Kenny Omega

Kenny Omega

Omega in May 2016
Birth name Tyson Smith
Born (1983-10-16) October 16, 1983
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Residence Katsushika, Tokyo, Japan[1][2]
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s) Kenny Omega
Scott Carpenter[3]
Young Master Togo[4]
Billed height 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)[5][6][7]
Billed weight 92 kg (203 lb)[6][7]
Billed from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada[8]
Trained by Bobby Jay[9]
Vance Nevada[5]
Mentallo[5]
Dave Taylor[10]
Debut February 2000[7]

Tyson Smith[1][9] (born October 16, 1983) is a Canadian professional wrestler, best known by his ring name Kenny Omega.[9] He is signed to New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), where he is a former one-time IWGP Intercontinental Champion, two-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, one-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion and a two-time NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champion. He is also a one-time winner of NJPW's premier tournament, the G1 Climax, having won it in 2016 and being the first non-Japanese wrestler to do so. He also appears for the American promotion Ring of Honor (ROH).

He is also known for his work on the Japanese independent circuit, appearing in promotions like Dramatic Dream Team (DDT), where he is a former one-time KO-D Openweight Champion, three-time KO-D Tag Team Champion, two-time KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Champion and one-time DDT Extreme Division Champion. He has also worked for All Japan Pro Wrestling, where he is a former World Junior Heavyweight Champion.

He has wrestled in several North American independent promotions, including California-based Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, where he is a former PWG World Champion and winner of the 2009 Battle of Los Angeles tournament, Jersey All Pro Wrestling, and Canada-based Premier Championship Wrestling.

In NJPW and ROH, Omega is a member of Bullet Club and has served as the stable's fourth and current leader since January 5, 2016, following the departure of previous leader A.J. Styles. He is also one third of the Bullet Club sub-group The Elite, along with The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson).

Professional wrestling career

Early career

Growing up, Smith played ice hockey as a goalie.[1] He first became interested in a career in professional wrestling after one of his Transcona Collegiate Institute (TCI) friends began training with Top Rope Championship Wrestling (TCW) in Winnipeg.[1] Smith ended his ice hockey career plans and also began training under TCW promoter Bobby Jay,[1] whom he had previously met while working at a local IGA store.[9] After training with Jay for a year, the 16-year-old Smith began working for TCW, where over the next two years he eventually developed the gimmick of "Kenny Omega", a Hawaiian surfer.[9][11] The surfer gimmick was later dropped and replaced with an otaku gamer gimmick, which Smith further accentuated by using the Hadouken from Street Fighter.[9] In 2001, Smith graduated from TCI and enrolled in university, but dropped out during his first year in order to fully concentrate on making a career out of professional wrestling.[1]

Premier Championship Wrestling (2001–2005)

In December 2001, Smith joined another local Winnipeg-based promotion, Premier Championship Wrestling.[5] Appearing on the promotion's official launch event, headlined by Eddie Guerrero and attended by 1700 fans, he made an impressive debut against his former trainer Mentallo on March 3, 2002.[5] The match was later named PCW's Match of the Year.[5] Afterwards he went on to form a short lived tag team with Mentallo.[5] By this time, he quickly became a rising star in PCW and the Canadian independent circuit. He was featured in director Guy Maddin's short film Sissy Boy Slap Party, a teaser for 2003 film The Saddest Music in the World.

The following year, Omega defeated Adam Knight for the PCW Heavyweight Championship on September 18, 2003.[5] Although successfully defending the title against Chi Chi Cruz, he lost the title to Rawskillz on November 26.[5] While in the Canadian Wrestling Federation later that year, he also won the vacant CWF Heavyweight Championship defeating TJ Bratt in a tournament final on December 29, 2003 before losing the title to Zack Mercury a month later.[12] He also regained the PCW Heavyweight Title from Rwskillz less than two months later, however he was forced to vacate the title on March 18, 2004 after suffering an injury.[5]

Later that year, he teamed with his former rival Rawskillz to defeat Shawn Houston and Chris Raine for the PCW Tag Team Championship on August 19.[13] Their reign was brief, however, as they lost the title back to Houston and Raine the following month.[13] On October 17, 2004, Omega appeared at the National Wrestling Alliance's 56th Anniversary Show, where he unsuccessfully challenged Petey Williams for the TNA X Division Championship. In March 2005, he lost to Tommy Knoxville at Millennium Wrestling Federation's ULTRA card.[14]

Omega won an 8-man tournament, defeating the likes of Nate Hardy, Chris Sabin and Amazing Red to win the first Premier Cup and the NWA Canadian X Division Title on June 2, 2005.[5] On July 30, he made a one-time appearance for TCW Professional Wrestling when he teamed with The Scorpion to face The Axe and Bobby Jay at the Grand Beach Entertainment Center in Grand Beach, Manitoba.[15]

In August 2005, Omega attacked Christopher Daniels and challenged him to a match, seemingly turning heel as a result. Daniels declined the match, however. After losing the NWA Canadian X Division title to Rawskillz on September 15, Omega attended the Pro Wrestling Noah Camp in Harley Race's World League Wrestling in Missouri. He later lost to Keith Walker at a WLW show in Eldon, Missouri, which was later aired on Japanese television.[16] After the match, Smith was invited to a week-long tryout by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).[1]

After facing Johnny Devine at an Action Wrestling Entertainment event on November 26, Omega made his final PCW appearance after announcing his developmental deal with WWE and made a farewell speech to the crowd on December 1, 2005.[5]

World Wrestling Entertainment

Deep South Wrestling (2005–2006)

Omega in November 2008

In October 2005, Smith was sent to Deep South Wrestling (DSW), a developmental territory for World Wrestling Entertainment, to be evaluated by Bill DeMott and other talent scouts. As a result of his performance, which included try-out matches observed by Johnny Ace[11] and Kenta Kobashi,[17] he was offered a WWE developmental contract and assigned to Deep South Wrestling on a full-time basis.[11] He made his debut on October 27, 2005, losing to Mac Daddy Johnson.[18]

On May 4, 2006, Omega teamed with Heath Miller in a losing effort against Team Elite (Mike Knox and Derrick Neikirk).[19] After losing to Matt Striker, Eric Pérez and Sonny Siaki during the next few weeks, he scored his first victory after defeating Oleg Prudius by countout in a dark match on June 1.[20] Although he and Antonio Mestre lost to Urban Assault (Eric Perez and Sonny Siaki) in a dark match on June 15, he defeated Heath Miller in another dark match several days later.[20]

Omega then briefly formed a tag team with Tommy Suede, which included a loss against Urban Assault on August 3.[20] However, they defeated Matt Striker and Cru Jones one week later.[20] On August 17, Omega lost to Oleg Prudius and, after defeating Cru Jones several days later, he requested his immediate release from his contract to return to Premier Championship Wrestling.[20]

Smith has stated in several interviews that his time spent with DSW was poor and has been particularly critical of promoters DeMott and Jody Hamilton,[17] and trainer Bob Holly.[21] The most positive experience he had with WWE was being able to train with Dave Taylor, citing that before training with Taylor, he did not know the basics and got by purely with his athleticism.[10] Smith has claimed that WWE has since approached him several times with a contract, including in the spring of 2014 and three times in 2015, but he has turned them all down.[22][23]

