10 Most Important Days In The Creation Of AEW
4. Hiroshi Tanahashi Defeats Kenny Omega (4 January 2019)
While the rest of The Elite were seemingly free to pursue their dreams with All Elite Wrestling, Kenny Omega was not. 'The Best Bout Machine' was almost six months into his reign with the prestigious IWGP Heavyweight Championship when the promoted was unveiled, having engaged in an acclaimed long-term feud with Kazuchika Okada to claim the belt, complicating his situation.
Though Omega's NJPW contract was set to expire later that month, his long-held affinity for Japanese wrestling and huge spotlight raised further doubts. These were eradicated when he faced New Japan ace Hiroshi Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom 13.
A typically stunning encounter saw Tanahashi claim his eighth IWGP Title reign by vanquishing Kenny in the Tokyo Dome. While this made sense within the compelling era vs. era storyline crafted in the build, it all but confirmed Omega's next move for many. Kenny's future, with his expiring contract, was now untethered.
Further suspicion was aroused when Omega failed to appear at New Year Dash the following day, making it clear that 'The Cleaner' was almost certainly joining his boys in their new venture.