AEW’s Kenny Omega Challenges NJPW Star To Match At Wrestle Dynasty

After spending all of 2024 sidelined due to a battle with diverticulitis, AEW’s Kenny Omega is officially ready to make his long-anticipated return to the ring. The former AEW World Champion wasted no time stirring the pot, issuing a challenge that could define NJPW’s Wrestle Dynasty on January 5, 2025. Omega is prepared to face NJPW STRONG Openweight Champion Gabe Kidd, with tensions between the two already boiling over after their heated exchange at NJPW’s Power Struggle event earlier this month.

The Challenge That Shook NJPW

In an interview with NJPW1972.com, Omega opened up about the incident with Kidd and expressed his desire to resolve their issues in the ring. Omega emphasized his respect for the business and the relationship between AEW and NJPW while laying the groundwork for a monumental clash.

“I’d like to address recent circumstances, and things that have happened with Gabe Kidd,” Omega stated. “I’ve had time to reflect after Power Struggle, and I feel I would regret not being able to make things right. I would hate for this situation to cause a rift between AEW and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. So after conversations I’ve had with President Tanahashi and other executives in NJPW, I’ve decided that if New Japan requests it, if Gabe requests it, and if the fans want it, then I will wrestle Gabe Kidd, as a professional, at Wrestle Dynasty January 5.”

This public challenge now puts the ball squarely in Kidd’s court. Known for his brash attitude, Kidd has already been vocal about his disdain for Omega, criticizing the former AEW star for his supposed arrogance during his NJPW appearances. With Wrestle Dynasty just weeks away, all eyes are on Kidd to see if he will accept what could be the biggest match of his career.

Plans Shift for Wrestle Dynasty

Omega’s challenge has not only captivated fans but also shaken up the plans for January 5. Omega was initially rumored to team up with NJPW legend Hiroshi Tanahashi to face The Young Bucks in a high-profile tag match. With Omega now setting his sights on Kidd, it appears those plans have been shelved—or perhaps transformed into a different storyline altogether. The Young Bucks, former AEW World Tag Team Champions, have already confirmed their participation in Wrestle Dynasty, though their opponents remain a mystery.

A New Year, A New Chapter for Omega

Omega’s return marks a significant moment not only for NJPW fans but for professional wrestling as a whole. Having been absent for an entire year due to illness, his comeback is expected to reignite his storied career while potentially solidifying his legacy in NJPW. A clash with Gabe Kidd offers an opportunity for both men to showcase their skills on one of wrestling’s biggest stages.

As the road to Wrestle Dynasty heats up, Omega’s challenge has set the stage for what could be one of the Tokyo Dome’s most talked-about matches. Will Gabe Kidd step up and seize the opportunity, or will Omega’s return take a different twist? Wrestling fans will have their answer soon enough.

AEW’s Kenny Omega Explains How His Diverticulitis Could Be ‘Blessing In Disguise’

Kenny Omega is no stranger to wrestling fans worldwide. As a cornerstone of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Omega’s dynamic in-ring style and gripping storytelling have made him one of the industry’s most respected figures. But for the past several months, fans have felt his absence following a diagnosis of diverticulitis, a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition that forced him out of action. Now, as he nears his return, Omega is reflecting on his time away, calling it a “blessing in disguise.”

Diverticulitis is a painful and potentially dangerous condition that affects the digestive system, causing inflammation in the intestines. For Omega, this diagnosis meant a significant break from wrestling. It was not only a physical setback but also a difficult mental adjustment for someone so deeply connected to the ring.

Despite the physical toll, Omega is taking a remarkably positive outlook on his hiatus. In a recent interview with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, he described how his battle with diverticulitis has changed his perspective, allowing him to look at his career and life through a different lens. “Although getting sick in the way that I did set me back almost a year now, it’s almost a blessing in disguise,” he reflected. For Omega, this time away has offered the rare chance to recharge and reassess, something he believes will ultimately benefit his performance in the long run.

Omega also expressed how his time off has provided an opportunity to overcome his fears, specifically regarding his potential rivalry with wrestling icon Kazuchika Okada. “I looked at that man as a monster, and I can’t lie, I was scared; I can’t face this guy as current Kenny Omega,” he admitted. His words hint at the intensity of his competitive spirit and suggest that he’s using this downtime to mentally prepare for a renewed battle with Okada.

