Kenny Omega reflects on winning back the IWGP United States Title and names potential future challengers.
Kenny Omega defeated Will Ospreay at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 to recapture the IWGP United States Championship in what was his first match in NJPW in 4 years. Now, he looks down the road and tells Tokyo Sports that he is looking to defend the belt in New Japan and All Elite Wrestling.
"I want to [defend the belt] either [in] New Japan or AEW. When I was the US champion, I did a lot of defenses in Japan. So I want to do it not only in the United States, but also in Japan," said Kenny.
Asked about future opponents, Kenny revealed he's excited to wrestle Shingo Takagi one day. Kenny cited a tag team match where he and Shingo were on opposite ends of the squared circle in 2012 when DDT Pro-Wrestling had a crossover event with DragonGate. On that night in June 2012, Shingo teamed with YAMATO to defeat Omega & Keisuke Ishii.
Omega says now is the perfect time for a match with Takagi as both are seen as top stars.
"Someday, I want to try with Shingo Takagi. Kenny & Keisuke Ishii and Takagi & YAMATO, [which took place] at DDG (Osaka on June 5, 2012) before I went to New Japan for the first time, are great. It was an interesting match. Ever since then, I thought I would be able to have a good singles match with him," Kenny said. "I didn't have a chance when I was in New Japan, but now Takagi is also on top. I think it's the best timing."
Kenny also says that he isn't exclusively trying to defend against heavyweights. He is also offering Junior Heavyweights, such as El Desperado and Hiromu Takahashi, an opportunity to face him.
For now, Kenny looks to turn his attention back to AEW. On January 11, Omega will look to recapture the AEW World Trios Championship alongside The Young Bucks (Nick & Matt Jackson) in a ladder match against Death Triangle (PAC, Rey Fenix, & Penta El Zero Miedo).
As of yet, there is no confirmed return date for Omega to go back to New Japan. Fans can check out Kenny Omega's tweets regarding Will Ospreay and Kota Ibushi following Wrestle Kingdom 17 at this link.