Kenny Omega declares 34-year-old star as one of the "greatest performers" in AEW
AEW launched in early 2019, and Kenny Omega was one of the key parts of the machine that made the company happen. Despite being on the injured list for almost one year now, Omega remains a top talent in the ring, and behind the scenes. The inaugural AEW Triple Crown Champion just revealed his early thoughts on one of the biggest stars on the roster, and how he feels now.
Swerve Strickland began his pro wrestling journey in 2008 at the age of 18. After successful stints with CZW, MLW, Lucha Underground, and countless indies, WWE came calling in April 2019. He was released in November 2021, but by March 2022, Swerve was All Elite. This year was arguably Strickland's biggest as he held the World Championship for 126 days, and really cemented his spot.
The Cleaner recently spoke with Fightful and recalled seeing Strickland booked in more than an enhancement role while doing an incredible job at elevating his opponent and himself, and the match quality. The AEW EVP admitted that The Realest may not remember this either, but he went on about how he always felt the need to approach the former WWE Superstar with words of encouragement.
"I would always feel like... not that it was my job, I just felt like as a wrestler, as someone who still enjoys watching good wrestling, or wrestling that entertains me, I felt like, 'I got to reach out to this guy. I have to let him know that he’s doing an incredible job, I just hope he doesn’t get discouraged, because eventually someone’s going to see how good and how giving, and how cognizant he is of everything around him, as regards to current-day wrestling,'" Kenny Omega said. [From 43:09 to 43:37]
Kenny Omega continued:
"And lo and behold, months and months and months and months and months and months later, whatever it was, he found the secret, and... he just used that as a springboard to launch himself into the stratosphere. He went from wherever he was at, to now being undeniably, one of our greatest performers in AEW," Kenny Omega said. [From 43:38 to 43:59]
Omega and Strickland have never faced off in singles action. The two veterans have seemingly shared the ring just once, in April 2017 at RevPro's Epic Encounter event in London. The main event saw Omega and The Young Bucks defeat Strickland, Lio Rush, and Ryan Smile.
Kenny Omega's comeback not expected for AEW
Kenny Omega has been on the shelf for close to one year while battling health issues, including a serious bout of diverticulitis. The Cleaner has not wrestled since defeating Ethan Page on the December 5, 2023 Collision tapings.
Omega surprised fans this month when he noted that he plans to return to in-ring action at NJPW Wrestle Dynasty on January 5. The big event is taking place the night after Wrestle Kingdom 19, also at the Tokyo Dome, and is co-presented by AEW, ROH, CMLL, and Stardom. Omega noted to Fightful that he feels like he owes NJPW a "gigantic thank you," and if there is a debt to repay in some fashion, his comeback at the Tokyo Dome is fitting. He also feels like AEW doesn't really need him right now.
Omega vs. NJPW Strong Openweight Champion Gabriel Kidd has been rumored after harsh words from the rising UK star. The Young Bucks, Jack Perry, Ricochet, and others from AEW have been booked for Wrestle Dynasty. The rest of the card will be finalized soon.