Omega’s comments have sparked speculation among fans about a possible storyline between him and Okada when he returns to AEW. Their previous encounters in New Japan Pro-Wrestling are legendary, widely regarded as some of the best matches in modern wrestling history. With Omega’s renewed focus and a clear headspace, fans are already buzzing with excitement at the idea of him stepping back into the ring with “The Rainmaker.” It seems that even in his absence, Omega is laying the groundwork for an explosive comeback.

With Omega nearing medical clearance, his return to AEW could be one of the biggest wrestling events of the year. Not only does it bring one of the industry’s top talents back into the spotlight, but it also allows AEW to further develop its narrative depth, potentially reigniting cross-promotional rivalries with New Japan. A rematch between Omega and Okada would bridge the gap between wrestling promotions, giving fans a storyline that spans years and continents.

For AEW, having Omega back is a boost in star power and a potential storyline goldmine. As fans eagerly await his return, the anticipation only grows for the exciting matches and storytelling that await. Omega’s resilience and optimism in the face of a daunting health challenge are inspiring, showing fans the power of perseverance and adaptability.

Kenny Omega’s journey through diverticulitis has shown that even the toughest challenges can yield unexpected blessings. His positive outlook, combined with his resolve to come back stronger, serves as an inspiration not only to his fans but also to anyone facing setbacks in life. As Omega nears his return, the wrestling world waits with bated breath to see him back in action — revitalized, refocused, and ready to remind everyone why he’s one of the best in the business. Whether it’s a match against Okada or a new AEW storyline, one thing is clear: Kenny Omega’s return will be nothing short of spectacular.

AEW’s Kenny Omega Announced For Upcoming NJPW Appearance

It has now been nearly a year since Kenny Omega was forced to put his wrestling career on hold thanks to a bout of diverticulitis so severe that there were concerns for Omega’s life. And save for an appearance on “AEW Dynamite” in May, where he was brutally assaulted by The Elite’s Young Bucks, Kazuchika Okada, and Jack Perry, Omega has largely focused on his recovery from surgery. There have been signs, however, that a return could be on the horizon, with Omega being spotted training with long-time tag partner Kota Ibushi, and sitting down with old New Japan rival Hiroshi Tanahashi.

But the biggest sign Omega may be getting set for an in-ring return may have just been revealed by New Japan on Tuesday evening. The promotion announced on their website that Omega will be making a special appearance at NJPW Power Struggle, scheduled to be held on November 4 in Osaka. In their announcement, New Japan pondered what would come from Omega’s special appearance, his first in New Japan since New Year’s Dash 2023, teasing it could be related to Omega’s reunion with Tanahashi earlier this month.

During said reunion, both Omega and Tanahashi expressed interest in teaming together for the first time, with Omega naming the Young Bucks as potential opponents as he looks to avenge their attack on him. Since then, there’s been speculation that the duo’s match against the Bucks could take place at Wrestle Dynasty, a joint show between AEW, CMLL, and New Japan set for January 5 in the Tokyo Dome, Whether Omega’s Power Struggle appearance will hint towards that, or signal a return to the ring sooner than anticipated, remains to be seen.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

NJPW’s Hiroshi Tanahashi Announces He Will Retire At Wrestle Kingdom 1/4/2026

Top NJPW star Hiroshi Tanahashi announced that he will retire from in-ring competition in 2026, with his final match taking place at Wrestle Kingdom on January 4, 2026.

Tanahashi is the current President and Representative Director for NJPW.

Tanahashi has held the IWGP World Championship a record of eight times. He is also a three-time G1 Climax winner and a Triple Grand Slam Winner in NJPW.

NJPW Video Teases Reunion With AEW’s Kenny Omega At WrestleDynasty Crossover Show

Kenny Omega has faced some of the best wrestlers in NJPW history, and the promotion was where he firmly established himself as a major name in the business. On AEW television, Omega hasn’t been seen since May, when he was written off after an attack by former allies The Elite, but it seems like “The Best Bout Machine” is returning to the public eye.

