Allegations from Kenny Omega
Last month, Kenny Omega openly criticized Ogawa, branding him an ‘e-drone’ and cautioning women in wrestling to avoid his business practices. Omega hinted at a widespread hesitancy to collaborate with Ogawa, both within WWE and AEW, citing troubling reasons.
“There are a lot of people who refuse to work for him for the very same reason. Some of those people are in WWE. Some are in AEW. They have a very good reason.”
Omega also alleged that Ogawa is involved in questionable activities, such as featuring underage girls in revealing swimsuit calendars. While Omega refrained from providing further details, he expressed reluctance to become entangled in legal disputes.
Rossy Ogawa’s Response
Ogawa addressed the claims while speaking to Sports Graphic Number, a Japanese sports magazine. In the interview, he discussed his experience in Stardom, likening it to feeling like an “ornament.” He also mentioned his meeting with Triple H, who Ogawa said offered encouragement and support.
“I was feeling uncomfortable in STARDOM. Things weren’t as I expected, and I felt I couldn’t exert my abilities. They told me to just ‘sit here,’ making me feel like an ornament. It became a general perception that I was causing issues in the one-man system of my predecessor, especially concerning AEW, but that wasn’t the case. Kenny Omega has attacked me with false claims from over there, which is defamation. He wants to be involved in women’s wrestling himself. Still, those who don’t know might think ‘So that’s how it is.’ If that were true, I couldn’t stay in this world.”
Ogawa further noted that various statements are made, but there is a significant amount of misinformation. He acknowledged that pro-wrestling and fame often lead to people associating with dramatic stories for entertainment. He also mentioned that even fans in America recognized him, likely due to the controversy, when he was invited to WrestleMania by WWE.
The Impact on Wrestling Community
The wrestling community has been divided over these allegations. Many fans and wrestlers have shown support for Omega, applauding him for speaking out against what they see as inappropriate conduct. Others have rallied behind Ogawa, questioning the veracity of Omega’s claims and stressing the need for evidence before jumping to conclusions.
One fan, Maria Lopez, shared her perspective, “I’ve followed STARDOM and Ogawa’s work for years. These allegations are shocking, but without concrete proof, it feels wrong to vilify someone based on hearsay. We should let the facts speak.”
Conversely, John Thompson, another wrestling enthusiast, expressed his concerns, “Kenny Omega has been a reputable figure in wrestling. His words carry weight, and if he’s saying this, there must be some truth to it. Protecting the integrity of the wrestling community is paramount.”
What’s Next for Rossy Ogawa and Marigold
Amidst these allegations, Ogawa’s new promotion, Marigold, is in its infancy but has shown promise. Ogawa has stated that he aims to create a fresh and inclusive environment for wrestlers, distancing Marigold from any negative perceptions associated with his past.
“We are committed to building a promotion where talent is respected and given the freedom to express their abilities fully. Our mission is to provide a safe, professional, and exciting space for wrestlers and fans alike,” Ogawa emphasized.
The controversy surrounding these allegations has certainly cast a shadow on Ogawa’s career, but he remains steadfast in his defense. He insists that his departure from STARDOM and the formation of Marigold are steps toward a new beginning, unmarred by past accusations.
