Backstage News on Kenny Omega’s NJPW Return at Wrestle Kingdom 17

Kenny Omega is returning to New Japan Pro Wrestling, as he appeared via video promo at Sunday’s NJPW X STARDOM Historic X-Over event to challenge Will Ospreay to a match on January 4, 2023 at Wrestle Kingdom 17. On Monday morning, New Japan Pro Wrestling made the match official.

According to Fightful Select, discussions about the match began over the summer, and Rocky Romero played a significant role in facilitating the match and assisting in its clearance.

Romero has been a huge factor in NJPW’s global expansion and positive relationships with various promotions, including AEW, as Romero was said to be in frequent contact with AEW Owner Tony Khan to make deals happen at one point.

Despite conversations that lasted several months, the deal was finalized within the last two or three weeks.

Omega’s suspension for the All Out brawl with CM Punk slowed the talks.