Kenny Omega’s AEW career update reveals that the star remains on hiatus from wrestling while pursuing ventures in the gaming industry. This news comes following his last in-ring appearance at the recent All In event, where he lost a high-stakes AEW Unified Championship match to Kazuchika Okada. Meanwhile, WrestleCon Newark brought together many prominent wrestling figures, including The Hardy Boyz—Matt and Jeff Hardy—and AEW star Anthony Bowens, generating widespread attention from fans.
During WrestleCon Newark, Bowens was seen alongside the veteran Hardy brothers, sparking enthusiasm among wrestling enthusiasts as the trio shared a notable reunion. Despite their short tenure in AEW, Jeff and Matt Hardy remain beloved by fans and maintain close ties with current AEW talent such as Bowens, who himself is a former AEW World Tag Team Champion based in Jacksonville.
In addition to the Hardy brothers, WrestleCon featured appearances by wrestling legends including Sting, Rikishi, Saraya, Rob Van Dam, and Bret Hart, highlighting the event’s importance as a gathering for senior and current stars across the industry.
Jake Hager Announces Retirement After Leaving AEW
AEW lost Jake Hager, a former WWE World Heavyweight Champion known as Jack Swagger, last year when he chose not to renew his contract with the promotion. Hager’s departure marked the end of a significant chapter in his wrestling career, officially confirmed by his retirement announcement during an episode of Rulebreakers with Saraya. He stated:
“I’m getting out of wrestling. I pretty much—I could say I’m retired from it.” —Jake Hager, Former AEW Wrestler
Hager had been an early AEW signing and a crucial member of Chris Jericho’s Inner Circle faction. Over time, his role diminished following the faction’s split, with his final match taking place in November 2023 before officially exiting AEW in May 2024 at age 43.
Athena Sets Her Sights on AEW Women’s World Title
The ROH Women’s World Champion Athena made headlines by attacking AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm during a recent Dynamite episode. Having held the ROH title for over 900 days, Athena earned her AEW title shot by winning the Women’s Casino Gauntlet Match at All In: Texas and has now declared her intention to challenge Toni Storm at the upcoming Forbidden Door event.
Athena intensified the rivalry by mocking Toni Storm’s “Timeless” persona and recruiting Billie Starkz to imitate Luther, Storm’s ally. In backstage footage, Athena expressed her determination to usher in a new era, stating:
“I am here, your forever ROH Champion… it’s time for a new era to reign. Because, Toni, we are sick and tired of you, and it’s time for something new, something fresh, something me.” —Athena, ROH Women’s World Champion
Kenny Omega’s Transition From Wrestling to Gaming
Since his defeat at All In, Kenny Omega has been absent from AEW’s weekly shows, focusing instead on expanding his involvement in the gaming sector. Omega recently shared behind-the-scenes footage showcasing his transformation into the character Sagat for promotional material on the social media platform X.
Previously, Omega collaborated with Capcom for the downloadable content trailer of Street Fighter 6, portraying several iconic characters including Alex, C. Viper, Ingrid, and Sagat. This partnership indicates a significant pivot in Omega’s career, highlighting his growing influence beyond wrestling as he leverages his popularity and versatility within the gaming community.
Implications and Prospects for AEW and Kenny Omega
The current hiatus in Kenny Omega’s in-ring activities and his focus on gaming projects mark a notable shift for one of All Elite Wrestling‘s biggest stars. His absence impacts AEW’s main event scene, creating opportunities for emerging talent while maintaining fan interest through his external ventures. The wrestling community eagerly awaits further updates regarding Omega’s return or potential long-term transition away from weekly wrestling appearances.
Meanwhile, AEW continues to evolve with significant storylines, including Athena’s escalating rivalry with Toni Storm, and the departure of seasoned veterans like Jake Hager altering the promotion’s landscape. WrestleCon Newark’s reunion moments and appearances from revered wrestlers emphasize the sport’s enduring appeal and AEW’s strong position in the industry.
