Update on Kenny Omega's AEW return; plans for feud with legendary rival - Reports
Kenny Omega has been out of action for the entirety of 2024, but he's set to make his grand return to the ring soon. However, it won't be with AEW, and his future with the Jacksonville-based promotion is still up in the air.
Omega hasn't wrestled since December 2023. He underwent surgery for diverticulitis earlier this year, and he'll return to the ring on January 5 at NJPW's Wrestle Dynasty event, which will include stars from AEW, CMLL, ROH, and Stardom.
Recent reports have indicated that the former AEW World Champion was scheduled for an angle with his legendary NJPW rival, Kazuchika Okada, upon returning to Tony Khan's promotion. According to Fightful Select, it's unclear if those plans have changed in the wake of The Death Riders running wild on All Elite Wrestling television.
Okada is currently defending his Continental Championship in the Continental Classic Tournament, while several major storylines—including those of Darby Allin and Hangman Adam Page— revolve around Jon Moxley and The Death Riders. Even Will Ospreay seems to be getting sucked into the drama surrounding Moxley's villainous faction.
Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp predicted that AEW fans will see The Best Bout Machine before the year is out, but whether he stands against The Rainmaker or Moxley remains to be seen.
Kenny Omega wants to ease himself back into wrestling before a full-time return
Many fans were disappointed to learn that Kenny Omega's in-ring return after a year on the shelf would be for New Japan Pro-Wrestling rather than his home promotion. However, according to The Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer, The Best Bout Machine is taking a cautious approach.
Omega is a fan favorite and one of AEW's biggest stars. Diverticulitis has stolen a full year from his career, and despite his famous athleticism and in-ring acumen, it could take some time for him to regain his form.
Dave Meltzer recently claimed that Omega is taking it slowly and "easing" back into a full-time schedule before he goes all out. According to Meltzer's report in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, The Best Bout Machine is taking it one step at a time and hoping everything holds up.
Diverticulitis is a brutal disease for an athlete to suffer, especially one who gets knocked around as much as Kenny Omega. However, Brock Lesnar famously overcame the illness, and many fans are hoping that The Cleaner can close out his full-time career on a high note.