Kenny Omega reveals massive AEW regret: "I would never wish it upon anybody else in the world"

AEW is approaching the six year anniversary of its massive launch event that featured Tony Khan, Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, Cody Rhodes, and Chris Jericho, among others. The company has been on a historic roller-coaster of highs and lows ever since, and many of the AEW Originals remain. Omega has just opened up to reveal a surprising stance he has about his time with the promotion.

The Cleaner is still an AEW EVP, along with Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson. Omega has been on the shelf with a serious health issue since December, but his All Elite run has featured notable moments and immense success as he is AEW's first Triple Crown Champion. The 41-year-old has also stayed busy behind the scenes, spearheading the company's video games division and other projects.

Omega has a top rival in Hiroshi Tanahashi, who also serves as NJPW President. Speaking on the NJPW YouTube channel, the 24-year industry veteran fondly recalled lessons learned from Tanahashi, pointing out that, although they're rivals turned high-ranking executives of opposing companies, they are able to bring talents together from multiple organizations at their inter-promotional events.

Omega said bringing promotions together is a fantasy situation for him, and he thinks losing the IWGP Heavyweight Championship to Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom 13 in January 2019 was his catalyst for what has happened with AEW. Regarding the balancing act he's had to do for five years, Omega admitted he'd never wish this on anyone, and he misses just being a wrestler.

"I would never wish it upon anybody in the world, trust me. I miss those days of rolling up to an arena with just my carry case that had my gear in it, focusing on that match, just that one performance, which was just about me. Instead, I’m at the arena days before, trying to figure out... how are we gonna make this work? How do we make this guy’s entrance work? How do we make sure entrance videos are formatted? How do we make sure extras and talent are fed? How do we make sure that they’re healthy [and keep them healthy]? What do we do if something goes wrong?" Kenny Omega said. [From 2:37 to 3:11]

Omega continued:

"There’s always... it’s a balancing act of a million things, and if you’re not 100% confident in your wrestling ability, and if you’re not completely dedicated and passionate, not only about the success of what you do out there, but the success of the entire company, and maybe even the state of professional wrestling... you can’t do it. It’s a terrible undertaking," Kenny Omega said. [From 3:12 to 3:30]

The Best Bout Machine came into AEW with his fellow EVPs in The Elite. While Omega and The Young Bucks are currently at odds, he noted that he could not have done any of this without them. Omega described it as a group effort, but he can relate to Tanahashi and the burden he feels.

AEW Full Gear updated lineup

All Elite Wrestling is less than three weeks away from presenting Full Gear 2024. The sixth annual pay-per-view will be held on Saturday, November 23, at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.

There are now six matches set for Full Gear. Below is the updated lineup:

1. Zero Hour Pre-show: QT Marshall vs. "Big BOOM" AJ with Big Justice of The Costco Guys;
2. MJF vs. Roderick Strong or Adam Cole
3. Adam Page vs. Jay White
4. World Tag Team Championship Fatal 4 Way: Private Party (c) vs. FTR or House of Black vs. Top Flight or The Outrunners vs. La Facción Ingobernable or The Acclaimed
5. TBS Championship Match: Mercedes Moné (c) vs. Kris Statlander
6. World Championship Match: Jon Moxley (c) vs. Orange Cassidy

The final AEW PPV of 2024 will take place after Full Gear. The second annual Worlds End event is scheduled for Saturday, December 28, at Addition Financial Arena in Orlando.