The official NJPW X account recently shared a brief clip where Hiroshi Tanahashi looked back at his last match with Omega, and teased an upcoming reunion. “We wrestled in the main event in the Tokyo Dome in 2019. That match and what came out of it? It was a unique situation, so I think everyone’s curious as to how we’ve been. I’ve got a lot of mixed emotions, but I’m curious too. Excited to see him,” Tanahashi said. The two men then met in a room, and greeted one another, with the post’s hashtags teasing that their “reunion” is somehow tied to the multi-promotion Wrestle Dynasty pay-per-view, which will take place on January 5, 2025.

The most recent update on Omega’s health was one month ago, in August. The star has been suffering from diverticulitis for quite some time, and had surgery recently. His good friend and AEW star, Michael Nakazawa, claimed that “The Cleaner” had 25 centimeters removed of his colon, and had lost abdominal strength as a result, making basic tasks difficult for him. However, Nakazawa added that Omega had steadily been recovering, and that he’d been training at the time. Considering that he’s seemingly planning to appear at Wrestle Dynasty in January, it appears like his recovery has gone quicker than many anticipated.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Update On Matt Riddle’s Likelihood In AEW

A year out from his WWE exit, Matt Riddle recently teased the possibility of joining All Elite Wrestling, specifically with the intention of making more money and working a decent television schedule. According to a new report, though, that idea may be a little far-fetched right now.

Fightful Select reports that AEW President Tony Khan has had zero interest in bringing Riddle aboard to the company, “especially over the last number of years.” In recent months, Riddle has worked with some talents signed to AEW — including Brian Cage, Dralistico, Komander, Penta El Zero Miedo, and The Beast Mortos — on the wrestling circuit. As Fightful points out, though, all those matches emanated from promotions based in Mexico, and not the United States.

In addition to the idea of signing with AEW, Riddle also recently discussed a backstage encounter he had with Khan following his loss to Zack Sabre Jr. at the April 2024 NJPW Windy City Riot show in Chicago. According to Riddle, the conversation between him and Khan was relatively awkward. While Khan initially seemed happy, Riddle stated that he later seemed “confused” when Riddle asked him if he liked the match with Sabre Jr. in a “different” kind of tone.

Since leaving WWE last year, Riddle has worked for several independent promotions across Mexico, Canada, and the United States. “The Original Bro” has additionally appeared for New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Major League Wrestling. Riddle’s latest MLW appearance came at the Summer Of The Beasts event on August 29, which saw him defeat former MLW World Tag Team Champion Matthew Justice.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

NJPW Star Minoru Suzuki Updates Fans On His Condition After Collapsing Mid-Match

Minoru Suzuki provided a positive update on his status after the NJPW legend suffered a concussion mid-match on Saturday. Suzuki was wrestling for Tenryu Project at their Osake Crush Night show on July 6, a trios match pitting Suzuki, Kengo and YASSHI against Tomohiro Ishii, Yuji Hino, and Don Fuji for the Tenryu Project WAR Six-Man Tag Team titles. But the match was stopped by referee Keigo Yushino when, as he would explain on social media, Suzuki did not respond to initial calls. 

Yushino noted that Suzuki wanted to continue, but it was determined that he would not be safe to do so and the match was thrown out. In an announcement posted by Tenryu Project, it was revealed that Suzuki was diagnosed with a concussion after hospital examination, he has since been discharged and the promotion confirmed it would be keeping tabs on his condition over the next few days. The statement made note that Suzuki is walking and talking properly, not showing any significant symptoms and did not suffer any bleeding on the brain.

“Murder Grandpa” has since taken to social media himself, stating he’d had a CT scan which reflected no particular issues, further assuring fans that there was no need to worry. He said that he remembered everything about the incident, including the moment he collapsed. Tenryu Project said in its statement on the matter that it apologized for the abrupt finish to the match, and that it will endeavor to book a rematch once the 56-year-old is ready to return.  Suzuki had been active this week leading into his collapse, wrestling twice during Hiratsuka Shinshiku Yokocho Tanabata Matsuri on July 5. He has been teased for an upcoming clash against AEW’s Chris Jericho, confirming he wouldn’t team with Jericho at Forbidden Door last weekend for the first time, and that he would be seeking a shot at the FTW Championship when they do meet.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Wrestle Dynasty With NJPW, AEW, ROH, STARDOM And CMLL Set For January 2025 At The Tokyo Dome

During Sunday’s AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door pay-per-view, a promo from NJPW aired for Wrestle Dynasty, which will feature stars from NJPW, CMLL, AEW, ROH and STARDOM.

