Kenny Omega remains a central figure in AEW storylines as he nears his 26th year in professional wrestling, but recent plans for major matches involving him have faced delays due to health concerns. The AEW Executive Vice President has continued to engage in compelling rivalries, yet physical setbacks have impacted the progression of key narratives involving The Cleaner.
Recent Conflicts and Story Developments in AEW
Following the intense event Forbidden Door IV, Omega reignited hostilities with The Don Callis Family. He joined forces with AEW and NJPW babyfaces to defeat Gabe Kidd, The Young Bucks, and The Death Riders in a brutal Lights Out Steel Cage match. The post-pay-per-view Dynamite episode saw Omega and Adam Page surprise fans by overcoming The Don Callis Family in a dramatic moment. However, the excitement was curbed shortly after when The Young Bucks, along with Kyle Fletcher and Josh Alexander, defeated Omega, Page, Mike Bailey, and Kevin Knight in the following week’s Dynamite main event. The Bucks then launched an attack on JetSpeed, while The Don Callis Family targeted Hangman Page and Kenny Omega.
During this chaotic scene, The Protostar inflicted severe damage on Omega at ringside, prompting medics to attend to the Canadian wrestler. AEW TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher declared,
“Kenny Omega to be dead” as he was taken out on a stretcher to close the show.
– Kyle Fletcher, AEW TNT Champion
This moment intensified speculation about a possible second singles match between Fletcher and Omega, fueling fan anticipation and backstage rumors.
Omega’s Return and Emerging Rivalries at AEW’s Dynamite Anniversary
Omega returned to action for the Dynamite 6th Anniversary special, teaming with World Tag Team Champions Bandido and Brody King to secure a victory against The Young Bucks and Josh Alexander. Following the match, tension arose when Omega and Jack Perry exchanged words, which led to Jurassic Express brawling The Bucks backstage. In a surprising twist, Andrade reappeared in AEW and betrayed Omega by aligning himself with The Don Callis Family.
The Wrestling Observer reports that a highly anticipated encounter between “The Best Bout Machine” Kenny Omega and Andrade, billed as their first-time AEW singles bout, is under discussion for WrestleDream III on October 18. The only previous singles match between the two occurred on August 14, 2021, at AAA Triplemania XXIX, where Omega retained the Mega Championship after a 24-minute contest. That match featured Andrade’s then-father-in-law Ric Flair in his corner, while Konnan supported Omega.
The Delay of Kenny Omega vs. Kyle Fletcher and Reasons Behind It
Andrade’s recent turn against Omega and the rumored match at WrestleDream has raised questions about the absence of a more immediate Kenny Omega vs. Kyle Fletcher bout, despite their prior singles match on October 18, 2023, which Omega won in 13 minutes. According to The Wrestling Observer, the reason AEW is postponing the Omega vs. Fletcher encounter lies in Omega’s current physical condition.
While the match would normally have taken place given the momentum in the storyline, Omega’s health is not optimal, leading to concerns about putting the 41-year-old wrestler into a high-intensity contest typical of the young TNT Champion, Fletcher. It was noted that having Fletcher take Omega out in a way that leads right into an Andrade feud is strategically complicated and less than ideal. In an ideal booking scenario, Omega vs. Fletcher should happen at WrestleDream. Additionally, Andrade’s reintroduction is part of AEW’s effort to expand its appeal in Mexico and on FOX Sports MX by showcasing another prominent Hispanic star.
Implications for AEW’s Future Story Arcs
The unfolding developments around Kenny Omega’s health and shifting alliances reflect the balancing act AEW faces between advancing engaging storylines and ensuring their top stars remain fit for the demanding performances required. Kenny Omega’s status as both a top wrestler and an executive adds layers of complexity to these decisions. Fans can expect carefully managed appearances from Omega in the immediate future, with major rivalries like the Andrade feud shaping upcoming events such as WrestleDream III. The strategic timing of matches involving Kyle Fletcher and other key talents remains crucial as AEW navigates these challenges.