Return to PCW (2006–present)

After his release from WWE, Smith tried to find a career in mixed martial arts and entered a few Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournaments, before deciding to give professional wrestling one more chance.[1] In order to stand out, Smith reinvented his wrestling character and developed a new moveset, which he felt could not be duplicated.[1] On September 14, 2006, Omega made his return to PCW, defeating Rawskillz to earn a match with A.J. Styles, whom he also defeated in the main event the following week.[5] He defeated Mike Angels and Rawskillz among others during the next several weeks before losing to A.J. Sanchez on February 15, 2007.[5] Losing to Ozz on March 1, he and Nate Hardy lost to Team Impact (Robby Royce and Ozz) later that week.[5] During the next few weeks, Omega won victories over Kraven and Nate Hardy before entering the third annual PCW Premier Cup tournament.[5] Omega defeated Nate Hardy, AJ Sanchez and Petey Williams to win the tournament for a second time.[5]

Fighting to a no-contest with Mike Angels on June 30, he defeated AJ Sanchez on July 19 and defeated Mike Angels, AJ Sanchez and Adam Knight in a four-way match on August 23 for a match against Samoa Joe on September 27.[5] Omega lost his match to Samoa Joe in Winnipeg, Manitoba.[5] In October, Omega appeared in Starting Point, the first pay-per-view for Wrestling Fan Xperience, wrestling Último Dragón in a match lasting 25 minutes.[24] On January 31 Omega defeated Mike Angels to win the PCW Heavyweight Championship for the third time.[25] On March 6 Angels regained his title in a three-way match, which also included Jon Cutler.[25] However, just two weeks later Omega defeated Angels to win the Heavyweight Title for the fourth time.[25]

Pro Wrestling Syndicate (2007–2008)

Kenny Omega made his debut for Pro Wrestling Syndicate (PWS) on September 7, 2007 in a match where he was defeated by Danny Demanto in Garfield, NJ. After the match Omega was involved in a confrontation with Commissioner Necro Butcher. Omega returned to Pro Wrestling Syndicate on December 9, 2009 and picked up a singles victory against Davey Richards. On March 22, Omega was one of 12 independent wrestlers selected to compete at the first "Majestic Twelve Tournament" hosted by Pro Wrestling Syndicate at the supercard Majestic Mayhem in Yonkers, New York.[26] At the event, Omega teamed with Jerry Lynn to face Kevin Matthews and Tommy Suede. After defeating Jerry Lynn in the semi-finals, Omega fought to a no-contest with Devon Moore when they forced Jack Evans to submit at the same time.[27][28] On May 2, 2009 Omega lost to Devon Moore in a ladder match in Belleville, New Jersey. On May 17, Omega lost a 3-way match with PWS Heavyweight Champion Devon Moore and Danny Demanto at the Holy Cross High School in Queens, New York.

Jersey All Pro Wrestling (2007–2009, 2010–2012)

Omega as the JAPW Heavyweight Champion in November 2008

Omega made his debut for Jersey All Pro Wrestling on September 8, 2007, in a match, where he was defeated by Danny Demanto.[5] After losing to "The Black Machismo" Jay Lethal in a singles match and to Teddy Hart in a three-way match with Xavier, Omega scored his first JAPW victory on March 8, 2008, upsetting Low Ki and winning the JAPW Heavyweight Championship in Jersey City, New Jersey in only his fourth match with the promotion.[5] That same day, he was one of several wrestlers in attendance at WSU's first anniversary show in Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey. Others at the event included Steve Mack, Danny Demanto, Ian Rotten, Kevin Matthews, Vicious Vinny, Inferno, Don Johnson.[29][30]

Omega's first JAPW Heavyweight title defense was on April 19, 2009, at Spring Massacre, where he retained his title against Frankie Kazarian in a Champions Challenge.[27][31] He defended his title against Danny Demanto and Grim Reefer during the next few weeks.[27] During his match with the Grim Reefer, Omega's opponent was injured at the start of the match was nearly stopped by the referee twice when Reefer had difficulty breathing.[32] After the match former two-time JAPW Heavyweight Champion Dan Maff returned to the promotion and aligned himself with Omega.[33]

On July 7, it was announced by Jersey All Pro Wrestling that Omega and several other wrestlers would take part in a fundraising event for the Beachwood Pine Beach Little League. Among those scheduled to appear were Rhino, The Latin American Xchange, Sonjay Dutt, Jay Lethal, Dan Maff, The Heavy Hitters (Monsta Mack and Havok) and the JAPW New Jersey State Champion Grim Reefer. The event was held at the Toms River Intermediate South Middle School in Beachwood, New Jersey on September 19, 2008.[34] On July 10, Omega successfully defended his title against Jon Cutler in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Cutler had previously won a tournament defeating "Outlaw" Adam Knight, Antonio Scorpio, Jr. and Mike Angels to win a title shot against Omega.[35]

After a disqualification loss to Rhino and a match that went to no contest with B-Boy, Omega was scheduled to defend his title on December 13, 2008, in a rematch against Low Ki at JAPW's 11th Anniversary Show.[5] Initially, Low Ki won the match, but the decision was reversed and Omega retained his title via disqualification due to Ki accidentally knocking down the referee prior to the finish.[5] On February 28, 2009, at Jersey City Rumble Omega lost the Heavyweight Title to Jay Lethal, after his associate Dan Maff turned on him, ending his reign at 357 days.[36] Omega's next JAPW appearance took place on December 10, 2010, when he competed in a six–way elimination match for the JAPW Light Heavyweight Championship. Omega was eliminated from the match by the eventual winner, Jushin Thunder Liger.[37][38] At the following day's show Omega defeated former rival Jay Lethal in a singles match.[37] On May 15, 2011, Omega defeated Liger in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during New Japan's first ever tour of the United States, to win the JAPW Light Heavyweight Championship.[39] Although JAPW has not held a show since April 14, 2012, in a July 2013 interview Omega said he would be interested in returning to the company citing he still held the JAPW Light Heavyweight Championship.[40] After returning from a hiatus on November 15, 2014, JAPW stripped Omega of the Light Heavyweight Championship.[41]

Ring of Honor (2008–2010, 2016–present)

On July 25, 2008, Omega made his Ring of Honor debut, losing to Delirious in Toronto, Ontario.[42] The following night, Omega made his Detroit debut at ROH New Horizons, losing to Silas Young.[43] After a losing streak, Omega gained his first victories in December and during his first year in ROH, scored two pinfall victories over the ROH World Champion Austin Aries.[44][45] On November 14, 2009, Omega received a shot at Aries' World Championship, but was unable to beat him for the title.[46] In 2010 Omega began working more regularly in Japan, making only six appearances for ROH throughout the year, with his match against Christopher Daniels on June 19 at Death Before Dishonor VIII being his final appearance for the promotion for nearly six years.[5][47]

