IMPACT Wrestling EVP and the ‘Invisible Hand’ behind the AEW Champion Don Callis recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio. Callis discussed a number of topics during his time on the show, these included the buzz he and Kenny Omega have created and how his ‘family’ member is the best professional wrestler on the planet.
“I’ve said it on IMPACT” Don Callis would begin on Busted Open. “I didn’t get back in this business [just] to do the Killing The Town podcast. I certainly didn’t get back in it to be a commentator, there was always a plan. And it was? It was playing the long game.”
With Don Callis and Kenny Omega transitioning between both IMPACT and AEW over the past week, it has created some massive intrigue across the wrestling landscape. Callis would discuss how he and Omega have created a ‘buzz’ in wrestling, something that has been somewhat lacking over the past year or so with the pandemic.
Don Callis on ‘Buzz’
“One of the side benefits of that has been buzz” Callis would continue. “Buzz is one of the things that I think is difficult to create. If everyone could create it? Then everyone would have it, and everyone doesn’t have it. I don’t set out to try to make buzz or those sorts of things? But I do set out with a grand plan. I’ve always been big plan motivated.”
“I care about what happens in history, and they say the winners get to write the history” Callis stated. “Kenny Omega and I right now are in a position where we are writing the history. Two guys from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, are the talk of the wrestling business. We have not once, but twice, changed the entire wrestling business.”
Are you excited about the ongoing Kenny Omega and Don Callis storyline? Who do you want to see Kenny Omega face in IMPACT and elsewhere? Let us know in the comments
A new match has been announced for Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite that will see Kenny Omega take on Joey Janela. It will be a No DQ Match.
AEW ran an angle whereby Omega issued a challenge to Janela to a match after he heard fans complain that he beat defeated late replacement Sonny Kiss rather than Janela during the world eliminator tournament. Omega went on to win the tournament and then captured the AEW World title from Jon Moxley at Revolution.
When approached by a paparazzo at the airport today and captured on video, #AEW World Champion @KennyOmegamanX made a challenge for a specific match Live on Wednesday on #AEWDynamite. Here is the challenge: pic.twitter.com/glvfGtqpRC
AEW touted the match announcement by writing, “Omega won the Eliminator Tournament to become #1 contender to the #AEW World Title. His scheduled quarterfinals opponent Joey Janela couldn’t participate due to safety protocols. Now Janela can earn a title shot with a win on Wednesday in his preferred element No DQ Anything Goes.”
AEW Dynamite Card
Kenny Omega vs. Joey Janella – No DQ Anything Goes Match (if Janella wins, he gets a World Title shot)
Cody Rhodes with Arn Anderson vs. Angelico with Jack Evans
Hangman Page, John Silver, and Alex Reynolds vs. Matt Hardy and Private Party
The Acclaimed vs. SCU
NWA Women’s World Champion Serena Deeb and Big Swole vs. Ivelisse and Diamante
Inner Circle (Chris Jericho, MJF, Sammy Guevara, Santana, Ortiz, Jake Hager, and Wardlow) vs. Top Flight, Brandon Cutler, Varsity Blondes, and Best Friends.
As expected, Impact Wrestling has already announced that Kenny Omega will make another appearance on their weekly television show.
On Friday afternoon in a statement posted on social media and their official website, the promotion confirmed that the AEW World Heavyweight Champion would be appearing on Tuesday’s show on AXS TV.
Impact’s statement was short yet to the point as it read, “We have confirmed that AEW World Champion Kenny Omega and Don Callis will return to IMPACT! this Tuesday at 8/7c on AXS TV!”
This comes off Omega’s most recent appearance on this week’s episode of Impact, which was a huge success for the promotion in viewership.
On Thursday, Impact touted the success of the crossover from one of All Elite Wrestling’s biggest stars.
Executive Vice President Scott D’Amore brought up how big of a deal Omega’s appearance on Impact in the presser that was sent out that noted it led to more than 750,000 fans tuning in to AXS TV or have logged on to official streams to watch the segment.
“It is hard to compare apples and oranges, and some digital media provide better watch-data than others, but we feel confident over 750,000 US-based fans watched the episode in the first 24 hours and 1 million fans have clicked on the various highlights we’ve put out on social media.”
This episode of Impact will feature the fallout from Saturday’s Final Resolution event.
