Kenny Omega played a crucial role in the AEW-NJPW babyfaces‘ victory in a Lights Out Steel Cage match at Forbidden Door IV this past weekend, held Sunday at The O2 Arena in London, England. While speculation grew about Omega gearing up for his sixth AEW title reign following a significant Dynamite segment, ongoing health issues may postpone his anticipated championship push.
Alongside Kota Ibushi, Darby Allin, Will Ospreay, and Hiroshi Tanahashi, Omega helped defeat Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Matt and Nick Jackson, and the current IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion during the intense 32-minute main event of the AEW x NJPW crossover event. Later at Dynamite from the former ECW Arena, Omega saved Adam Page from The Don Callis Family, joining forces with Page and other teammates to overcome Lance Archer and associates, closing the episode with a commanding moment that energized the Philadelphia crowd.
Kenny Omega‘s Extensive AEW Career and Health Challenges
Since AEW’s inception, Omega has competed in 119 matches, including co-promoted events with partner organizations like NJPW, AAA, and others, though several additional bouts in TNA, DDT, and on Chris Jericho’s cruise are not counted. He has secured victory in 87 of these outings, reflecting a highly successful run. However, a severe case of diverticulitis required Omega to adjust his wrestling style before his January ring return, and concerns remain that he may have to further reduce his in-ring intensity.
This adjustment could delay Omega‘s entry into an elite circle of more than 15 wrestlers with 100 or more AEW wins, a group that includes notable names such as Jon Moxley, Adam Page, Hikaru Shida, Max Caster, Orange Cassidy, Darby Allin, Jack Perry, The Young Bucks, and Kris Statlander, among others.
Ongoing Physical Pain Impacts Omega’s Wrestling Schedule
Despite missing the inaugural AEW Unified Championship earlier this summer, Omega continues to aim for a second AEW World Championship. However, health issues accumulated from over 25 years of a physically demanding wrestling style still plague him. Reports from The Wrestling Observer reveal that Omega is managing serious pain, adding to AEW’s notable absentee list that includes Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay, both sidelined for various lengths of time.
During the Forbidden Door match, Omega visibly sustained injuries, even bleeding from the mouth in exchanges with Gabe Kidd, though he reportedly performed more cautiously than in recent previous events like Anarchy In The Arena. While these health concerns are significant, Omega is currently expected to continue appearing in the ring.
In fact, the upcoming Dynamite show at the 2300 Arena will see Omega team with Adam Page, Mike Bailey, and Kevin Knight against The Young Bucks, Kyle Fletcher, and Josh Alexander, indicating no immediate return to a break. Meanwhile, Will Ospreay has expressed a desire to face Omega, possibly at All In 2026 at Wembley Stadium, depending on his recovery from neck surgery.
The Wrestling Observer emphasizes that with injuries and health setbacks affecting cornerstone talents like Ospreay, Strickland, and Omega, AEW faces challenges in maintaining the consistently high quality expected for their pay-per-view events.