In February 2016, it was reported that Omega had signed to become a regular part of the ROH roster.[48] He wrestled his return match on February 26 at the 14th Anniversary Show, where he and The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson) successfully defended the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship against ACH, Kushida and Matt Sydal.[47]

Dramatic Dream Team/DDT Pro-Wrestling (2008–2014)

Omega in 2010

In 2006, Omega's friend showed him videos of Japanese promotion Dramatic Dream Team (DDT). Omega was captivated by DDT wrestler Kota Ibushi and wanted to work with him, so he filmed himself having a DDT-style match outside the confines of a wrestling ring and uploaded it as well as a video challenge to Ibushi on YouTube.[2] After seeing the videos DDT invited Omega to Japan to wrestle Ibushi.[2] Omega's tour of Japan with DDT began in early-August 2008.[49] He and Ibushi eventually formed a tag team named Golden☆Lovers, winning the KO-D Tag Team Championship. Wrestling in Japan had been one of Smith's dreams as the local scene appealed to his creative side.[1] Following WWE, where he was fully scripted by the promotion, he felt that in Japan he was able to show his personality and express himself.[2]

In 2011, Omega had a match with a nine-year-old girl named Haruka. Video of the match went viral, made international news and led to Omega receiving numerous death threats. The video was also seen by Mick Foley, who praised Omega's work as a heel, while asking why he was not on national television.[50][51]

In September 2011, Omega represented DDT in All Japan Pro Wrestling's 2011 Junior League, making his debut for the promotion on September 11.[52] After three wins and two losses, Omega finished second in his block and did not advance to the finals.[53] However, due to defeating eventual tournament winner Kai in his opening match, Omega was named the number one contender to his World Junior Heavyweight Championship following the tournament.[54] On October 23, Omega defeated Kai to become the new World Junior Heavyweight Champion.[55] Omega lost the title back to Kai on May 27, 2012, in his sixth title defense, ending his reign at 217 days.[56]

On July 8, Omega defeated Danshoku Dino to win the 2012 King of DDT tournament and earn a shot at his tag team partner Kota Ibushi's KO-D Openweight Championship.[57] Omega received his title shot on August 18 in the main event of DDT's 15th anniversary event in Nippon Budokan, but failed in his attempt to dethrone Ibushi.[58] Omega received another shot at the title on December 23, 2012, and defeated El Generico to win the KO-D Openweight Championship for the first time.[59] On January 27, 2013, Omega defeated Isami Kodaka in a title vs. title match to retain the KO-D Openweight Championship and win the DDT Extreme Division Championship.[60] After three successful title defenses, Omega lost the KO-D Openweight Championship to Shigehiro Irie on March 20, 2013.[61] On May 26, Omega once again became a double champion in DDT, when he, Gota Ihashi and Kota Ibushi defeated the Monster Army (Antonio Honda, Daisuke Sasaki and Yuji Hino) for the KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship.[62] After a reign of only 28 days, Omega, Ibushi and Ihashi lost the title to Antonio Honda, Hoshitango and Yuji Hino on June 23.[63] On August 25, Omega lost the DDT Extreme Division Championship to Danshoku Dino.[64] On January 26, 2014, Omega and Kota Ibushi defeated Yankee Nichokenju (Isami Kodaka and Yuko Miyamoto) and Konosuke Takeshita and Tetsuya Endo in a three-way match to win the KO-D Tag Team Championship.[65] On April 12, Omega and Ibushi became double champions, when they teamed with Daisuke Sasaki to defeat Team Drift (Keisuke Ishii, Shigehiro Irie and Soma Takao) for the KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship.[66] Their reign, however, lasted only 22 days, before they lost the title to Shuten-dōji (Kudo, Masa Takanashi and Yukio Sakaguchi) on May 4.[67] On September 28, Omega and Ibushi lost the KO-D Tag Team Championship to Konosuke Takeshita and Tetsuya Endo.[68] On October 26, Omega wrestled his final DDT match, where he and Ibushi defeated Danshoku Dino and Konosuke Takeshita.[69]

Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (2008–2010, 2012, 2014)

Omega after winning the 2009 Battle of Los Angeles to become the new PWG World Champion

On November 1, 2008, Omega made his Pro Wrestling Guerrilla debut as a heel at the 2008 Battle of Los Angeles, but ended up being eliminated from the tournament in the first round by local talent Brandon Bonham.[70] The next night, Omega was involved in a nine-man three-way tag team match consisting of wrestlers who had lost in the first round. In a memorable moment, during the match he was Irish whipped into the ropes by Davey Richards only for the force to snap the middle and bottom ropes, throwing Omega out of the ring.[71]

Three months later, Omega returned to the company at Express Written Consent, where he was defeated by El Generico,[72] after senior referee Rick Knox grew tired of Omega abusing him and hit him with a leaping clothesline.[73] On April 11, 2009 at Ninety-Nine, Omega picked up his first victory in PWG by defeating Davey Richards after a Croyt's Wrath.[74] The following day at PWG's hundredth show, Omega was defeated by Bryan Danielson.[75] At the event, Omega debuted his new tag team partner Chuck Taylor in a backstage segment, where they warned Generico to stay out of Reseda, before he was rescued by Colt Cabana. On May 22, 2009 at the Dynamite Duumvirate Tag Team Title Tournament, PWG's annual tag team title tournament, Omega and Taylor, known collectively as The Men of Low Moral Fiber, defeated the re-united Dark & Lovely (Human Tornado and Scorpio Sky) in the first round before being eliminated by the reigning World Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks in the semifinals of the tournament.[76] On June 28 at The Secret of Guerrilla Island, Omega wrestled Roderick Strong first to a double pin finish and then a time limit draw, before refusing to continue the match and walking out.[77] While Omega was touring outside the United States, Taylor defeated El Generico in a street fight on August 28 at Speed of Sound to earn the Men of Low Moral Fiber their second shot at the Bucks and the World Tag Team Title.[78] The title match took place on October 2 in the main event of Against the Grain, where the Bucks once again came out on top.[79]

On November 20, 2009, one year after making his debut for the company, Omega entered his second Battle of Los Angeles, which would this time be contested for the vacant World Championship. In the first round of the tournament, Omega defeated Kevin Steen, who was making his return to the company after a 15-month absence.[80] The following day, he defeated Dynasty members Scott Lost and Joey Ryan in the quarter and semifinal rounds, respectively, to make his way to the finals, where he defeated Roderick Strong to win both the 2009 Battle of Los Angeles and the vacant World Championship.[81] Following his title victory, Omega was attacked by Brian Kendrick and The Young Bucks, who became villains in the process while also turning Omega into a fan favorite, before being saved by his old foes El Generico, Colt Cabana and Rick Knox. Omega and his former rivals decided to put their past differences aside as they now shared a common enemy.[82] On February 27, 2010, at As the Worm Turns Omega lost the World Title to Davey Richards in his first defense.[83]

On October 27, 2012, Omega made his first appearance for PWG in over two and a half years, when he teamed with El Generico at Failure to Communicate in a tag team match, where they defeated The Young Bucks.[84] Omega returned to PWG on August 29, 2014, to take part in the 2014 Battle of Los Angeles weekend.[85] He made it to the semifinals of the tournament before losing to eventual tournament winner, Ricochet.[86]