It was a big week for AEW World Champion Kenny Omega and Impact Wrestling Vice President, Don Callis. They appeared on both Impact and AEW Dynamite this week. Omega teased on Impact that he had become something of a collector and alluded to perhaps wanting to win some of Impact’s championships.
According to a report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Omega is expected back on Impact next week. He’s also expected to headline some PPVs for the promotion. Dave Meltzer wrote:
“We do know that Omega will make appearances on Impact television, including back on 12/15, and headline at least some Impact PPV shows.”
Impact teased a program between its world champion, Rich Swann, and Omega last week. Swann was seen being denied access to Omega and Callis’ luxury bus because he “wasn’t on the list.”
Swann is scheduled to defend the Impact World Championship against Chris Bey this Saturday at Final Resolution. The show will air on Impact’s streaming service, Impact Plus. Moose has also been angling for a shot at Swann’s title.
After the controversial finish to the AEW World Championship match between Kenny Omega and Jon Moxley during last week’s episode of Dynamite, Don Callis had announced that the new AEW champion will make an appearance on this week’s episode of Impact Wrestling to explain things.
The new champion then made an appearance on the show alongside Callis where he set down with Josh Mathews and the two opened up about the events of this past Wednesday night.
The interview began with Mathews asking how long the AEW and Impact alliance has been in work, to which Callis replied that it all began when he met Kenny at the age of 10. From there Callis made it his mission to be in Omega’s corner and so the idea has been in works for nearly 27 years.
Omega Explains His Actions
Josh Mathews then moved the conversation towards the AEW title match. Josh asked the former NJPW star why he decided to use a microphone as a cheap shot to gain victory over Moxley, despite saying that he wouldn’t do so during their gentlemen’s agreement.
Replying to it, the new champion explained that Moxley shouldn’t have hit Don Callis saying “When you involve family, when you lay your hands on the invisible hand – what do you expect me to do?”
Later in the interview, Kenny Omega declared that collecting world championships is his new hobby and he wants to face other world champions from different promotions, including Impact.
The duo concluded the interview by claiming that they have a big announcement to make at this week’s episode of Dynamite on Wednesday. You can check out Kenny Omega’s Impact Wrestling appearance in the video below:
Kenny Omega’s declaration that he wants to face other world champions is very interesting. we will have to see what other crossovers it leads to in the coming times and if it means that AEW world title will be defended at other promotions.
Kenny Omega defeated Jon Moxley during this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite to become the new AEW World Champion. Omega secured the gold after assistance from Impact Wrestling’s Don Callis. He will now appear on next Tuesday’s episode of Impact Wrestling.
It turns out that Omega was not present for Impact Wrestling’s last set of tapings. The promotion has reportedly already pre-recorded their shows up until the end of 2020.
Mike Johnson of PWInsiderElite.com recently discussed the forthcoming appearance. He explained how “Kenny Omega was not at the last set of IMPACT Wrestling tapings, they are done, they have filmed all their TV for the year.”
“I was told that the plan is this coming week Don Callis and Kenny Omega will be filming something, I assume in Canada, I don’t know for sure, for IMPACT that will inserted into the TV show.”
Kenny Omega On Impact Wrestling
Don Callis revealed how wrestling fans will first hear from the new AEW World Champion on Impact Wrestling. Callis shared the news as he and Omega fled from Daily’s Place, the current resident home of AEW Dynamite at the end of Winter is Coming.
This was followed up by a tweet from Impact Wrestling’s official account. The message hyped Omega’s appearance, proclaiming that “Tuesdays are the new Wednesdays!“
AEW’s working relationship with Impact Wrestling adds to their pre-existing partnership with the National Wrestling Alliance.
The ‘Winter Is Coming’ themed episode of AEW Dynamite featured many surprises including the involvement of Impact wrestling VP Don Callis in the AEW World title match between Jon Moxley and Kenny Omega.
Callis was in the commentary for this bout and he eventually made his way to the ring. He checked on Omega after a tough suplex on the floor and Callis then tried to pursue the referee to stop the fight, saying that Kenny was hurt.
This resulted in Mox blasting the Impact Executive with a punch. However, the mic Callis was holding ended up in the ring due to Jon’s punch and Kenny Omega used it to his advantage by hitting the AEW Champion with the microphone.
He went on to hit Moxley with a one winged angel and Kenny Omega became the new AEW World Champion after pinning the former WWE star.
