Kenny Omega recently shared his reflections on the significant rivalry he had with Chris Jericho, particularly focusing on their match at Wrestle Kingdom 12 in 2018. Omega defended his IWGP United States Championship against Jericho in a highly anticipated ‘No Disqualification match.’ As the wrestling community looks back nearly seven years later, Omega’s insights highlight the pressure and stakes of that era.
In a candid statement on social media, Omega expressed the importance of this moment, stating, “This moment and the match with Trent that preceded it meant a lot. T’was a big night for me.” He further elaborated on the competitive landscape of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) at the time, emphasizing the need for constant excellence. “Wrestling for NJPW as a champion at that time didn’t allow for strike outs, or even base hits. You had to hit home runs non-stop or just accept that a top spot wasn’t meant for you,” he remarked. Omega acknowledged that he was unaware of the full extent of the stakes back then, adding, “In a way, I’m glad I didn’t.”
The rivalry with Jericho began in earnest on November 5, 2017, during NJPW Power Struggle, when Jericho made a surprise appearance to challenge Omega, setting the stage for their Wrestle Kingdom showdown. This match is often cited as a pivotal moment in both wrestlers’ careers, as well as in the expansion of NJPW’s global reach. Omega and Jericho would later meet again at Double or Nothing 2019, where Jericho emerged victorious, further solidifying their storied competition.
In a related note, Tony Khan, President of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), recently discussed Jericho’s ongoing contributions to the promotion during an interview on Busted Open Radio. Khan expressed his appreciation for Jericho’s role in the company, stating, “I love Chris Jericho. He’s a huge part of AEW, he’s been here since the beginning.” Khan hinted at Jericho’s potential return, saying, “Chris is always a welcome, big part of AEW we’d always want to have here. So I am absolutely so grateful to Chris Jericho for everything he’s done.”
As wrestling fans reflect on the impact of Omega and Jericho’s rivalry, it becomes clear that their matches not only defined their careers but also played a significant role in shaping the future of professional wrestling on a global scale.
