Wrestle Kingdom 17 was notable for a multitude of reasons with Will Ospreay and Kenny Omega putting on an instant classic match and Mercedes Mone making her NJPW debut. The show was also noteworthy for featuring both AEW and WWE contracted talents.
It has recently been revealed that a top AEW tag team were also offered the opportunity to appear at this year’s Wrestle Kingdom, but turned down the offer.
The Young Bucks Refuse Offer To Make NJPW Return At Wrestle Kingdom 17
In a recent interview with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, The Young Bucks revealed that they were offered the opportunity to be in Kenny Omega’s corner for his match against Will Ospreay, but turned down the offer due to the show clashing with their family vacation plans.
Nick Jackson revealed:
“We were actually asked to wrestle and be in Kenny’s corner, but Matt and I had vacation plans that week. Maybe next year. Who knows?”
Matt Jackson also commented on the offer and teased a potential return to NJPW in the future:
“We got a fantastic offer. Personally, the timing and the situation didn’t fit for us. I’m sure one day you’ll see us back in a NJPW ring.”
The Bucks praised Omega and Ospreay’s Wrestle Kingdom bout, calling it an “absolute classic”, and also commented on Omega tagging with Kazuchika Okada at the following night’s New Year’s Dash event.
Speaking on a potential match between the Young Bucks and Omega and Okada, Matt Jackson said “bring it”, while Nick added:
“Seeing Okada and Kenny in the ring together gave the wrestling world goosebumps. That tag match would be a dream match, and I’d be down for it.”
The Young Bucks and Omega, collectively known as The Elite, recaptured the AEW World Trios Championships on last night’s AEW Dynamite, defeating Death Triangle in a ladder match in the final bout of their ‘Best of 7’ series.