From the WWE Rumor Mill: Kenny Omega definitely won't be at the Royal Rumble or WrestleMania 34

What's the story?

Following his match with Chris Jericho at Wrestle Kingdom 12, many have wondered if Omega will 'return the favour' so-to-speak and make a WWE appearance at some point this year. However, 'The Cleaner' has just reportedly signed a new contract with NJPW, putting an end to such speculation.

In case you didn't know...

Wrestle Kingdom 12 enjoyed its largest audience for quite some years, in part, due to the incredible marquee match and co-main event featuring current IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega vs longtime WWE loyalist Chris Jericho in a surprising No Disqualification match. The two put on an excellent show, with Omega pulling out a victory with a One-Winged Angel onto a steel chair.

The heart of the matter

Don't get me wrong wrestling fans, I'd love to see Kenny Omega make a WWE appearance as much as I'm sure all of you would. However, it's not going to happen as Dave Meltzer has explained in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

As far as Omega goes, on 1/9, he signed his new contract so it is official he’s with New Japan through January 31, 2019, so he won’t be in the Royal Rumble this year (or next year), or WrestleMania, which no doubt won’t keep people from speculating on his role in those shows daily.

This also means that Omega isn't going to be leaving NJPW anytime soon as some thought given his contract was nearing its end, signalling that Omega is committed to making NJPW a bigger wrestling promotion.

What's next?

It also should have been fairly obvious that Omega wouldn't be at the Royal Rumble, as he's been advertised for an NJPW in Sapporo against Jay White, making it very difficult indeed for Omega to be in two places at once. In NJPW going forward, it looks like Omega needs to get some revenge against White for shunning him, and needs to regain control of the Bullet Club.

Author's take

There's always next year's Rumble folks, especially if Omega chooses not to renew his contract next January. Let the speculation begin!

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