Kenny Omega says he’s leaving NJPW

Kenny Omega says he is leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling.

In a new article on Tokyo Sport’s website, Omega says following his loss to Hiroshi Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom 13, he needs to take time away. The article also mentions that he is likely to go to either All Elite Wrestling or WWE.

“There is no real place for me to fit, so it’s best for me not to be in (NJPW),” Omega is quoted as saying. “I can’t be there working under Tanahashi. I don’t think he’s surpassed me, don’t think he’s better. If we can, I want to face him again. But I need time away, and not just from New Japan.”

His departure comes as the most of the Elite stable are leaving the promotion to start All Elite Wrestling. Cody, The Young Bucks and Hangman Page all lost their respective matches at Wrestle Kingdom and did not appear the following day at New Year’s Dash. Marty Scurll remains under ROH contract.

Omega’s contract with NJPW expires at the end of the month.