Callis then grabbed the AEW title and helped Omega to get backstage and into a waiting vehicle. Alex Marvez tried asking Callis what just happened and he responded by saying that we will find out about it on Tuesday at Impact.
Impact Wrestling’s official Twitter account later retweeted a video of the segment and when a fan accused Don Callis of screwing AEW, he simply responded by saying ‘AEW screwed AEW’:
All these signs point towards a new partnership between the two promotions. We still don’t know the details of this partnership but it does open a plethora of new possibilities.
One such interesting possibility is the potential of exchanging talents which could lead to a Bullet Club reunion between Omega and the team of Gallows and Anderson. Stay tuned for more updates.
In the highly anticipated rematch, Jon Moxley and Kenny Omega presented a very good match on AEW Dynamite.
The special episode of the weekly All Elite Wrestling television show had a “Winter Is Coming” theme on TNT with Moxley defending the AEW World Heavyweight Title against Omega.
The main event of this show from Jacksonville, Florida went several minutes. It featured a hard-hitting yet technical style of match. Omega worked over the left knee of Moxley throughout the match, but they did have momentum swings. Moxley teased bringing in chairs despite their agreement of no weapons so instead of using them, they sat down and exchanged strikes.
Towards the end, they hit some of their signature moves. Omega caught Moxley with the V-Trigger when Mox went for an outside dive. They did a spot where Moxley sent Omega into a heater and a doctor checked as well as Don Callis on Omega.
Moxley pulled him into the ring. Callus got hit after getting on the apron by Moxley and Omega took the microphone to hit Moxley with it so Mox started to bleed. Omega hit Moxley with a few V-Triggers then the One-Winged Angel for the win.
Omega is the new AEW world heavyweight Champion. Post-match, Callis, and Omega got into an SUV just before Callis said that they would tell all on Tuesday’s episode of Imact Wrestling.
Omega earned this title match when he beat Adam Page in the finals of the AEW World Title Eliminator to determine the new #1 contender to the World Heavyweight Title at last month’s Full Gear pay-per-view event.
Kenny Omega recently discussed the possibility of a working relationship between All Elite Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. According to Omega, it could become a reality somewhere “down the road.”
Speaking with Sports Illustrated, Omega opened up about the current state of the world. He touched on how COVID-19 has created understandable restrictions in pro wrestling.
Omega noted how the world is collectively struggling because of the coronavirus pandemic. He added how it’s a perfect opportunity to “make lemonade out of lemons by putting forth our best efforts for a collaborative effort.”
He believes the great thing about pro wrestling is how so many people in the industry “love making people happy.”
“There are a lot of us in wrestling right now that want nothing more than to make fans happy,” Omega explained. “We get lost in our own fantasy booking talking about how cool it would be to team up, and there are restrictions in the world right now, but maybe down the road.”
NJPW’s Ace, Hiroshi Tanahashi, recently made an appearance on AEW programming. He recorded a congratulatory video for Chris Jericho’s 30th Anniversary Celebration.
Kenny Omega is set to face off against AEW World Champion Jon Moxley in a championship bout. The two compete on this Wednesday’s episode of AEW Dynamite, Winter is Coming.
All Elite Wrestling’s Kenny Omega has reflected on his year in AEW during an interview with Forbes. During the interview, Omega also shared which WWE Superstars he would be interested in competing against and acknowledged being compared to Seth Rollins.
Reflecting on his first year in AEW, Omega revealed how he would grade it “very, very favorably.” He explained how AEW boasts the best tag team wrestling experience. Omega added how he considered it an honor to have competed in AEW’s tag division and praised the caliber of talent amongst the teams.
He then noted how he feels “sorry” for people who can’t understand that “[…] it is every bit as important to be competing in [AEW’s] tag team division as it is to be wrestling as a singles performer for a world championship.”
Kenny Omega On WWE Stars He’d Like To Face
Turning his attention to WWE’s roster, Omega highlighted how he has previously worked with AJ Styles in New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
According to him, Styles “saved” him as he was thinking about leaving wrestling at the time they were feuding. “He was there for me to help point me in the right direction and I think he would be a great opponent.”
Styles isn’t the only WWE Superstar Omega has an interest in wrestling, however. He also pointed to the New Day, believing they would be a lot of fun to work with.
Kenny Omega acknowledged how he is often compared to Seth Rollins. He noted how Rollins a “great wrestler.” He believes that they could have “really great matches together.”
