Update on Kenny Omega’s Full-Time Return Plans – Kenny Omega is officially set to make his in-ring return on January 5 at NJPW and AEW’s Wrestle Dynasty event in Tokyo, where he will face Gabe Kidd. This marks Omega’s first match in over a year, as his last bout took place in December 2023 before a severe case of diverticulitis sidelined him. The illness required surgery in May 2024, followed by a lengthy recovery process.
According to Dave Meltzer, Omega is approaching his return with caution. Rather than diving back into a full-time schedule immediately, Omega plans to ease his way into regular competition to ensure his health and performance hold up over time. This gradual approach will allow him to adapt while minimizing risks as he reenters the physically demanding world of professional wrestling.
“Kenny Omega’s first match back in well over a year is 1/5 at the Tokyo Dome against Gabe Kidd. It’s very interesting because Kidd works a very physical style and with the angle that set it up with a backstage fight, it has to be a high-intense brawl style match. A lot of people brought up the idea of why Omega is doing his first match in New Japan, but the 1/5 show is a joint show with AEW and in a sense it’s considered the AEW debut show in Japan, where his return would mean the most. But Omega does need to get going on U.S. television in a big way if he’s physically ready to work regularly. Right now he 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.”
NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 19 and Wrestle Dynasty are being held at the Tokyo Dome on back-to-back days. The latter event is set to feature wrestlers from NJPW, AEW, Stardom, CMLL, and ROH, including The Young Bucks returning to Japan to challenge for the IWGP Tag Team titles.
Update on Kenny Omega’s Full-Time Return Plans
