Kenny Omega Demands Wrestle Dynasty Challenge From NJPW Star

Kenny Omega has made the strongest tease yet he’s ready for his comeback as he dares a NJPW star to challenge him at Wrestle Dynasty.

Kenny Omega hasn’t wrestled since being diagnosed with diverticulitis in early December 2023, with his last match coming on December 5th. The former AEW World Champion had hoped to avoid surgery, but he eventually went under the knife in May after making two appearances on Dynamite.

At New Japan Pro Wrestling Power Struggle, Kenny Omega returned to the company where he made his name to express his desire to represent AEW against a young member of the NJPW roster at Wrestle Dynasty on January 5th 2025 in the Tokyo Dome although nothing was set in stone.

However, one member of the NJPW roster that fits the bill was clearly listening as later in the show it was noted Omega had been involved in a backstage altercation with Gabe Kidd.

In a new interview with NJPW, Kenny Omega has given the clearest indication yet that he is ready to return to the ring as he leaves the door open for Gabe Kidd to challenge him at Wrestle Dynasty:

Well, I’d like to address recent circumstances and things that have happened with Gabe Kidd. I’ve had time to reflect after Power Struggle, and I feel I would regret not being able to make things right. I would hate for this situation to cause a rift between AEW and New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

So after conversations I’ve had with President Tanahashi and other executives in NJPW, I’ve decided that if New Japan requests it, if Gabe requests it, and if the fans want it, then I will wrestle Gabe Kidd, as a professional at Wrestle Dynasty January 5.

Kenny Omega Wants To Make An Example Of Gabe Kidd

Kenny Omega spoke about messing up Gabe Kidd’s name in an interview which is seemingly what sent Kidd over the edge. Omega added that while Kidd has ability, his lack of professionalism isn’t something Omega likes and he wants to make an example of the young star:

I don’t doubt Gabe’s ability. He is here in NJPW for a reason. I just truly didn’t think that he was someone I should be facing at the moment. That isn’t for a lack of talent, it’s a lack of maturity… and yeah, professionalism. It’s the fact that he will do anything in his power to see his opponents in a hospital.

Look, I want to make it very clear that I’m not taking this match to make anything other of Gabe than an example. I wasn’t even sure if I would be medically cleared for January 5, but what Gabe did and said was enough to push me over the finish line. I might have been known as the Best Bout Machine in the past, but my goal isn’t to elevate Gabe Kidd to a world class performance.

My goal is to show Gabe Kidd the reality of the situation he’s in right now, and show what embarrassment in front of 20, 30, 40,000 people and many thousands more watching around the world looks like.

Kenny Omega also made clear that Gabe Kidd would never follow some NJPW greats to AEW unless he put a word in for him with the boss:

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. Look, I’m throwing my hat in here, I’m taking the bigger step. I’m saying to NJPW that if this is what the company wants, if it’s what’s the fans want and if it’s what Gabe wants. If this is what’s most interesting, then let’s do it, I’ll give you that chance, Gabe. Let’s see what your answer is.

If the match takes place it will be Kenny Omega’s first in New Japan Pro Wrestling since New Year Dash in 2023 where he improbably teamed with his old rival Kazuchika Okada to defeat United Empire.