Kenny Omega claps back after 27-year-old star trash talks AEW

One of AEW's foremost stars and a former world champion, Kenny Omega is poised to make his return to action next year. The 41-year-old has now responded to recent trash talk from his opponent for the upcoming bout.

The Best Bout Machine revealed last month at NJPW Power Struggle that he would step back into the squared circle after his lengthy health-related hiatus against an up-and-coming New Japan wrestler at Wrestle Dynasty 2025. After a backstage brawl that subsequently broke out between Omega and Gabe Kidd, the reigning Strong Openweight Champion was eventually announced to be the former AEW World Champion's opponent for the upcoming cross-promotional pay-per-view.

Kidd had unleashed a torrent of criticism at All Elite Wrestling and Tony Khan in a recent interview, generating further hype for his imminent battle with Omega. The Cleaner has now responded to the Bullet Club War Dogs member, disclosing how the latter, and stars like him, motivated him to return to in-ring competition after his recovery from a potentially career-ending diverticulitis infection.

"When I thought my time was finally over, I saw a brilliant light, and like a phoenix, I was reborn from the flames. And I thought, 'Why must I continue?' It's because of you and people like you who destroyed the beauty I created... You're weak. You're riding on a legacy of what I created."

Omega proceeded to taunt Kidd further, stating:

"You've managed to create a group of sheep around you. You think they agree with you, that they support you? What those fans really want to see is strength. So let's see how strong you are. Let's see that spirit that you like to talk about so much. Because I just don't see it in you. I have given you an opportunity on a platter. Are you scared? Do you want to run away? Don't worry, Gabe. If you can't handle the pressure, I'm sure there's room back on the psych ward," said Omega.

It remains to be seen if the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion will be victorious in his NJPW comeback.

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Potential plans for Kenny Omega's return to AEW

While fans are hyped for Kenny Omega's return to New Japan Pro-Wrestling, recent reports indicate that the Canadian star could also be back on AEW programming soon. Rumors suggest that the former tag team and trios champion could be featured on the Worlds End pay-per-view this weekend.

Addressing the subject recently, Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp noted that Omega, upon coming back to AEW, could enter into programs with his long-time rivals Kazuchika Okada and Will Ospreay, and could even work with The Death Riders.

"I would imagine something with Okada, Ospreay, or both. Maybe an outside possibility of Death Riders. The plan had long been to resume the angle that wrote Kenny off TV with Okada, but a lot has happened since then."

The possibilities seem all the more likely in light of Omega's return being teased with a vignette on Dynamite: Holiday Bash.