Kenny Omega Says Hiroshi Tanahashi Has Done Nothing For NJPW’s International Fanbase
Kenny Omega explains why he wasn’t on the recent tour full time.
On January 4th in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 13 inside of the Tokyo Dome, Hiroshi Tanahashi will look to secure his eighth IWGP Heavyweight Championship victory when he challenges the current champion Kenny Omega for the title. Kenny and Tanahashi have been trading barbs over social media and in interviews and from Kenny’s standpoint he feels that Tanahashi is indeed a great but cannot take the company to new heights outside of Japan. Tanahashi has been critical of Omega’s storytelling in the ring and recently talked about how Kenny was not on tehe road full-time with New Japan during the ‘Road To Power Struggle’ shows.
Kenny was not with the company on every ‘Road To Power Struggle’ show because he was making the rounds further promoting New Japan’s global expansion. Kenny responded to his Wrestle Kingdom 13 opponent’s comments while he was interviewed by Yahoo! Japan and had the following to say:
“I don’t want to give anything away. Everyday Tanahashi and Tokyo Dome singles match. Tanahashi [and I] are two very different people. I understand what Tanahashi is saying (about not being on these tours) but it’s because I am a World champion, and I’m out there in the world. I was just at a signing in Singapore. Yes, during a tour, but it’s because I care about the fans worldwide.. That’s not to say Japan isn’t important, but if you stay focused on Japan, NJPW will never be a worldwide brand. It’s a difficult balance, but it’s important.” Omega explained. “Tanahashi has done zero for international fans. You look at signings in the U.S. and Tanahashi has maybe 1% of the line I have. He doesn’t care for those fans, he doesn’t perform for them. If he’s the champion with that attitude when NJPW goes to MSG, that’d be embarrassing.”
All the talking comes to an end on January 4th and to view the rest of the matches slated for Wrestle Kingdom 13, head over to Fightful’s “events” section.