New Japan Pro Wrestling

Golden☆Lovers (2010–2014)

On January 31, 2010, Omega made his debut for New Japan Pro Wrestling in a tag team match, where he and Kota Ibushi defeated Gedo and Jado via disqualification. During the match Jado suffered a legitimate neck injury from a suicide dive from Omega.[87] On June 1, Omega entered New Japan's two-week-long 2010 Best of the Super Juniors tournament, where he finished fourth in his block with four victories out of seven matches, thus failing to advance to the semifinals of the tournament.[88][89] After defeating Ryusuke Taguchi at a DDT show on August 29, 2010, Omega was granted a shot at his tag team partner Prince Devitt's IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.[90] On September 3, Omega made his return to New Japan, but was defeated by Devitt in the title match.[91] On October 11 at Destruction '10, Omega and Kota Ibushi defeated Devitt and Taguchi, the team known collectively as Apollo 55, to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship.[92] On November 14, the Golden☆Lovers made their first successful title defense, defeating Devitt and Taguchi at a DDT show to set up a grudge match for the title with the 2010 Super J Tag League winners, Gedo and Jado.[93] The match against Gedo and Jado took place at another DDT show on December 26 and ended with the Golden☆Lovers retaining the title.[94] On January 23, 2011, at Fantastica Mania 2011, a New Japan and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre co–promoted event in Tokyo, Omega and Ibushi lost the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship back to Devitt and Taguchi.[95][96] On May 26, Omega entered the 2011 Best of the Super Juniors and opened his tournament with a five match win streak, only to lose his last three matches and finish third in his block, narrowly missing the semifinals of the tournament.[97][98] On August 14, the Golden☆Lovers received a rematch for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, but were again defeated by Devitt and Taguchi.[99]

Omega returned to New Japan in May 2013 to take part in the 2013 Best of the Super Juniors, where he managed to win five out of his eight round-robin matches, advancing to the semifinals of the tournament.[100] On June 9, Omega was defeated in his semifinal match by Prince Devitt, following interference from his Bullet Club stable.[101] A year later, Omega returned to take part in New Japan's 2014 Best of the Super Juniors tournament from May 30 to June 6, finishing with a record of three wins and four losses with a loss against Taichi on the final day costing him a spot in the semifinals.[102][103]

Bullet Club (2014–present)

Main article: Bullet Club
Omega (far right) as a member of Bullet Club in early 2015

On October 3, 2014, New Japan held a press conference to announce that Omega had decided to sign with the promotion once his DDT contract expires on October 26.[104] Omega made his debut under a New Japan contract on November 8 at Power Struggle. Despite dismissing the idea of joining the villainous foreigner stable Bullet Club at his signing press conference, claiming that he did not consider himself a gaijin,[104] at Power Struggle Omega was revealed as the newest member of the stable, setting his sights on the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.[105] Omega, dubbing himself "The Cleaner", claimed he had lied at the press conference and was only interested in money and the title.[106] As part of his new villainous persona, Omega, who is fluent in Japanese, stopped talking in Japanese and instead did his interviews in English.[107] Behind the scenes, Omega was told that his otaku gimmick was "too bubbly" for Bullet Club, which led to him adopting the Cleaner nickname, which was intended to be a reference to people who clean up crime scenes. Initially, Omega played the role straight, but after repeatedly having to explain the character when people thought he was portraying an actual janitor, he began incorporating comedy into the gimmick and started coming out for matches with a mop and broom.[108] On January 4, 2015, at Wrestle Kingdom 9 in Tokyo Dome, Omega wrestled his first match as a member of Bullet Club, defeating Ryusuke Taguchi to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship for the first time.[109][110]

Omega's first title defense took place on February 11 at The New Beginning in Osaka, where he defeated Taguchi in a rematch.[111][112] During the following months, he also successfully defended the title against Máscara Dorada at Invasion Attack 2015 and Alex Shelley at Wrestling Dontaku 2015.[113][114][115] On July 5 at Dominion 7.5 in Osaka-jo Hall, Omega lost the title to the winner of the 2015 Best of the Super Juniors, Kushida.[116][117] On September 23 at Destruction in Okayama, Omega regained the title from Kushida, following outside interference from his Bullet Club stablemate Karl Anderson.[118] He made his first successful defense on October 12 at King of Pro-Wrestling against Matt Sydal.[119] On January 4, 2016, at Wrestle Kingdom 10 in Tokyo Dome, Omega lost the title back to Kushida.[120]

Omega as the IWGP Intercontinental Champion in May 2016

The following day, Omega teamed with Bullet Club leader A.J. Styles to defeat IWGP Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura and Yoshi-Hashi in a tag team match, pinning Nakamura for the win. After the match, Bullet Club turned on Styles, with Omega taking over the leadership of the stable and declaring that he was no longer a junior heavyweight by challenging Nakamura to a title match.[121][122] The match, however, never came to fruition as Nakamura announced his departure from NJPW, with the promotion stripping him of the IWGP Intercontinental Championship.[123] Afterwards, Omega began using Nakamura's Bomaye knee strike as a finishing move, dubbing it the V-Trigger.[124] It was then announced that Omega would face Hiroshi Tanahashi to determine the new champion.[125] On February 14 at The New Beginning in Niigata, Omega defeated Tanahashi to become the new IWGP Intercontinental Champion.[126] Six days later at Honor Rising: Japan 2016, Omega became a double champion, when he and The Young Bucks defeated Jay Briscoe, Mark Briscoe and Toru Yano for the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship.[127] They lost the title to Hiroshi Tanahashi, Michael Elgin and Yoshitatsu on April 10 at Invasion Attack 2016,[128] which led to Omega's first defense of the IWGP Intercontinental Championship on April 27, where he defeated Elgin.[129] This marked the first time two Canadians had main evented a NJPW show.[130] On May 3 at Wrestling Dontaku 2016, Omega and The Young Bucks regained the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship from Elgin, Tanahashi and Yoshitatsu.[131] On June 19 at Dominion 6.19 in Osaka-jo Hall, Omega lost the IWGP Intercontinental Championship to Elgin in NJPW's first ever ladder match.[132] On July 3, Omega and The Young Bucks lost the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship to Matt Sydal, Ricochet and Satoshi Kojima.[133]

Omega holding the briefcase containing his contract for a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship

From July 22 to August 13, Omega took part in the round-robin portion of the 2016 G1 Climax, where he won his block with a record of six wins and three losses, advancing to the finals.[134] On August 14, Omega defeated Hirooki Goto in the finals to win the 2016 G1 Climax and earn a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 11 in Tokyo Dome on January 4, 2017.[135] Omega not only won the tournament in his first attempt, but also became the first non-Japanese G1 Climax winner in history.[136][137] On September 22 at Destruction in Hiroshima, Omega successfully defended his Wrestle Kingdom 11 title match contract against Yoshi-Hashi, avenging a loss suffered during the 2016 G1 Climax in the process.[138] On October 10 at King of Pro-Wrestling, Omega made his final defense of the contract in a rematch against Hirooki Goto, thus solidifying his place in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 11.[139]

