The Don Callis Family is currently one of the most dominant factions in wrestling, led by Don Callis himself and including members such as Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher, Wardlow, Kazuchika Okada, and Josh Alexander. Recently, tension has escalated around former NXT North American Champion Swerve Strickland, who has been sidelined while recovering from meniscus surgery he underwent last month. Strickland suffered the injury in 2019 but delayed surgery until recently, with hopes of a return to the ring in the coming months.
At the 2025 Forbidden Door event, Strickland’s final match in All Elite Wrestling saw him challenge Kazuchika Okada for the AEW Unified Championship, a bout which he lost. Following the match, Okada attacked Strickland’s knee in a scripted storyline to write him off TV during his recovery. However, Don Callis, Okada’s manager and leader of the Don Callis Family, stirred controversy after Strickland posted an old photo celebrating his time as AEW World Champion.
Callis responded on X (formerly Twitter) by mocking Strickland’s injury with a harsh remark:
“DO YOU HAVE ANY HOSPITAL PHOTOS??” —Don Callis, Manager and Leader of The Don Callis Family
This taunt has intensified the ongoing rivalry, as Strickland is expected to seek revenge against Okada and his faction once he returns to action.
Callis Compares Kenny Omega to Aaron Rodgers, Calling Both Overrated
Don Callis’s reputation for blunt and unfiltered commentary extends beyond his faction’s affairs. Recently, he voiced sharp criticism of his former client Kenny Omega, comparing him to unpopular sports figure Aaron Rodgers. Callis claimed that both men are overrated and disliked by many in their respective fields. He said:
“KENNY OMEGA IS THE AARON ROGERS OF WRESTLING: OVERRATED AND EVERYONE HATES HIM,” —Don Callis
This statement arrives just as Omega is anticipated to miss the All Out 2025 event, though fans remain hopeful he will regain the AEW World Championship title in the future.
The Impact of Callis’s Comments on Wrestling Dynamics
Don Callis’s mocking of Strickland’s injury and harsh words about Kenny Omega have stirred debate across wrestling communities, highlighting the intense rivalries and emotional stakes involved. His brash social media presence fuels storylines but also provokes real reactions from fans and wrestlers alike.
As Strickland recuperates, the anticipation builds for his comeback and potential retribution against Callis’s faction, especially Kazuchika Okada. Meanwhile, Callis’s provocative remarks regarding Omega contribute to ongoing tensions within AEW’s top talent hierarchy, shaping the narrative moving forward.
