If you were hoping to see Kenny Omega and Hiroshi Tanahashi reunite in the ring for a dream match (or even as a tag team), it’s time to pump the brakes. Despite the internet running wild with speculation, reports confirm that no such match was ever in the works.
What Sparked the Rumors?
During Omega’s recovery period in 2024, he made a surprise appearance in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), setting up his comeback match against Gabe Kidd at Wrestle Dynasty. Somewhere along the way, Omega had a sit-down conversation with NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi, where he casually floated the idea of teaming up before Tanahashi retires in 2026.
This meeting, however, was clipped, edited, and spun into a full-blown fan theory that Omega and Tanahashi would face The Young Bucks. But according to Fightful Select, that match was never actually on the table.
What’s the Truth?
- AEW creative was never approached with the idea of Omega & Tanahashi teaming up.
- NJPW sources confirmed the match was never pitched internally.
- The viral sit-down was just a conversation, not a contract signing.
So basically, fans saw two legends talking and immediately fantasy-booked it into a reality. We’ve all been there.
Why Did Omega Want to Team With Tanahashi?
Omega respects how far they’ve come since their rivalry days. Their history includes:
✔️ Wrestle Kingdom 13 (2019) – Tanahashi defeated Omega for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in Omega’s final NJPW match before heading to AEW.
✔️ 2016 G1 Special – Omega defeated Tanahashi to win the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, marking his first major singles title since taking over the Bullet Club.
✔️ Multiple tag matches & G1 battles – Because in NJPW, everyone eventually fights everyone.
So while the respect is there, the match simply isn’t.
What’s Next for Omega & Tanahashi?
For now, Omega remains locked into AEW while Tanahashi continues his farewell tour, set to retire in 2026. Unless Tony Khan and NJPW magically make it happen, we can safely put this one in the “never gonna happen” pile.
But hey, this is wrestling—never say never.