Personal life

Smith was born in Transcona, Winnipeg, Manitoba on October 16, 1983.[1][6] He has a younger sister.[140] His mother works in family services while his father works for the Canadian government as a transport officer.[140] Smith began watching professional wrestling as a child with his father taping him the Saturday Night's Main Event program, which became his favorite.[140]

Smith is fluent in Japanese and currently lives in Katsushika ward in the east end of Tokyo.[2] Smith regularly hosts a YouTube channel called, "The Cleaner's Corner", where he shows himself playing some of his most favorite video games of all time. During his spare time he also attends video game conventions. On June 26, 2016, he attended CEO 2016 and defeated WWE wrestler Xavier Woods multiple times in Street Fighter V.[141]

Smith abstains from alcohol, tobacco, and drug consumption.[142]

Smith told ESPN.com that he "loved Japanese culture before even realizing it was, in fact, Japanese culture" and his favorite video games and cartoons were in Japanese.[143]

Wrestling persona

A fan of anime and video games, Smith draws a lot of inspiration from them and incorporates ideas for maneuvers, entrance music, and gimmick concepts from both. Notable examples include naming one of his finishing maneuvers the One-Winged Angel, a reference to Final Fantasy VII's Sephiroth,[144] variations of Mega Man antagonist Dr. Wily's theme music as entrance themes, his ring name "Kenny Omega" being inspired by the character Omega Weapon from the Final Fantasy video game series and even using the Hadouken from Street Fighter as a signature move.[2] This inspiration also extends to his appearance; his look as "The Cleaner" was inspired by Albert Wesker from the Resident Evil video game series, as well as Marion "Cobra" Cobretti from the film Cobra.[145] In addition to video games, Smith also credits Star Trek: The Next Generation and Saturday morning superhero cartoons for developing a lot of his personality.[144] After turning heel, Smith stopped using his video game inspired moves and music since he felt it was too popular among fans and it was more a part of his face persona.[10]

In wrestling

Omega performing the Croyt's Wrath on Roderick Strong
Omega performing the Katayoku no Tenshi on Tomoaki Honma