The event is set to take place on Sunday, January 5, 2025 from the Tokyo Dome.

Wrestle Dynasty will take place just one day after Wrestle Kingdom, which will also be held at the Tokyo Dome.

The promo video is below, along with the official announcement from NJPW.

Wrestle Dynasty comes to the Tokyo Dome January 5!

Five promotions in one mega card after Wrestle Kingdom

A huge announcement was made during Forbidden Door as it was revealed the Tokyo Dome will play host to Wrestle Dynasty on January 5 2025.

Five promotions will come together for one mega card as NJPW, AEW, CMLL, ROH and STARDOM will all be under the roof of the Dome just 24 hours after Wrestle Kingdom 19. A night of dream matches is in store to kick off the year!

Source: WrestleView

AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 6/30/2024 (Results), Dr. Britt Baker DMD Returns

Zero Hour.

  • RJ City, Rocky Romero, Jeff Jarrett & Renee Paquette hosted the Zero Hour previewing the card of the show.
  • The Acclaimed (Billy Gunn, Max Caster & Anthony Bowens) cut a promo backstage, where Billy Gunn said he pulled some strings to get Bowens & Caster to team with Hiroshi Tanahashi against The Elite and promised to kick Okada back to his Studio Apartment in Manhattan.
  • Amanda Huber & Negative One talked about the collaboration between AEW & Reebok Classic Leather to pay tribute to Jon Huber, famously known as Brodie Lee Jr.
  • Kyle Fletcher def. Serpentico via Pinfall (BRAINBUSTAH!).
  • Four Way Tag Match: Kings of The Black Throne (Malakai Black & Brody King) def. Private Party (Isiah Kassidy & Marq Quen), Kyle O’Reilly & Tomohiro Ishii, and NJPW STRONG Openweight Champion Gabe Kidd & Roderick Strong (w/ Gedo, Matt Taven & Mike Bennett) via Pinfall (Ganzo Bomb from King on Kassidy).
  • Willow Nightingale & Tam Nakano def. Momo Watanabe & Kris Statlander (w/ Stokely Hathaway) via Pinfall (Hammerlock Dragon Suplex from Nakano on Watanabe).
  • 2024 Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Cup Tournament – First Round Match: Mariah May (w/ Toni Storm & Luther) def. Saraya (w/ Harley Cameron) via Pinfall (Roll-Through Bridge).​​​​​​
    • Mina Shirakawa appeared after the match to celebrate with Mariah May. Storm & Shirakawa then butted heads due to Shirakawa’s sudden appearance.
  • Místico & Lucha Brothers (Penta El Zero Miedo & Rey Fénix) (w/ Alex Abrahantes) def. Los Ingobernables de Japón (Titán, Yota Tsuji & Hiromu Takahashi) via Submission (La Mística from Místico on Titán).

Main Show.

