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Kenny Omega has been absent from in-ring competition since December 2023, due to his ongoing health struggles. The Cleaner recently made an appearance at NJPW Power Struggle, where he challenged the young wrestlers of the Japanese promotion to step up and battle him. The Best Bout Machine also revealed his intentions to wrestle at AEW X NJPW Wrestle Dynasty next year.
Moments after his promo segment, Omega was involved in a brawl with Gabe Kidd backstage, who is most likely to face The Cleaner at the crossover event in January. Although fans are excited to witness the comeback of Omega, a section of the audience is disappointed with his return match taking place in NJPW and not AEW.
While his legacy in the Japanese promotion is undeniable, it is All Elite Wrestling that requires the services of The Best Bout Machine more at the moment. In this article, let's look at three reasons why Kenny Omega's return match should have occurred in AEW.
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#3. Kenny Omega needs to conclude his ongoing storyline with The New Elite
Despite being away from physical combat, Kenny Omega has continued to be featured on the AEW programming sporadically. In May 2023, The Cleaner made a rare appearance on Dynamite to give fans an update about his ongoing recovery process.
Unfortunately, the former AEW World Champion was assaulted by Kazuchika Okada, Jack Perry, and The Young Bucks, who took out a helpless Omega to assert their dominance. Since then, The New Elite has continued to take shots at the 41-year-old star, being aware of the fact that he is not medically cleared to compete in the ring.
While his rivalry with Gabe Kidd does have potential, it would have made more sense for The Belt Collector to settle his scores with The New Elite first. The heel group is no longer the most threatening force in All Elite Wrestling, having been replaced by Jon Moxley's latest faction. A final showdown with Kenny Omega would have allowed Tony Khan to book a satisfying conclusion to The Elite vs. AEW storyline.
The head booker of AEW might have to drag the story between Omega and The Young Bucks even further, which is not guaranteed to have the same impact.
#2. Tony Khan is keen on bringing back Kota Ibushi only after Kenny Omega returns
After a seven-month-long hiatus, Kota Ibushi finally returned to in-ring competition in July 2024. While The Golden Star has remained considerably active in other promotions like DDT Pro Wrestling, he is yet to make his return to AEW. Certain sources suggest that Ibushi's return to the Jacksonville-based promotion has been delayed for a specific reason.
As per recent reports, Tony Khan has held on to the return of the former IWGP World Heavyweight, as he is keen on reuniting The Golden Lovers in AEW. The head booker of AEW apparently wanted Ibushi to join forces with Kenny Omega in his war against The New Elite.
The duo were recently spotted together in Japan, where they participated in a vigorous training routine. Now that Omega has been targeted by Gabe Kidd, it seems like Kota Ibushi may not be seen in the Tony Khan-led company anytime soon.
The Golden Lovers' reunion could prove to be one of the most magical moments in the history of AEW. Unfortunately, Omega's NJPW commitments have now delayed the comeback of The Hard-Hit Prince. It is a quite disappointing scenario, as Ibushi could have explored several intriguing storyline possibilities in AEW if The Cleaner were to be around.
#1. Kenny Omega's eventual return may not have the same impact
Kenny Omega is undeniably one of the cornerstones of All Elite Wrestling. The Best Bout Machine is arguably the most valuable asset to Tony Khan, who has stepped up every time the company has needed him. The former AEW World Champion has been absent from in-ring competition for 11 months, and his absence has been dearly felt.
While Tony Khan has signed several international stars in Omega's absence, none of them have been able to fill the void left by The Cleaner. The AEW audience has been patiently waiting for the re-emergence of The Belt Collector, whose return would significantly strengthen the current AEW roster.
Unfortunately, The Cleaner's upcoming ventures in NJPW could have an impact on his eventual return to the Jacksonville-based promotion. Omega ultimately showing up again in AEW may not be as memorable if he goes to NJPW prior to that moment.
It would also be upsetting for the hardcore AEW audience, who want to see The 41-year-old star tackle new challenges in the Tony Khan-led company. His eventual return may not have as much of a shock value, as fans would have already seen him wrestle against Gabe Kidd in Japan.
If The Cleaner stepped away from pro wrestling while being an active member of the AEW roster, it is only fitting that he resumes his career in the Jacksonville-based promotion.