Championships and accomplishments

Omega as the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion in July 2015
  • Best Bout Award (2012) vs. Kota Ibushi on August 18[174]
  • Best Bout Award (2014) with Kota Ibushi vs. Konosuke Takeshita and Tetsuya Endo on October 28[175]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Birnie, Sheldon (2015-02-27). "Transcona's Omega man". The Herald – Winnipeg. Retrieved 2015-03-03.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Japanophiles - Kenny Omega". Begin Japanology. 2013-08-15. NHK World.
  3. ↑ Meltzer, Dave (October 24, 2011). "October 24 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2011 Hall of Fame issue, GSP down, Bound for Glory and Bobby Roode, Hogan vs. Sting, giant issue". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, CA: 37. ISSN 1083-9593. Jeff Katz’s Wrestling Revolution Project taped its first season in Los Angeles this past week. [...] Kenny Omega, known as Scott Carpenter, was the star, with strong matches against Chris Masters (known as Concrete) and Killshot (Karl Anderson).
  4. ↑ "New Beijing "Japan Tour 2011" Results". Dramatic DDT. 2011-02-11. Retrieved 2012-02-02.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 "OWOW profile".
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ケニー・オメガ. DDT Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2014-03-18. Retrieved 2012-01-28.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 ケニー・オメガ. New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2014-11-13.
  8. ↑ "Roster". Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. Archived from the original on 2010-03-12. Retrieved 2015-11-04.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Van Der Griend, Blaine (2009-04-20). "Kenny Omega finds a home in ROH". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2009-04-25.
  10. 1 2 3 "Ross recap with Kenny Omega". Ringside News. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
  11. 1 2 3 Turenne, Paul (2005-12-03). "SLAM! Wrestling: Winnipeg's Omega signs WWE deal". SLAM! Sports.
  12. 1 2 "CWF World Heavyweight Championship history". CWFWrestling.com. 2007.
  13. 1 2 "History of 2004". Premier Championship Wrestling. Retrieved 2010-03-11.
  14. ↑ "The Jackel's MEWF Spring Preview". BostonWrestling.com. 2005-04-20.
  15. ↑ "News: Raven, Stro, Sandman". ProWrestling.com. 2005-06-30.
  16. ↑ "NOAH Meets WLW." NOAH TV. Pro Wrestling NOAH. 9 October 2005.
  17. 1 2 Gerwick, Steve (2007-03-14). "Interview with Kenny Omega". Gerweck.net.
  18. ↑ "2005 Deep South Wrestling results". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2010-11-16.
  19. ↑ Neikirk, Derik (2007). "Derik's Bio". DerickNeikirk.com.
  20. 1 2 3 4 5 "2006 Deep South Wrestling results". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2010-11-16.
  21. ↑ Prout, Evan (2014-10-21). "Kenny Omega talks WWE developmental, New Japan, Bob Holly". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on 2014-10-24. Retrieved 2016-01-11.
  22. ↑ Meltzer, Dave (November 3, 2014). "Nov 3 2014 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE direction leading to WrestleMania, Hell in a Cell review and analysis, tons more". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, California: 34. ISSN 1083-9593.
  23. ↑ "ＩＣ王者・ケニー ＷＷＥ移籍より飯伏と再戦". Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). 2016-02-16. Retrieved 2016-02-16.
  24. ↑ Davidson, Mike (2007-10-07). "A week late, but better than never". Random Rants by Mike Davidson.
  25. 1 2 3 4 "History of 2008". Premier Championship Wrestling. Retrieved 2010-03-11.
  26. ↑ Walsh, James (2008-01-25). "Independent Wrestling Update for 1/25/08". WrestlingEpicenter.com.
  27. 1 2 3 "Results: 2008". NYProWrestling.com: Results. NYProWrestling.com. 2008.
  28. ↑ Pro Wrestling Syndicate: Majestic Mayhem. Perf. Kenny Omega, Jerry Lynn, Kevin Matthews and Tommy Suede. 2008. DVD. RF Video.
  29. ↑ "WSU (3/8) Recap: First Anniversary!". ProWrestlingDaily.com. 2008-03-11.
  30. ↑ "Christiane Plante Talks Hogan Affair, Dawn Marie, Awesome Kong, Lacey Von Erich Wrestle". WomensWrestlingXposed.com. 2008-03-10.
  31. ↑ "Jersey All Pro Wrestling (3/22): Fresh Hot News!". ProWrestlingDigest.com. 2008-04-02.
  32. ↑ Martin, Adam (2008-06-29). "Al Snow/IWF, Booker T/Daivari in UK, DWF report, OSCW, JAPW, ROW". Wrestleview.
  33. ↑ "Jersey All-Pro Wrestling results". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2010-03-11.
  34. ↑ Iadevaia, Frank (2008-07-07). "Pro Wrestling Fundraiser Event". ImpactWrestling.com.
  35. ↑ Cutler, Jon (2008-07-11). "Journal Entry #40". JonCutler.com.
  36. ↑ Rozanski, Ryan (2009-10-20). "Break It Down: JAPW Jersey City Rumble". 411Mania. Retrieved 2010-03-11.
  37. 1 2 "News: Results from JAPW's Anniversary Show Weekend". Jersey All Pro Wrestling. 2010-12-12. Retrieved 2010-12-12.
  38. ↑ Johnson, Mike (2010-12-10). "Complete JAPW Anniversary coverage from New Jersey: Jushin Liger wins JAPW gold and more". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 2010-12-11.
  39. 1 2 Martin, Adam (2011-05-16). "5/15 New Japan Pro Wrestling Results: Philly, PA". Wrestleview. Retrieved 2011-05-16.
  40. ↑ Johnson, Daniel (2013-07-31). "Kenny Omega Interview". The Johnson Transcript. Retrieved 2013-12-17.
  41. ↑ Gee Schoon Tong, Chris (2014-11-16). "Show results – 11/15 JAPW in Rahway, N.Y.: Stacked card includes Kurt Angle with WGTT vs. Sabin & Hart, Styles vs. Sydal, Samoa Joe, Crime Time, Necro, new champ, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2014-11-16.
  42. ↑ Hogan, James (2008-07-26). "7/25 ROH in Toronto: "That show was the first thing to make me proud to be a wrestling fan in a LONG time."". PWTorch.
  43. ↑ Schramm, Chris (2008-07-27). "SLAM! Wrestling: The Ring of Honor breaks in Detroit, literally". SLAM! Sports.
  44. ↑ "Ring of Honor — Double Feature: The Hunt Begins". 411Mania. Retrieved 2009-09-08.
  45. ↑ "ROH House Show Results 07.25.09 – Toronto". 411Mania. Retrieved 2009-09-08.
  46. ↑ "11/14 ROH Results: Missaussaga, Ont". Wrestleview. Retrieved 2010-01-31.
  47. 1 2 Carapola, Stuart (2016-02-26). "Complete ROH 14th Anniversary Show coverage: Jay Lethal defends the ROH World title against Adam Cole and Kyle O'Reilly, War Machine and the All Night Express tear it up in a No DQ match, Kenny Omega returns to ROH, and more". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 2016-02-26.
  48. ↑ "Kenny Omega Set For Expanded ROH Schedule". 411Mania. Retrieved 2016-02-05.
  49. ↑ Short, Matt (2008-08-03). "The Navigation Log 8.03.08: New Japan vs. All Japan, New Japan vs. Zero1, and Shingo Rules Dragon Gate". 411mania.com.
  50. ↑ Lunney, Todd (2012-03-09). "Lunney: Losing to a 9-year-old-girl?". Toronto Sun. Retrieved 2015-12-30.
  51. ↑ "Girl, 9, takes on pro wrestler". The Sun. Retrieved 2015-12-30.
  52. ↑ "『2011Flashing Tour～富士急 presents 2011 ジュニア・ヘビー級リーグ戦～』". All Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). 2011-09-11. Retrieved 2011-09-30.
  53. ↑ "『2011 Flashing Tour ～富士急 presents 2011 ジュニア・ヘビー級リーグ戦』星取り表（全日程終了）". All Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). 2011-09-25. Retrieved 2011-09-30.
  54. ↑ 10・23両国追加カード！世界ジュニア選手権試合決定!!. All Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). 2011-09-27. Retrieved 2011-09-30.
  55. 1 2 "『プロレスLove in 両国 vol.13』". All Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). 2011-10-23. Retrieved 2011-10-23.
  56. ↑ "40th Anniversary year Rise Up Tour 2012". All Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). 2012-05-27. Retrieved 2012-05-27.
  57. 1 2 "King of DDT Osaka 2012". DDT Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2012-07-08.
  58. ↑ "武道館ピーターパン～DDTの15周年、ドーンと見せます超豪華4時間SP～". DDT Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2012-08-18.
  59. 1 2 "Never Mind 2012". DDT Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2012-12-23.
  60. 1 2 "Sweet Dreams! 2013". DDT Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2013-01-27.
  61. ↑ "Judgement 2013". DDT Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2013-03-20.