Ultimately, Omega stressed he just wants to “work with good people.” He explained that this isn’t limited to being good in the ring. Omega wants to work with “[…] people who are genuinely good dudes who the fans would want to see me wrestle. At the end of the day, I’d just want to wrestle the opponents who would make fans the most excited because that’s really what it’s all about.”
Kenny Omega is set to face off against AEW World Champion Jon Moxley in a championship bout. The two clash on the December 2 episode of AEW Dynamite, Winter is Coming.
All Elite Wrestling’s Kenny Omega has revealed he thought he would have to retire from pro wrestling in 2015. Omega shared how he had been suffering from a “terrible herniation” in his neck months prior to Bullet Club turning on AJ Styles in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. This injury forced him to ask for time away from the ring for the first time in his career.
“I lost all power on the right side of my body and I thought that that was it. I thought that I was going to have to wrap it up and maybe I was already sort of winding down,” Omega told Fightful.
He continued, “I was able luckily enough to to turn it around. I think one of the greatest things I can ever ask for is being able to decide what time that is. It’d be great if I could, but unfortunately, as wrestlers, and doing what we do, we sometimes don’t have the ability to choose.”
Omega stressed how an in-ring career can be taken from a wrestler in a heartbeat. This awareness is why he’s so eager to “dip my fingers and toes as much as I as long as I can.”
Kenny Omega’s Outside Interests
Kenny Omega explained how he’s making an active choice to only take on responsibilities he would enjoy outside of the ring. Omega believes by doing so, there will never be a “dull moment” for him.
He then highlighted his investment in video games, anime, bodybuilding, and fitness as personal interests away from pro wrestling.
“I just want to make sure that if for some reason something happens in the ring, or outside of it, or whatever, you never know what’s going to happen, that I exit without regrets.”
Omega admitted he couldn’t put a number on how long he may be an active in-ring performer. He added that he didn’t want to continue until he couldn’t compete anymore. He hopes to be aware of when the time to step away arrives.
Until then, however, he promised to “burn the candle on both ends and go out in a blaze of glory rather than just kind of hang around in a ring longer than I should.”
Kenny Omega competes for the AEW World Championship against Jon Moxley on next week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, Winter is Coming.
Kenny Omega is getting ready for what’s arguably one of the biggest matches in the history of AEW against the World Champion Jon Moxley for his title at the upcoming December 2 episode of Dynamite.
However, it appears that the preparation for this bout is extra hard for the cleaner as he is not only trying to deliver a great performance but he is doing so while dealing with an injury to avoid surgery.
Omega revealed on his recent appearance on Wrestling Observer Radio that he has a torn labrum and he has been working through it to try and avoid having to miss time due to a surgery:
“So, you know, a torn labrum, as you know, is no laughing matter. That’s a surgery, but I have a very talented and unbelievable trainer, and you know our doctors, of course, are always monitoring and making sure we’re doing okay, but our trainer Bryce Ready is just next level kind of guy. He has kept me together and in a condition where I’m able to perform.
As long as I make that that I see him two or three times a week. I can lift; I have full range of motion. I just need to make sure that I can look after it, and I can avoid having that surgery.” said Kenny Omega, “I can’t afford having that time off. If things get worse that’s an option I’ll have to consider.”
Kenny Omega has wrestled Jon Moxley once before in the main event of the Full Gear PPV in November 2019 in an unsanctioned match but this will be the first time the two men will be wrestling in a standard match in the company.
While the former NJPW star seems to be doing fine despite the injury at the moment, it’s still an added concern for the AEW management and it would be interesting to see if Omega is able to deliver a performance living up to the hype of his upcoming match with the AEW Champion.
Even though AEW has faced some challenges from WWE, Kenny Omega isn’t against the idea of the promotion working with WWE should if a potential scenario comes up in the future.
The All Elite Wrestling EVP spoke about the idea of WWE approaching AEW for a potential working relationship while doing an interview with Wrestling Observer Radio.
“If, for some reason, WWE came knocking on our door and said, ‘hey, we would love to do a talent switch or tradeoff, or work together on something, I’d be all for it,’”
Omega joked that he wasn’t sure whether AEW President Tony Khan would welcome such a deal. He does think a talent exchange would help pro wrestling’s popularity.