  • Excalibur, Nigel McGuiness & Taz welcomed the audience to the broadcast before transitioning into the opening match.
  • Maxwell Jacob Freidman def. Hechicero via Pinfall (Sheer Drop Brainbuster).
  • The Elite (AEW International Champion Kazuchika Okada and AEW Tag Team Champions Matthew Jackson & Nicholas Jackson) def. Hiroshi Tanahashi & The Acclaimed (Max Caster & Anthony Bowens) via Pinfall (Rainmaker from Okada on Tanahashi).
    • Okada was going to hit another Rainmaker on Tanahashi, but Billy Gunn came to the ring and made the save.
  • 2024 Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Cup Tournament – First Round Match: Bryan Danielson def. Shingo Takagi via Submission (Disarmer Arm Breaker).
  • AEW Women’s World Championship Match: Toni Storm (c) (w/ Luther & Mariah May) def. Mina Shirakawa (w/ Mariah May) via Pinfall (Storm Zero).
    • After a vicious match, Mina Shirakawa & Toni Storm embraced with a hug and a handshake before they & May kissed. Nigel McGuiness was spotted crying at the wholesome ending.
  • Zack Sabre Jr def. Orange Cassidy via Submission (Clarky Cat Lock).
  • Katsuyori Shibata, Samoa Joe & HOOK def. NJPW Television Champion Jeff Cobb & The Learning Tree (Chris Jericho & Big Bill) (w/ Bryan Keith) via Pinfall (Judas Effect from HOOK on Jericho).
  • TNT Championship Ladder Match: Jack Perry def. Konosuke Takeshita, Mark Briscoe, Jack Perry, Lio Rush, Dante Martin & El Phantasmo to win the title.
  • TBS Championship & NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship Match: Mercedes Mone (c) def. Stephanie Vaquer (c) via Submission (Banks Statement).
  • NJPW announced they will host the ” WrestleDynasty ” event from the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan on January 5, 2024.
  • IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Match: Tetsuya Naito def. Jon Moxley (c) via Pinfall (Destino).
  • AEW World Heavyweight Championship Match: Swerve Strickland (c) (w/ Prince Nana & Jim Jones) def. AEW International Champion Will Ospreay via Pinfall (JML Driver).
    • After the referee was taken out, Don Callis tried to give a screwdriver to help Ospreay, but Prince Nana took him out. Ospreay then threatened to stab Nana with the screwdriver, but had second thoughts and tossed the tool away. Ospreay got back in the ring, but Swerve then hit the House Call and a Swerve Stomp to try and pick up the win, but Ospreay kicked out. Swerve got back up and hit another House Call before hitting the JML Driver for the win. Swerve Strickland celebrated with Flash Garments, Jim Jones, and Prince Nana ss Ospreay was consoled by Kyle Fletcher in the ring to end the broadcast.

Results from WrestleZone

AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 6/30/2024 (Card)

AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door – Sunday June 30, 2024 – UBS Arena in Elmont, New York

Featuring wrestling talent from AEW, NJPW, STARDOM and CMLL

CARD

THE AEW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Swerve Strickland (c) vs. Will Ospreay

LADDER MATCH FOR THE VACANT AEW TNT CHAMPIONSHIP
Dante Martin vs. Jack Perry vs. Konosuke Takeshita vs. Lio Rush vs. Mark Briscoe vs. El Phantasmo

WINNER TAKES ALL MATCH FOR THE AEW TBS CHAMPIONSHIP AND NJPW STRONG WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP
Mercedes Moné (c–AEW) vs. Stephanie Vaquer (c–NJPW)

AEW WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
“Timeless” Toni Storm (c) (with Mariah May and Luther) vs. Mina Shirakawa (with Mariah May)

IWGP WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Jon Moxley (c) vs. Tetsuya Naito

The Elite (Young Bucks & Kazuchika Okada) vs. The Acclaimed & Hiroshi Tanahashi w/“Daddy Ass” Billy Gunn

MEN’S OWEN HART CUP TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND MATCH
Bryan Danielson vs. Shingo Takagi

MJF vs. Hechicero

Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Orange Cassidy

The Learning Tree (Chris Jericho and Big Bill) and Jeff Cobb (with Bryan Keith) vs. Samoa Joe, Hook, and Katsuyori Shibata

ZERO HOUR
Kris Statlander & Momo Watanabe w/Stokely Hathaway vs. Willow Nightingale & Tam Nakano

[ZERO HOUR] WOMEN’S OWEN HART CUP TOURNAMENT FIRST-ROUND MATCH:
Mariah May (with “Timeless” Toni Storm, Luther and Mina Shirakawa) vs. Saraya (with Harley Cameron and Anna Jay)

[ZERO HOUR] TRIOS MATCH:
Los Ingobernables de Japon (Yota Tsuji, Titan, and Hiromu Takahashi) vs. The Lucha Brothers (Penta El Zero Miedo and Rey Fénix) and Místico (with Alex Abrahantes)