  62. 1 2 "Road to Ryogoku 2days in Hiroshima～ドラマティック・ドリーム・とうかさん～". DDT Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2013-05-26.
  63. ↑ "What are you doing 2013". DDT Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2013-06-23.
  64. ↑ 夏休みの思い出 2013. DDT Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2013-08-26.
  65. ↑ "【後楽園リポート】Harashimaが入江退けKO-D無差別防衛、高梨が次期挑戦に名乗りあげるも...／G☆Lvs二丁拳銃2・2名古屋でKO-Dタッグ再戦決定／光留、旅立ちの日／ハードヒット2・28新木場に中井光義参戦／世Ⅳ虎は赤井に完勝「ただの親の七光りにしか思えない」". DDT Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). 2014-01-26. Retrieved 2014-01-26.
  66. 1 2 "DDTプロレスさいたまスーパーアリーナへの道2". DDT Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2014-04-12.
  67. ↑ "Road to Ryogoku in Sendai〜ドラマティック・ドリーム・タン〜". DDT Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2014-05-04.
  68. ↑ "DDTドラマティック総選挙2014最終投票日〜最後のお願いスペシャル〜". DDT Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2014-09-28.
  69. ↑ "DDT special 2014". DDT Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2014-10-26.
  70. ↑ "Pro Wrestling Guerrilla: Battle of Los Angeles 2008 Night One Results". 411mania.com. Retrieved 2009-09-08.
  71. ↑ Domingo, Bayani (2008-11-03). "Pro Wrestling Guerrilla: Battle of Los Angeles 2008 – Night Two Results". 411Mania. Retrieved 2010-01-12.
  72. ↑ "Express Written Consent". Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. Retrieved 2009-11-22.
  73. ↑ "Break It Down: PWG Express Written Consent". 411Mania. Retrieved 2009-09-03.
  74. ↑ "Ninety-Nine". Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. Retrieved 2009-11-22.
  75. ↑ "One Hundred". Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. Retrieved 2009-11-22.
  76. ↑ "DDT4". Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. Retrieved 2009-11-22.
  77. ↑ "The Secret of Guerrilla Island". Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. Retrieved 2009-11-22.
  78. ↑ "Speed of Sound". Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. Retrieved 2009-11-22.
  79. ↑ "Against The Grain". Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. Retrieved 2009-11-22.
  80. ↑ Martin, Adam (2009-11-22). "11/20 PWG Results: Reseda, CA". Wrestleview. Retrieved 2009-11-22.
  81. 1 2 3 Caldwell, James (2009-11-22). "PWG News: Results from the Battle of Los Angeles tournament to determine the new PWG champion". PWTorch. Retrieved 2009-11-22.
  82. ↑ "PWG's Kurt Russellmania at Wrestlereunion 4 on January 30, 2010!". Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. 2009-12-22. Retrieved 2009-12-28.
  83. ↑ "As the Worm Turns". Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. Retrieved 2010-02-28.
  84. ↑ Settles, Patrick (2012-10-28). "Show Results: 10/27 PWG in Reseda, Calif.: Steen defends PWG Title, Kenny Omega returns, Callihan vs. Richards". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2012-10-28.
  85. ↑ "Show results – 8/29 PWG Battle of Los Angeles Night 1: A.J. Styles vs. former WWE star, Elgin, Daniels & Kaz, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. 2014-08-30. Retrieved 2014-08-30.
  86. ↑ "Show results – 8/31 PWG Battle of Los Angeles Night 3: The Finals of huge tournament with Styles, former WWE stars, PWG champ, ROH champ, mega-tag match, Willie Mack says good-bye". Pro Wrestling Torch. 2014-08-31. Retrieved 2014-09-01.
  87. ↑ "Results New Japan, 1/31/10". Strong Style Spirit. 2010-01-31. Retrieved 2010-01-31.
  88. ↑ "(Results) New Japan 6/1/10". Strong Style Spirit. 2010-06-01. Retrieved 2010-06-13.
  89. ↑ "(Results) New Japan, 6/12/10". Strong Style Spirit. 2010-06-12. Retrieved 2010-06-13.
  90. ↑ "Omega beats Taguchi, demands IWGP Jr. shot at Devitt". Strong Style Spirit. 2010-08-29. Retrieved 2010-09-03.
  91. ↑ "(Results) New Japan, 9/3/10". Strong Style Spirit. 2010-09-03. Retrieved 2010-09-03.
  92. 1 2 "(Results) New Japan, 10/11/10". Strong Style Spirit. 2010-10-11. Retrieved 2010-10-11.
  93. ↑ "Golden Lovers make successful V1 defense of IWGP Jr. Tag over Apollo 55". 2010-11-14. Retrieved 2010-11-14.
  94. ↑ "Ibushi & Omega retain IWGP Jr. Tag Title". 2010-12-27. Retrieved 2010-12-27.
  95. ↑ "NJPW Presents CMLL Fantastica Mania 2011". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). 2011-01-23. Retrieved 2011-01-23.
  96. ↑ "(Results) New Japan x CMLL, 1/23/11". Strong Style Spirit. 2011-01-23. Retrieved 2011-01-23.
  97. ↑ "(Results) New Japan, 6/4/11". Strong Style Spirit. 2011-06-04. Retrieved 2011-06-08.
  98. ↑ "(Results) New Japan, 6/8/11". Strong Style Spirit. 2011-06-08. Retrieved 2011-06-08.
  99. ↑ "ブシロード Presents G1 Climax XXI ～The Invincible Fighter～". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). 2011-08-14. Retrieved 2011-08-14.
  100. ↑ "Best of the Super Jr. XX". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2013-06-06.
  101. ↑ "Best of the Super Jr. XX". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2013-06-09.
  102. ↑ "Best of the Super Jr.XXI". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2014-06-06.
  103. ↑ "Best of the Super Jr.XXI". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2014-06-06.
  104. 1 2 "「新日本に100パーセント集中したい」ケニー・オメガが10月でDDTとの契約終了、"主戦場"を新日本プロレスへ！【会見全文】". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). 2014-10-03. Retrieved 2014-10-03.
  105. ↑ "Power Struggle". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2014-11-08.
  106. 1 2 Meltzer, Dave (2014-11-07). "New Japan Power Struggle live coverage from Osaka – More matches made for Tokyo Dome, New Bullet Club member, UWF dream match announced, 2 Osaka PPVs announced". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved 2014-11-09.
  107. ↑ "【WK9】石井vs真壁、田口vsケニーが決定!「暴走キングコングを眠りから起こす！」（石井）、「グッドガイの私はもういない！」（ケニー）【1.4東京ドーム会見】". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). 2014-11-10. Retrieved 2014-11-10.
  108. ↑ Oliver, Greg (2016-06-18). "Kenny Omega's stardom in Japan about far more than luck". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2016-06-18.
  109. 1 2 "Wrestle Kingdom 9 in 東京ドーム". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2015-01-04.
  110. ↑ Caldwell, James (2015-01-04). "Caldwell's NJPW Tokyo Dome show results 1/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Wrestle Kingdom PPV – Tanahashi vs. Okada, Bullet Club, Nakamura, Jim Ross, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2015-01-04.
  111. ↑ "The New Beginning in Osaka". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2015-02-11.
  112. ↑ Caldwell, James (2015-02-11). "NJPW news: Bullet Club takes top titles at "New Beginning" – Styles new IWGP World Champ, other title changes". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2015-02-11.
  113. ↑ "Invasion Attack 2015". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2015-04-05.
  114. ↑ "Show results - 4/5 NJPW "Invasion Attack" in Tokyo, Japan: A.J. Styles defends IWGP World Title in main event, ROH tag teams win both Tag Titles, Bullet Club in action, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. 2015-04-05. Retrieved 2015-04-05.
  115. ↑ レスリングどんたく 2015. New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2015-05-03.
  116. ↑ "Dominion 7.5 in Osaka-jo Hall". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2015-07-05.
  117. ↑ Meltzer, Dave (2015-07-04). "New Japan Dominion live coverage from Osaka Jo Hall - Styles vs. Okada for IWGP title, Nakamura vs. Goto for IC title and notes on biggest event since the Tokyo Dome, plus all G-1 main events". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved 2015-07-05.
  118. 1 2 "Destruction in Okayama". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2015-09-23.
  119. ↑ Meltzer, Dave (2015-10-11). "NJPW King of Pro Wrestling 10-11: Kazuchika Okada vs. A.J. Styles for IWGP heavyweight title". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved 2015-10-12.
  120. ↑ Wrestle Kingdom 10 in 東京ドーム. New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2016-01-04.
  121. ↑ "New Year Dash !!". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2016-01-05.
  122. 1 2 3 Rose, Bryan (2016-01-05). "NJPW New Year's Dash report: Big Bullet Club angle, NEVER trios titles defended". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved 2016-01-05.