“Whatever benefits the wrestling fan must always come first,” Omega stated. “When you start thinking about fantasy scenarios, if wrestlers crossed over like that, it gets really exciting.”
Omega thinks it would be a win-win situation for current fans and they won’t ever know until they try.
Omega challenges Jon Moxley for the AEW World Heavyweight Title on the December 2nd episode of AEW Dynamite on TNT.
Recently in AEW, Kenny Omega has been given long introductions before making his way to the ring. These ring intros include a listing of his many accomplishments and nicknames but also some strange references to the state of North Carolina.
According to Omega himself, the references to North Carolina are an homage to the starting lineup introductions for the Michael Jordan-era Chicago Bulls. Fans would always cheer loudly when the PA announcer would say “From North Carolina, at guard, 6ft 6, Michael Jordan!”
Jordan played college ball in North Carolina and spent much of his childhood in Wilmington, NC.
Lance Storm asked about the references to North Carolina recently on Twitter and Omega responded.
Hate to share industry secrets but it’s a tribute to the Chicago Bulls and how they treated Michael Jordan making his entrance.
Kenny Omega Inducted Into Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame
Additionally, Kenny Omega was recently selected for induction in the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame. Omega also responded to this news on Twitter recently.
“I’m not even sure what to say. To be amongst those that have done so much for our sport is incredibly humbling. With however many years I have left as an active performer, I’ll keep trying my best to contribute something positive to the world of Pro Wrestling,” Omega Tweeted.
Wrestling won’t have to wait until February’s AEW Revolution pay-per-view to see Kenny Omega do battle with Jon Moxley.
Kenny Omega won the recent World Title Eliminator Tournament to earn a shot at AEW World Champion Jon Moxley. Some fans expected this match would headline Revolution, but AEW has announced this match will take place next month on Dynamite instead.
Jon Moxley will defend the AEW World Championship against Kenny Omega on the December 2nd edition of Dynamite. It is not hyperbole to say this will be the biggest main event in the history of AEW Dynamite. This match could easily headline a PPV.
Moxley and Omega have squared off once before in AEW. Last November at Full Gear, Moxley got the win in an unsanctioned Lights Out match that drew a lot of controversy due to the excessive violence.
ABSOLUTE VIOLENCE from both Omega & Moxley. Was this your match of the night at Full Gear? pic.twitter.com/K5SPCxcDDr
Kenny Omega will be Jon Moxley’s toughest title defense to date. Since parting ways with former tag team partner “Hangman” Page, Omega has been hell bent on proving to fans that he is still the “Best In The World” and capable of the type of matches we saw during his run in New Japan Pro Wrestling.
They were tag team partners, but at AEW Full Gear, Kenny Omega and Adam Page battled it out.
The two stars wrestled a singles match as part of the finals of the AEW World Title Eliminator to determine the new #1 contender to the AEW World Heavyweight Title. Impact Wrestling EVP Don Callis was on commentary as he is a long time friend of Omega.
The match saw them open the show. Both stars had their moments including Omega reversing an irish whip and hitting a moonsault off the barricade. Omega went for a powerbomb on the ramp, but Page got out of it and hit one of his own. The finish saw Omega connect with the one winged angel for the win.
There were 8 competitors in the tournament that included Penta El Zero M, Rey Fenix, Kenny Omega, Joey Janela, Colt Cabana, Hangman Page, Wardlow, and Jungle Boy.
The first round matches saw Fenix defeat Penta El Zero M, Omega over Janel, Page beat Cabana, and Wardlow defeat Jungle Boy.
The semi-finals took place on the October 28th episode of Dynamite, which saw Page going over Wardlow in the opening contest while Omega beat Penta El Zero M in the headliner.
AEW President Tony Khan recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio. Khan would discuss a number of topics on the show involving the Full Gear PPV this weekend. Full Gear takes place on Saturday 7th November and is available to purchase on FITE TV (for international viewers). And B/R Live in the United States.
Tony Khan was asked on the show what match he was most looking forward to on the PPV itself. The AEW President would reveal that the match he is “personally invested” in? Kenny Omega vs Hangman Adam Page.
Tony Khan on Omega vs Page
“Probably Kenny Omega and Hangman Page” Khan began on the show. “With the build? We’ve put so much story into it, but they are also just two of the best wrestlers in the world. They’ve been one of the best tag teams in AEW.”
