Kenny Omega made a stunning return to New Japan Pro-Wrestling at King of Pro-Wrestling 2026 on Monday, October 12, immediately setting his sights on Yota Tsuji and the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
The former AEW World Champion shocked the live crowd at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan in Tokyo when he appeared on the entrance screen following Tsuji’s successful title defense against G1 Climax winner Ryohei Oiwa. Speaking to the champion in Japanese, Omega criticized Tsuji for sitting out AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door earlier in the year, pointedly reminding him that the “I” in IWGP stands for “International.”
Tsuji acknowledged Omega’s legendary status in NJPW history, but warned him against underestimating the promotion’s homegrown talent, adding that any challenge for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship would have to go through Japan.
Omega answered that challenge in person moments later. As the arena lights went out, Omega emerged inside the ring, blindsiding Tsuji with a V-Trigger followed by the One-Winged Angel. The physical assault drew loud jeers from the Tokyo audience, who had initially cheered his video appearance.
Taking the microphone, Omega lambasted Tsuji for having “no manners” and “no class,” while also calling out NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi and suggesting management had the authority to force the championship match regardless of the titleholder’s consent.
During a backstage interview following the event, Omega laid out a specific roadmap for his return to Japan. He proposed a non-title three-way match involving himself, Tsuji, and Oleg Boltin at NJPW Power Struggle on November 3 in Hiroshima, with the ultimate goal of securing a one-time world title match against Tsuji at Wrestle Kingdom 21 in the Tokyo Dome. Omega stipulated that if he wins the three-way bout, he wants a guaranteed title shot regardless of whether he scores the pinfall on Tsuji or Boltin.
If finalized, Power Struggle will mark Omega’s first match in Japan since his victory over Gabe Kidd at Wrestle Dynasty in January 2025.
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