  123. ↑ Meltzer, Dave (2016-01-12). "New Japan strips Shinsuke Nakamura of the Intercontinental Title". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved 2016-02-04.
  124. 1 2 【新日】ケニー　まさかのクリーンファイト宣言. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). 2016-02-11. Retrieved 2016-02-11.
  125. ↑ "1/30 NJPW in Tokyo – Shinsuke Nakamura's farewell show". Pro Wrestling Torch. 2016-01-30. Retrieved 2016-02-04.
  126. 1 2 "The New Beginning in Niigata". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2016-02-14.
  127. 1 2 "Honor Rising:Japan 2016". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2016-02-20.
  128. ↑ Meltzer, Dave (2016-04-09). "NJPW Invasion Attack live results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP Championship". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved 2016-04-10.
  129. ↑ Road to レスリングどんたく 2016. New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2016-04-27.
  130. ↑ Laprade, Patric (2016-05-20). "Canadians Elgin vs Omega made history in Japan". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2016-05-30.
  131. 1 2 レスリングどんたく 2016. New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2016-05-03.
  132. ↑ Meltzer, Dave (2016-06-18). "NJPW Dominion live results: Tetsuya Naito vs Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP HW Championship". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved 2016-06-19.
  133. ↑ Meltzer, Dave (2016-07-02). "NJPW Kizuna Road 2016 live results: Katsuyori Shibata defends NEVER title, Young Bucks, Kenny Omega". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved 2016-07-03.
  134. ↑ "2016 New Japan G1 Climax Results". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2016-08-13.
  135. 1 2 Meltzer, Dave (2016-08-13). "NJPW G1 Climax 26 finals live results: Hirooki Goto vs. Kenny Omega". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved 2016-08-14.
  136. ↑ 【8月14日（日）両国全カード！】『G1』決勝は後藤vsケニー！　オカダ＆矢野＆丸藤組！ L・I・J揃い踏み！ノア・潮崎、谷口、北宮が緊急参戦！【G126】. New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). 2016-08-14. Retrieved 2016-08-14.
  137. ↑ 【新日Ｇ１】初出場初優勝！ケニー・オメガが史上初の外国人覇者に. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). 2016-08-15. Retrieved 2016-08-15.
  138. ↑ "Destruction in Hiroshima". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2016-09-22.
  139. ↑ Rose, Bryan (2016-10-09). "NJPW King of Pro Wrestling live results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Naomichi Marufuji". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved 2016-10-10.
  140. 1 2 3 Barrasso, Justin (July 12, 2016). "The future Mr. WrestleMania: Kenny Omega on New Japan, WWE, New Day". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on July 13, 2016. Retrieved July 19, 2016.
  141. ↑ "WWE's Xavier Woods at CEO 2016: 'Without video games, I don't think I'd be where I am today'". ESPN. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
  142. ↑ "Kenny Omega's Twitter". February 14, 2016. Retrieved October 18, 2016.
  143. 1 2 Fiorvanti, Tim (2016-10-22). "Kenny Omega breaks through Japan's wrestling barriers to become a true champion". ESPN. Retrieved 2016-10-23.
  144. 1 2 Gilbert, Henry (2015-03-26). "Meet Kenny Omega, the wrestler every gamer should know". GamesRadar. Retrieved 2015-05-23.
  145. ↑ Dominello, Zach (2014-12-29). "J-Shoot: Kenny Omega Interview". Koala Mask. Retrieved 2015-05-23.
  146. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "MOVE SET LIST". Kenny Omega's MySpace. Retrieved 2009-09-03.
  147. ↑ Kapur, Bob (2015-01-04). "Wrestle Kingdom 9: New Japan and Global Force joint effort a must-see event". Slam! Sports. Canoe.ca. Retrieved 2015-01-15.
  148. ↑ Meltzer, Dave (2016-02-13). "NJPW New Beginnings: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Kenny Omega for the IWGP IC Title". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved 2016-08-17.
  149. 1 2 Radican, Sean (2016-08-15). "Radican's NJPW G1 Climax Night 19 Review – Omega vs. Goto in Finals of G1 Tournament, plus ROH Title & IWGP Tag Title matches; Overall Reax to amazing tournament". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2016-08-16.
  150. ↑ "Road to The New Beginning". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2016-02-04.
  151. ↑ "Road to The New Beginning". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2016-02-04.
  152. 1 2 Rose, Bryan (2016-01-30). "NJPW Road to New Beginning report: Nakamura bids farewell to New Japan". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved 2016-02-04.
  153. ↑ "Tweet confirmation". Retrieved 2016-09-27.
  154. ↑ "Puroresu Central profile". Puroresu Central profile. Retrieved 2010-03-11.
  155. 1 2 3 "Cagematch profile".
  156. ↑ Meltzer, Dave (2016-02-13). "NJPW New Beginnings: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Kenny Omega for the IWGP IC Title". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved 2016-04-28.
  157. ↑ Rose, Bryan (2016-04-27). "NJPW Road to Wrestling Dontaku 2016 results: Kenny Omega vs. Michael Elgin I-C title match". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved 2016-04-28.
  158. ↑ Tees, David (2016-02-14). "NJPW "New Beginning: Niigata" coverage- new Intercontinental Champion & NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Champions are crowned". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 2016-08-16.
  159. ↑ Radican, Sean (2016-08-03). "Radican's NJPW G1 Climax Night 10 Review – B Block Chaos continues, Naito vs. Honma main event, Elgin, Omega; Overall Reax". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2016-08-16.
  160. ↑ Radican, Sean (2016-08-13). "Radican's G1 Climax Night 18 Review – Naito vs. Omega epic classic B Block finale, Elgin's run ends; Overall Reax". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2016-08-16.
  161. ↑ "Kenny Omega". Puroresu Central. Retrieved 2016-04-11.
  162. ↑ "Hidden Highlights 02.16.09: Issue #181". 411Mania. Retrieved 2009-09-03.
  163. ↑ "Kota Ibushi's Purolove profile". Purolove. Retrieved 2010-03-11.
  164. ↑ Boutwell, Josh (2011-01-29). "Viva La Raza! Lucha Weekly". Wrestleview. Retrieved 2011-01-31.
  165. 1 2 "Introducing Kenny Omega". Ring of Honor. 2008-10-30. Archived from the original on January 13, 2010. Retrieved 2010-03-11.
  166. ↑ Katz, Jeff (2011-12-21). "WRP First Look: Day 23". Geek Week. Retrieved 2011-12-21.
  167. 1 2 3 "Themes". Cagematch. Retrieved 2014-11-10.
  168. ↑ [Q]Brick (2014-05-22). ""Shot'Em" Bullet Club 2nd Theme". SoundCloud. Retrieved 2014-11-10.
  169. ↑ Kitamura, Yonosuke. "Prowrestle theme music list". RMLabel (in Japanese). Retrieved 2015-07-07.
  170. 1 2 3 "Cagematch title listings".
  171. ↑ "CWE Stand By Your Man". Cagematch. Retrieved 2010-06-20.
  172. ↑ "DDT What Are You Doing? 2010". Cagematch. Retrieved 2010-07-04.
  173. ↑ "<ヨシヒコ編集ジチョー主義>2012年DDTを各賞で振り返る". DDT Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). 2012-12-21. Retrieved 2012-12-22.
  174. ↑ "【インディー大賞】飯伏vsケニーがベストバウト受賞". DDT Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). 2012-12-31. Retrieved 2013-01-22.
  175. ↑ "【後楽園リポート】トーナメント決勝戦は宮本裕向&木高イサミvs火野裕士&岡林裕二!!／インディー大賞MVPはHarashima／Takaのパートナーは小鹿". DDT Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). 2014-12-31. Retrieved 2014-12-31.
  176. ↑ Tsakiries, Phil (2008). "JAPW Heavyweight Title History". Solie's Title Histories.
  177. ↑ "Canadian Unified Junior Heavyweight Title". Puroresu Dojo. Retrieved 2010-11-16.
  178. ↑ "Surprise Returns, Shocking Developments at PCW's Boiling Point!". Premier Championship Wrestling. 2011-08-11. Retrieved 2011-08-13.
  179. ↑ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2016". The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved 2016-09-01.
  180. ↑ "2010 Tokyo Sports awards – New Japan involvement". Strong Style Spirit. 2010-12-09. Retrieved 2010-12-09.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kenny Omega.
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 12/4/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.