PWI Weekly for January 13, 2025
Fresh Starts And Second Acts In The New Year
IT’S A NEW year, and with it comes the promise of fresh starts, unexpected opportunities, and the chance to renew one’s career aspirations. Just as the mythical phoenix rises from the ashes, the world of professional wrestling is constantly evolving. 2025 will see new stars emerge, veterans reinvent themselves, and unforgettable moments waiting to be created.
With new beginnings in mind, this edition of the PWI Weekly, takes a look at some folks wiping the slate clean.
WRESTLER OF THE WEEK
After a lengthy absence due to illness and recuperation from surgery, “The Best Bout Machine” Kenny Omega is back. The Manitoban made a triumphant return to the ring at the Tokyo Dome on January 5, delivering a winning performance against Gabe Kidd. Despite his long layoff, Omega looked like he hadn’t missed a beat.
This comeback marks a new chapter in the illustrious career of “The Cleaner.” If he can remain healthy, expect him to reclaim his spot atop the wrestling world, potentially targeting the AEW World championship or seeking to conquer new horizons in both All Elite Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Whatever he decides to do, wrestling is a better place with Omega in the ring, and we look forward to seeing his next move.
Welcome back, Kenny!
SPOTLIGHT ON …
Someone who seems poised for a big year is indie standout Marcus Mathers. The WWE ID prospect defeated the monster Krule with a 450 splash to win the IWTV Independent Wrestling World championship on December 31. The 366-day reign of Krule was one of the most prolific in all of wrestling throughout 2024, which means the new champion has big shoes to fill (in more ways than one). Anyone familiar with the work of Mathers will know, however, that the Philadelphia native will be more than up for the challenge. Keep an eye on him throughout 2025—you can be sure the power brokers in WWE will be.
A QUICK WORD ABOUT …
Tessa Blanchard's return to TNA Wrestling ignited a firestorm of controversy. The former TNA World champion was once hailed as a surefire superstar, but her career derailed amidst accusations of racism and bullying. This second chance with TNA presents a unique opportunity for the woman who was fired from the promotion in 2020, after a protracted argument about fulfilling her dates.
Blanchard—who had been working for CMLL in Mexico—is an undeniably talented wrestler, but she now faces the challenge of regaining the trust of fans and colleagues she alienated. Her in-ring performances will undoubtedly be scrutinized, but her actions outside the ring will be under even closer inspection. (Understandably so!)
Whether she can overcome her past and rebuild her reputation remains to be seen. This return to TNA is a high-stakes gamble for both Blanchard and the promotion itself. Time will tell how it works out for all involved.
FROM THE VAULT
The above photo, taken in December 2022, captures then-Wonder of Stardom champion Saya Kamitani ahead of a successful defense of the “White Belt.” Two years to the day, at Stardom’s annual December 29 spectacular, Kamitani fulfilled a career-long dream, defeating Tam Nakano to win the even more prestigious “Red Belt” (World of Stardom championship). With a meaner attitude and more ruthless ambition, Kamitani should remain one of the promotion’s top stars through 2025.