one of the most entertaining wrestlers in the world right now.
#4 History making wrestler
Whether it’s putting on 6-star matches or winning titles, Kenny Omega seems to create history wherever he goes. Omega made history by becoming the first-ever IWGP United States Champion, and his 6-star matches with Okada broke the internet, though half of the credit for that goes to Okada.
The IWGP United States Champion has had a history-making year in 2017, putting him far above the rest of the pack. Expect him to break more records in 2018.
#5 He just keeps getting better
Omega just keeps getting better as time progresses. We have seen him evolve over the years into the megastar he is today. In the past year alone, he has grown so much, and the best thing about him is that there is still room for him to get even better.
When he finally reaches his peak, expect him to deliver some of the most scintillating performances we will ever see.
Just 18 months ago, no one would have considered Omega to even be in the top ten wrestlers list, but now people are arguing that he is the number one. That’s how far he has come as a performer and has delivered absolutely breathtaking performances throughout the year.
