Famous wrestlers have cameoed as themselves in the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series before, but fans who don’t also follow New Japan Pro-Wrestling might not have recognized Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and the rest of the NJPW crew. For the first time, though, a Western wrestler is set to make an appearance in the upcoming Like a Dragon: Ishin. Fittingly given his years working in Japan, it’ll be the One-Winged Angel himself, Kenny Omega from All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
This may seem rather random, especially considering the game is set in 19th-century Japan but this is hardly the most bizarre thing the series has done. Remember that tiger fight in Kiwami 2? Plus, Omega won’t be a character per se but one of the Trooper Cards you can acquire. These cards are equipable items that allow you to perform special abilities during combat.
For the most part, these cards depict characters from other Yakuza/Like a Dragon games, but Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio will be releasing a free DLC pack at launch that includes six special guest cards, with Kenny Omega being the first. His ability, Essence of One-Winged Angel, sees main character Ryoma Sakamoto swing his sword in a wide circle, cutting down any foe it hits. This is obviously a reference to Omega’s finishing move, which is itself a reference to Final Fantasy VII and its main villain Sephiroth.
He is joined by actor Rahul Kohli (known for his roles in TV shows like The Haunting of Bly Manor and Midnight Mass), whose card triggers the Essence of Firestorm, a simple but massive blast of orange energy. It’s safe to assume then that the other four cards will feature more celebrity cameos.
Both Omega and Kohli are clearly very excited about their cameos as their both avid gamers, with Omega’s ring persona referencing other games like Street Fighter. Kohli, meanwhile, is a self-admitted fan of the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, even saying his cameo is the peak of his career.
