Major new update on Kenny Omega's imminent AEW return - Reports
Kenny Omega has been out of action since December 2023. His return to the ring is just a few weeks away, and a new report has shed light on how The Best Bout Machine is preparing for his comeback.
Kenny Omega is a former AEW World Champion and is considered by many to be one of the greatest in-ring talents of the last decade. Unfortunately, his AEW run has been marred by injuries, a suspension, and now, diverticulitis. The Best Bout Machine underwent a surgical procedure for the disease earlier this year.
Omega is set to return to the ring at NJPW Wrestle Dynasty on January 5. The 41-year-old has built a program with rising star Gabe Kidd, but according to Dave Meltzer, he wants to take it slow. In the most recent Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Meltzer revealed that The Cleaner is trying to ease himself back into wrestling before returning to AEW:
"Omega wants to take it slow before going back full-time, with the idea of easing into a full-time schedule down the line and hoping everything holds up." [via Ringside News]
Kenny Omega claims his Wrestle Dynasty rival will never be signed by AEW
Although many AEW fans have been waiting for Kenny Omega to return to action, he chose to dip his toe into NJPW before heading back to the Jacksonville-based promotion. The Best Bout Machine was involved in a brawl with Gabe Kidd at NJPW Power Struggle on November 4.
Omega doesn't seem to think much of his brash young rival. Ahead of their match at Wrestle Dynasty, he claimed that Gabe Kidd would "never see the light of TV" in AEW unless The Cleaner endorsed him:
"I can tell you as someone that knows: Someone like Gabe Kidd will not set foot in AEW. Maybe if we’re passing through town, grab your boots kid, have a dark match. He will never see the light of TV unless he gets a very positive review from yours truly. I would love to forgive and forget one time years from now, but I don’t see it happening. For anyone that thinks that Gabe might end up the same way as Jay White, or Kazuchika Okada, or Will Ospreay? Gabe Kidd is all your responsibility," Omega told NJPW.
By the time January 5 rolls around, Omega will have been out of action for more than a year. Whether the former AEW World Champion can shake off the ring rust remains to be seen.