Kenny Omega Tells Us Why His Trooper Card In Like A Dragon: Ishin Is All Elite

Like a Dragon: Ishin, the upcoming remake of the 2014 Yakuza spin-off set in 1860s Japan, is getting a dose of the Elite thanks to the inclusion of All Elite Wrestling’s Kenny Omega. Sega has announced that “The Cleaner” will assist players as one of the game’s many Trooper cards.

Ishin’s central mechanic, the cards give special attacks and bonuses. They are made possible by several fan-favorite characters such as Ichiban Kazuga. Omega’s card, aptly named Essence of the One-Winged Angel after his Final Fantasy-inspired finishing move, can slice foes with a powerful, wide-reaching attack using his angel wing. 

To learn more about the announcement, I sat down with Omega to chat about his Trooper card’s origins, his long-standing love of the series formerly known as Yakuza, and whether or not he knows how to wield a katana.

GI. You are a huge Like A Dragon fan. Also, I’m sure you spent lots of time training in Japan. Have you played the original Ishin version? Do you prefer the original or the remake?

Omega:I have never seen the original Ishin. It was actually released at the same time that I was in a dorm for the promotion, DDT. My roommate and I had what looked like bunk beds. My bunkmate was on the bottom, so I was the one at the top. He would still play the game. So I was like “hey, how is it?” He tried to explain it to me, but my Japanese was not good at the time. He also tried his best to communicate in English. And he’s like, ‘Oh, no, this is Yakuza.’ I said, ‘Wow, they do samurai stories in Yakuza?’ [He’s] like, ‘yeah, they do.’ And I said, ‘well, how is it? Does it taste good? Does it taste as good as real ones? [are]?’ [He said] ‘Yeah, it’s just as good. Is it not available in Canada? You don’t have it in Canada?” I replied, “No. We don’t.” [it]Canada. It always amazed me that full-featured entries were available in an entirely different time period in Japan. We never had them here. It’s great to be able to now play the complete remaster. It’s even better that there is a tiny part of it.

Can you tell us about the input that you gave to your Trooper card by looking at it and how you used your One-Winged Angel motif?

Because I didn’t know what my boundaries were, I felt a little afraid to offer input. It was just a feeling of luck that I am here. It’s a pleasure to be here. Let’s do whatever it takes. It should be a good experience for the fans, the fans of the game and anyone who wants a powerful card. When they arrived with the Essence the One-Winged Angel, I wondered if they knew what it was. They’re like “Nope! We know!” They just assumed it was you. It’s part and parcel of who you are. We want it in the game. Between that and the card art, it’s me. This is it. [it’s]Very cool to be able to complete Kenny Omega’s representation. It feels very exact.

Kenny’s Essence Of The One-Winged Angel card. Description: This card is described as “a strapping fighter who traveled through space and time to serve Shinsengumi.” It’s said that his elite skills can summon the stars themselves.”

RGG does this with great power, it seems. For it to just say, ‘Yeah, we know where One-Winged Angel is from’ and then just move on

Yeah! It’s amazing! It is kind of. [like]In wrestling, you come from a place where everyone else is the only one. It’s not what I want to do in wrestling. That was my reaction. It’s wonderful.

Your card character had a katana. It made me think: Have you ever actually used or learnt how to use one in real life?

In real life? No. For a photoshoot, they outfitted us in armor and taught us basic footwork so that we could maintain our correct positions while in Japan. It was great fun. It made me feel like I should just take up the hobby. You may find something interesting and wish to devote time to it. However, sometimes, you don’t have the time or resources to. It was something I loved, and whenever I see it in its best form, it makes me regret not taking the path I chose. However, it feels almost like. [that]Do you? I wish that I was able to sing better. I would love to dance. I’d love to be able to play the piano. I wish that I had a blackbelt in many martial arts. You always feel those emotions like “Dang! I wish I could” and then you have the feeling that, well, it’s possible to find a way for me to make this happen.

It’s a videogame, and I believe that it is more important than all the other things. 

It’s a small amount, but it is enough.

Congratulations! Congratulations!

Ah man. Well, aside from the demo, I’ve not been able play any other games. [Tokyo Game Show]It would not be honest or fair to claim that my favorite card is mine. It’s possible that mine, even after having played every Trooper Card, will remain my favorite. My experience so far has shown me that mine is by far the most effective. They turned up my power just a bit to thank me for the years and million-dollars I have spent on Yakuza. It’s my hope that my card remains one of everyone’s favorites.

Is there a large fan base of Like a Dragon in the AEW locker area? Have you used the chance to tell them about your cameo?

It’s an excellent question. Many people from AEW are surprised that I haven’t spoken much about videogames lately. When I was in Japan, New Japan and Japan I can still remember. [Pro Wrestling]We would often travel by bus together, so that it became a more common conversation topic. ‘Hey, are you playing any games, what are you doing to kill time, yadda, yadda, yadda.’ And, you know, that will give birth to a conversation about what kind of TV dramas you’re watching or what kind of games you’re playing. I’m talking about the guys I used to travel with when I was in New Japan. Trent, for example. [Barretta] every now and then and say, ‘Hey, you playing anything?’ But yeah, not specifically. Adam Cole seems to be the guy I talk about most when it comes to video games.

It makes complete sense.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yes, he knows how much I love this series. He and I just kind of talk about whatever game we are currently playing. It’s going be an ongoing topic for conversation. Ishin will be out soon so I know I’ll talk about it.

Adam could be persuaded to stream Ishin. Then, he would use your card constantly.

Yeah! He likes single-player stories and streams them. This is definitely a win-win situation for him.

For all the video games cosplays you have done at wrestling shows, your name is well-known. Is it possible to expect your Trooper costume at an upcoming big event?

If I told you that I had not already considered it, I’d be lying. So probably. This is almost an unassailable bet.

Then, you’ll be able to practice your Katana skills.

Yeah. We have at most, Hikaru Shida from AEW who is very skilled in kendo. It’s possible to learn something. Maybe a few.

What is the best way to get your card in this game?

It’s very simple. Without giving away too many secrets. Although it’s not a huge secret, the game is free to download at launch. It’s also the simplest card that you can get. The game is all you need! You can download DLC 1000 percent for free when you own the game. Simple, you can either love or loathe me. You get one free card! This is a powerful free card. Also, again, do you not know me as an actual wrestler? That’s fine. I don’t care. RGG lovers are just that, we’re not interested in the details. I want to offer you all the best crowd control effect cards available, completely free. It’s going to be a great experience. Essence of the One-Winged Angel, look out for it. This card features my name, and I truly hope it will be enjoyed by all RGG-loving fans as well, the prowlers, and myself, if possible.

Do you have any information about your cards that we didn’t discuss today, to put the ball in your hands?

You can find it. The card will likely be released after the fifth chapter. This card will allow characters to access it, which I believe will make life a lot more simple. Many battles will become too simple, I think. I’m not sure if this makes it more challenging for you or too fun. However, the card is something I have given as much information as I could, and I believe everyone will enjoy it. It’s the first of many possible inclusions. Working with Sega and all the wonderful people that they are, it would be exciting to do so again. It’s the best part about it, to cross-over and see how many other people have the same interests as me. It is very exciting to participate in something dear to me and meet others who share my passion. It’s very neat.

Ishin: Like a Dragon launches February 21st for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.