Kenny Omega, a celebrated wrestling star and current AEW talent, will make his awaited NJPW return at Wrestle Kingdom 20, joining the lineup for Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement ceremony on January 4. The event, taking place at the Tokyo Dome, marks a major moment since Omega’s last high-profile NJPW appearance, reaffirming his ongoing ties with the promotion and building anticipation among fans of both organizations.
Omega and Ospreay Set for Tanahashi’s Farewell
New Japan Pro Wrestling has announced that Kenny Omega and fellow AEW competitor Will Ospreay will both be special guests at the closing ceremony honoring Hiroshi Tanahashi’s 26-year career. On the night, Tanahashi will face his historic rival Kazuchika Okada in a final match before a retirement tribute, with Omega and Ospreay joining as notable figures from Tanahashi’s career and the broader wrestling world.
Background of Rivalries and Collaborations
Before the launch of AEW in 2019, Kenny Omega was one of NJPW’s most important competitors, notably clashing with Hiroshi Tanahashi over the IWGP Intercontinental Championship in 2016. Their highly publicized match on January 4, 2019, not only headlined Wrestle Kingdom that year but also played a significant role in the events that led to AEW’s formation. Both wrestlers have continued to make appearances for other promotions, keeping their histories intertwined.
Earlier this year, Omega, Ospreay, and Tanahashi teamed up alongside Kota Ibushi and Darby Allin. Together, they defeated Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Gabe Kidd, and the Young Bucks in a dramatic Lights Out Steel Cage match at the “Forbidden Door” event in August, reinforcing the strong international connections between NJPW and AEW talent.
Omega’s Recent NJPW Activity and Significance of the Return
Kenny Omega made a notable in-ring comeback for NJPW in January 2025 at Wrestle Dynasty, where he emerged victorious over Gabe Kidd after more than a year away from NJPW’s ring. His stature as a former champion and pivotal figure in the company’s more recent history adds weight to his confirmed attendance at Wrestle Kingdom 20. Fans see him as an important link between the old guard represented by Tanahashi and the current wave of international wrestling stars.
What This Means for Wrestling Fans
The presence of Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay at Tanahashi’s farewell ceremony encapsulates decades of wrestling history and highlights NJPW’s ongoing connections with AEW and other global promotions. The event is expected to be emotionally charged, celebrating the achievements of Hiroshi Tanahashi while reminding audiences of the landmark moments that figures like Omega have brought to the promotion. As the wrestling world looks toward January 4, anticipation grows for both the career milestone of Tanahashi and the symbolic NJPW return of Kenny Omega.