“They’ve gone back years” Tony Khan would continue. “[Even] before there was an AEW, or before I knew I would get into the wrestling business even! They just work together. The team of Kenny and Hangman was something new and something actually that I wanted to do for Dynamite.”
Tony Khan would then reveal why he wanted to have the team together on AEW programming. “For the early episodes [of Dynamite], to have another great team within The Elite. Because you had at the time The Young Bucks and you had Cody. and then you had Hangman and Kenny, and with Hangman and Kenny I thought, ‘you know there’s a great chance for them to have some great matches and maybe we can tell this great story down the line.'”
“The more they did together? The more I think this made sense” Khan continued. “Like everyone else? I am personally invested in Kenny versus Hangman Page. From having seen them be the greatest tag team and having worked with them? I think that as individuals they can both be the AEW Champion.”
Do you think that Kenny Omega vs Hangman Page could be best the best bout at Full Gear? Do you think that this will lead to a Kenny or Page facing Jon Moxley OR Eddie Kingston down the line? Let us know in the comments
Fans now know who will be in the finals of the tournament that will determine the new #1 contender to the AEW World Heavyweight Title.
The semi-finals of the tournament took place on Wednesday’s episode of AEW Dynamite on TNT at the Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida. The pair of matches saw Wardlow vs. Hangman Page and Kenny Omega vs. Penta El Zero M.
As seen on the show, Page went over Wardlow in the opening contest while Omega beat Penta El Zero M in the headliner.
It should be noted the Penta replaced Rey Fenix in this contest as Fenix was injured in their first round match that took place. He landed badly on his shoulder and was pulled from the tournament out of medical concern as he has worked injured in the match.
The finals between Page and Omega will see to find out who will be the next in line for the AEW World Title. Some fans knew the finals in advance as the show was taped last Thursday and spoilers got out.
The AEW Full Gear pay-per-view event will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2020, in Jacksonville, Florida at Daily’s Place.
AEW’S use of Kenny Omega has been a frequent point of contention for some fans of the young promotion. According to recent comments from the Young Bucks, however, the next year of Dynamite will feature Omega in a bigger way.
“I think year two’s going to be all about Kenny Omega,” said Nick Jackson. “He’s been very … what’s the word I’m looking for … I guess “unselfish,” and he’s ready to explode. So I would keep my eye on him.”
Nick Jackson also listed Darby Allin as someone who coud really breakout further over the next year.
“Another one off the top of my head would be Darby Allin. He’s got so much potential to be such a massive star for AEW that we have to use him in the right way, and he’s definitely going to be a top player.”
Matt Jackson would say that Hangman Page will continue to be a major player in the promotion’s near future.
“I still think it could be ‘Hangman’ Adam Page,” said Matt Jackson. “The guy’s a star. He’s a sensitive dude who thinks about every little nuanced thing. He’s so interesting, and he puts so much thought into his stuff, and he’s one of my favorite people to collaborate with. He’s going to be a huge mega star. Obviously he’ll be a world champion one day. I don’t know if it’s this year; maybe it is. I don’t know.”
The full interview with The Young Bucks can be read here.
All Elite Wrestling Executive Vice President Kenny Omega has provided an update on the promotion’s highly-anticipated video game.
Speaking with Gamespot, Omega shared that the video game is “currently in development.”
He noted that he couldn’t say much more but admitted he is “working very closely creatively with a team.”
According to Kenny Omega, the game’s development team provides AEW with “exciting’ updates every few weeks. He believes they are on the right track, highlighting how they have a “good team backing us.”
Omega added how those involved with the AEW video game are very “capable.” He stated that when he can share more, he won’t hesitate to do so as he’s “[…] really excited to show the first little bit of footage that we have.
Kenny Omega then confessed the game is still “a little ways away” at this time. He then joked how it won’t be competing with WWE’s recently released Battlegrounds video game.
He stressed that “[…] when the game is ready, and when it will release, I think it has a very good chance of standing alone is probably the best wrestling product as a video game that you could probably find on the market. That’s the hope anyway.”
Former All Elite Wrestling Tag Team Champion Kenny Omega has revealed his intention to return to singles competition. He made his feelings clear during an interview with Jim Ross on last night’s episode of Dynamite.
Reflecting on his time in tag team competition, Omega praised AEW’s tag team division. He labeled it as “one of the best tag team divisions in all of wrestling.”
