7. Kenny Omega vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi – Wrestle Kingdom 13
To date, this was Kenny Omega’s last match in New Japan. From just the look on his face during the entrance, you could tell this was an emotional experience for Kenny. He has spoken about feeling betrayed by the company leading into this match with Hiroshi Tanahashi. The original plan was for this to be a battle of differing ideologies. Instead, it seemed to be New Japan’s way of shoving Omega out the door.
With that being said, they still managed to have one of the best matches in Wrestle Kingdom history. Omega was still set on showing their clash of ideologies. Omega’s style has always been flashy, something that bothered Tanahashi. However, when it came down to the wire, Tanahashi was the one who dove through tables in this match. It was a brilliant story made all the more heartbreaking by knowing where things went next.
6. Kenny Omega vs. Kazuchika Okada – Dominion 2017
When Kenny Omega faced Kazuchika Okada at Dominion 2017, the match was given the highest rating ever by Dave Meltzer. This match would rank higher if this list was based on quality alone but it could be more difficult to get into than other matches in Omega’s career. Therefore, it sits at the number six spot.
Hot on the heels of their game-changing match at Wrestle Kingdom 11, the rematch ended up being even better. A one-hour draw is difficult to do in wrestling these days but there were no two better men to do it than these two. They battled magnificently for over 50-minutes when the match hit its fever pitch. The entire Bullet Club was losing their collective minds at ringside while the time ran out on this classic bout.
This is one of the best matches of all time. It may be a bit difficult to watch for newcomers but take your time and watch it. You won’t regret it.
5. Kenny Omega & Hangman Page vs. The Young Bucks – AEW Revolution
The most recent match on this list may be the best tag team match of all time. Before the COVID-19 pandemic started, this was the best storyline in wrestling. Hangman Page and Kenny Omega were AEW World Tag Team Champions but still at odds with one another. Meanwhile, Hangman Page had his issues with the Young Bucks with Omega caught in the middle.
What resulted was perhaps the greatest tag team match ever. At Revolution, the two teams battled over the titles in a match that had absolutely everything. This was the most story-driven match you could imagine as the dynamics between all four men were completely different. Omega and the Bucks were friendly while Page was viciously at odds with them. This led to frustrations starting between Omega and Page while everyone still tried to win the match.
The best way to put it is everything in this match meant something and if you are a hardcore fan who paid attention, you were rewarded for it. What a reward this match was.
4. Kenny Omega vs. Chris Jericho – Wrestle Kingdom 12
The first Kenny Omega vs. Chris Jericho match is more important than people realize. Tony Khan cited this match as the biggest indication that AEW could be successful. Financially, Omega vs. Jericho did huge business for New Japan Pro Wrestling. Wrestle Kingdom 12 did record business in ticket sales and New Japan World subscriptions, truly solidifying both Omega and Jericho as big-time money-movers.
It also helps that the match was a classic. Jericho had been doing well in WWE but this was his first chance in 20 years to experiment away from the eyes of Vince McMahon. Jericho fit in very well with the New Japan style and modified his own style to become more of a brawler. They had a great No Disqualification match and stole the show at a very good Wrestle Kingdom 12 show.
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