Omega Returns, Wins Three-Way at Power Struggle
Kenny Omega defeated Oleg Boltin and Yota Tsuji in a three-way bout at NJPW Power Struggle 2026, earning a title shot.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Wrestling
Kenny Omega made his in-ring return for New Japan Pro-Wrestling by pinning Oleg Boltin in a three-way bout that also included reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion Yota Tsuji. The win came after a brief hiatus following Omega's loss of the AEW Men's World Championship in August.
Why it matters
The result sets up a marquee title match between Omega and Tsuji at Wrestle Kingdom 21, one of the biggest events on the New Japan calendar. It also marks Omega's first NJPW match since January 2023.
Omega's last NJPW match before this bout was in January 2023, while his most recent Japan appearance was a January 5, 2025 win over Gabe Kidd at Wrestle Dynasty. The extraction does not specify the match duration or finishing sequence.
The players
Kenny Omega
A veteran professional wrestler known for his tenure with New Japan Pro-Wrestling and All Elite Wrestling, including a former AEW Men's World Championship reign.
Yota Tsuji
The reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion for New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Omega's scheduled opponent for Wrestle Kingdom 21.
Oleg Boltin
A professional wrestler who competed in the three-way bout at Power Struggle 2026 and was pinned by Omega.
The details
Omega pinned Oleg Boltin to win the three-way bout against Boltin and Yota Tsuji at Power Struggle 2026 in Japan. The victory came after Omega lost the AEW Men's World Championship to Will Ospreay at All In: London in August and did not compete in the ring during October.
Timeline
January 4, 2023: Omega won the IWGP US Heavyweight Championship from Will Ospreay at Wrestle Kingdom 17.
January 5, 2025: Omega defeated Gabe Kidd at Wrestle Dynasty.
August 2026: Omega lost the AEW Men's World Championship to Will Ospreay at All In: London.
November 3, 2026: Omega won the three-way bout at NJPW Power Struggle 2026.
January 4, 2027: Omega's title shot against Yota Tsuji is scheduled at Wrestle Kingdom 21 in Tokyo Dome.
Roadmap
Omega's return traces back to his January 4, 2023 IWGP US Heavyweight Championship win from Will Ospreay at Wrestle Kingdom 17, the last major NJPW title moment before this bout. His shot at Yota Tsuji's IWGP Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 21 follows that same Wrestle Kingdom platform.
The Wrestle Kingdom 21 title match on January 4, 2027 gives fans a fixed date to plan around for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Omega's return to NJPW also means his matches in Japan are now a scheduled part of the New Japan calendar.
The takeaway
Omega's return to NJPW and his January 4, 2027 title shot at Wrestle Kingdom 21 mark a new chapter for the New Japan heavyweight picture. Fans should watch for how the Omega-Tsuji match develops over the coming months.
What happens next
Omega will challenge Yota Tsuji for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 21 on January 4, 2027, in Tokyo Dome.
Further reading
For more on the promotion at the center of this story, see our Wrestling coverage.