He admitted how he and his former partner, Hangman Page, had to “dig deep” and find themselves as a team.
Omega admitted how “The part that I learned about Hangman is a part I don’t particularly like” before acknowledging he was proud of their time as a team and as champions.
However, Kenny Omega stressed that if Page intends to strive for a tag team championship rematch, “he better make other plans.”
He then turned his attention to his future in-ring goals, noting how he’s got his own dreams to pursue.
“There are things I’m destined to do here. I gave a year of my life to the team, to Hangman, and to tag team wrestling. I think it’s time I go back to singles action and give everyone a piece of what they were hoping to see since day one.”
Kenny Omega did an interview with Venn and during the chat, he addressed the status of the fabled AEW video game.
Omega confirmed that the game is production and put over those who are currently working on the game.
“Oof, probably officially not, but at the risk of getting myself in trouble, yes, we are in production of a video game. We have a lot of creative minds at work at the new video game right now. I think people are going to like it, and I think that what the fans are hoping for is, in fact, going to come to fruition.”
Omega stated that he’s hoping it will be like the WWE No Mercy game and WrestleMania 2000.
“I’m hoping that it really is sort of a brand new take on something that’s like the No Mercy game of old. So, if you liked WrestleMania 2000, No Mercy, VPW – we are very much hoping to recreate the same feel, the same fun-factor, the same pick-up-and-play ability of those games in the past. So, look forward to that. We are working diligently to give you guys something in the near future.”
The discussion of a possible video game for the promotion dates back to Cody Rhodes talking about it in March 2019 and then late July 2019 when Matt Jackson gave further updates.
Ever since word got out about the game, Omega, has made it known that his personal mission is to bring back the classic game engine used for famous wrestling games, which was AKI.
Former WCW star Konnan has shared his belief that All Elite Wrestling’s Kenny Omega has “failed” on American television.
Speaking on his podcast Keepin’ It 100 with Konnan, Konnan acknowledged how Omega had managed to get “majorly over” in both Mexico and Japan. However, he doesn’t believe Omega has been able to connect with American audiences in the same way.
Konnan attributed this to Omega’s promos, pointing out how they aren’t on the same level as other top wrestlers. He also highlighted how Omega “has not been pushed as a star, but just another guy who can work.”
He noted how there is plenty of other talent who know how to work. Because of this, “Omega doesn’t stand out in any way.”
He juxtaposed Omega’s AEW presence to how he was used in Mexico. According to Konnan, Mexican fans loved Omega as an aura had been built around him. This led to fans going crazy every time he entered an arena, something Konnan believes “has not happened in AEW.”
Kenny Omega “Doesn’t Cut A Good Promo”
Konnan’s co-host, Disco Inferno, added his thoughts on the matter. He explained how wrestling weekly on American television is totally different from being an independent wrestler or performing in Japan. He added how talent needs to not only have matches but deliver promos, sell facial expressions, and build up a plethora of skills every week.
When it comes to Omega’s mic work, Disco Inferno stated “Omega doesn’t cut a good promo.”
He added, “This is why it has become difficult for him to elevate himself to the level of Jericho and Moxley because his mic skills are not close to those guys. Also, he doesn’t understand the psychology of what you have to do in the ring and mic on American TV.”
Disco noted how it’s not a good look if a wrestler’s character “can’t even get over in squash matches.” He stressed how a wrestler shouldn’t focus on making their opponent look good, but should instead focus on getting over as a superstar. It’s something he believes AEW has yet to do with Kenny Omega.
Last year, Kenny Omega was the second biggest wrestler to sign with AEW just behind Chris Jericho.
He was coming off highly praised matches for his efforts in NJPW where he was a top star for them. However, he has found a lack of success as a singles competitor in All Elite Wrestling. As a result, the direction of Omega’s character in AEW has been criticized by fans.
Dave Meltzer noted on the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio that AEW decided to book him in his first year as someone who could help build other talent and strengthen the tag team division.
Part of the idea set out by All Elite Wrestling was due to them wanting to build a foundation before he becomes a top star for them in year two. Meltzer added this might still be the direction AEW takes with Omega although plans may have changed.
Omega is aware of the criticism from fans about his singles career in AEW to the point where he has addressed fans over it. He has stated in the past that just because his career might not be what it was in NJPW doesn’t mean he’s not finding success elsewhere.
Outside of the ring, he’s also in charge as an executive for the women’s division.
