16 Ups & 9 Downs For NJPW In 2018

2. Kenny Omega's IWGP Heavyweight Title Reign

Kenny Omega
njpw

This isn't going to go down well among the commentariat, but Kenny Omega's IWGP Heavyweight Title reign has, in this columnist's eyes, been a rank disappointment.

Omega seized the belt in one of the most breathtaking, cathartic babyface moments in wrestling history, having just partaken in what we go down as a legendary, era-defining bout with Kazuchika Okada. Since then, the Canadian has betrayed everything that made his character so riveting throughout the years-long build to that moment.

NJPW's gaijin hero strutted out for his first G1 Climax match as a sh*t-talking heel. This continued throughout the tournament, as 'The Cleaner' became increasingly cocky, even playing bongo drums on the diminutive Tomohiro Ishii's head. His Twitter feed started resembling that of an insecure teenager. The title defences (66% of which have involved Cody Rhodes) haven't delivered on the same level as Okada's. It was as if Omega had suddenly lost touch with why people connected with his story in the first place, and while this has been spun into a compelling past versus present and future programme with Hiroshi Tanahashi heading into Wrestle Kingdom, Kenny's infatuation with presenting himself as a 'cool' tweener is tarnishing his act.

Compare the Raw, emotional beauty of the Golden Lovers' reunion to those Cody matches. Night and day.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.