Kenny Omega shares shocking doctor's diagnosis during hiatus: "You could've been dead"

Former World Champion Kenny Omega finally returned to AEW on the latest edition of Dynamite. In a heartfelt promo, The God of Professional Wrestling, as he is popularly dubbed, spoke candidly about his recovery from the career-threatening injury that had put him on the shelf.

Omega revealed in December 2023 that he was going on an indefinite hiatus after being diagnosed with a severe diverticulitis infection. He underwent surgery last year to treat the illness, and after months of recovery and rehabilitation, he returned to the squared circle at Wrestle Dynasty 2025 with a victory over NJPW's Gabe Kidd.

Before that, The Cleaner made his AEW comeback at Worlds End 2024 to award last year's Continental Classic winner and longtime rival Kazuchika Okada his Continental Title belt. It was later announced that Omega would return to AEW Dynamite this week in Clarksville, TN.

Addressing the crowd in the F&M Bank Arena, Kenny Omega discussed the gravity of the illness that put him out of commission for over a year.

"And for those who don't know what [diverticulitis] is, well.. It took two feet of my intestines from me, and if I hadn't checked myself in when I did, the doctor had told me, 'Kenny, you'd have been dead.' So for the past year, it's been this roller-coaster ride..," said Kenny Omega.

Check out Kenny Omega's comments below:

The Best Bout Machine revealed that medical professionals were uncertain whether he would be able to regain a comfortable quality of life, setting aside the subject of returning to his usual peak wrestling shape. The former World Champion admitted to questioning his future and seemingly even considering retirement during subsequent stints in the hospital after surgery.

However, Omega went on to state that he found his life's purpose in performing in the ring and proving his mettle as a world-class wrestler on a weekly basis. The 41-year-old eventually became involved in a brawl with the newest iteration of The Don Callis Family on Dynamite but was surprisingly rescued by another former rival, Will Ospreay.