Kenny Omega first-time NJPW opponents: Five stars to face The Cleaner after his New Japan return

AEW

Following NJPW King of Pro Wrestling 2026, Kenny Omega is back in his former home.

Now that he has made his return, there is a ton of potential for what is next for “The Best Bout Machine.

With this likely being his final run in the promotion, Omega could be back to face some newer and established stars he has never faced in the past.

Here are five potential Kenny Omega first-time NJPW opponents.

Yota Tsuji

At NJPW King of Pro Wrestling 2026, Yota Tsuji defeated Ryohei Oiwa to retain the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

Following this win, Tsuji was challenged by Kenny Omega on the video wall before “The Cleaner” made his return to attack the champion.

This has set the stage for a showdown between Tsuji and Omega that many fans believe will happen at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 21 next year in the Tokyo Dome.

Considering his status as the new face of New Japan, Tsuji battling Omega feels like the biggest match possible that the company can deliver on January 4, 2027.

Boltin Oleg

When he returned at NJPW King of Pro Wrestling, Kenny Omega not only attacked Yota Tsuji, but also Boltin Oleg.

In the G1 Climax 36 tournament, Oleg defeated the reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion.

Thanks to this win, Boltin put himself in position to challenge for the top prize in New Japan Pro Wrestling, but Omega’s attack has set up a non-title three-way match with Tsuji and Oleg for Power Struggle 2026.

Regardless of who wins or loses, Boltin could be in line to square off with Omega one-on-one following these events.

Callum Newman

Callum Newman has placed himself in rarefied air over the past year in New Japan Pro Wrestling.

At 23 years old, Newman made history as the youngest winner of the New Japan Cup and then became the youngest ever IWGP Heavyweight Champion.

Following in the footsteps of other great gaijin stars, Newman joins a group that includes Big Van Vader, Zack Sabre Jr., Jay White, his mentor Will Ospreay and Kenny Omega.

Being a fan of his work, it shouldn’t be surprising if Newman tries to place himself in position to face Omega in a NJPW ring if it it is possible.

Ryohei Oiwa

There is no denying Ryohei Oiwa has established himself as a made man in recent months.

Oiwa defeated Yuya Uemura to win the G1 Climax 36 Final and then put on a barnburner against Yota Tsuji for the IWGP Heavyweight Title at NJPW King of Pro Wrestling 2026.

While he has been challenged by MJF, Oiwa might want to add another AEW star to his list of opponents.

Oiwa facing off with Kenny Omega could continue his recent elevation up the card in NJPW.

Shingo Takagi

When looking at the list of all-time opponents for Kenny Omega, it is shocking to see one of NJPW’s biggest stars is not there.

Shingo Takagi came into New Japan in 2018 and quickly became one of the very best the company had to offer.

“The Rampage Dragon” is a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion and a five-time NEVER Openweight Champion.

After facing many of the greats on the roster, Kenny Omega stepping in the ring with Shingo for the first time would be a dream come true for many fans.

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• NJPW
• Kenny Omega
• AEW

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