Kenny Omega is set for his highly anticipated AEW return this week on Dynamite: Maximum Carnage, following a significant absence from the ring since December’s Dynamite: Holiday Bash. With intense speculation surrounding potential rivals, the focus keyword “Kenny Omega AEW return targets” is top of mind as fans await his next move in All Elite Wrestling.
Setting the Stage for Kenny Omega’s AEW Comeback
Omega has been absent from in-ring competition since teaming with The Young Bucks last December, where they overcame the Don Callis Family and secured a major victory on AEW Dynamite: Holiday Bash. His storyline tensions and energetic performances, culminating in this win, left fans eager for more. After Worlds End 2025, Omega made it clear by sending a message to MJF, the newly crowned Men’s World Champion, highlighting his ambitions for the championship known as the Triple B.
This week, All Elite Wrestling officially announced Omega’s return to action on Dynamite: Maximum Carnage. Given unfinished business across the roster, there is heightened anticipation about which stars Omega will set his sights on as he seeks to reestablish himself as a top contender.
Potential Rival #1: Andrade El Idolo
During the Six-Year Anniversary edition of Dynamite last October, Omega joined forces with Brody King and Bandido to topple the Don Callis Family in tag competition. After the match, Andrade El Idolo made a dramatic return to AEW, interrupting Omega’s victory address before attacking him and aligning with Don Callis. Despite rapid momentum, Andrade soon disappeared from AEW following legal complications; WWE reportedly served a cease-and-desist due to his non-compete clause.
After resolving contractual challenges, Andrade reemerged in AEW on Dynamite earlier this week, aligning once more with the Callis Family and making an impact by attacking Jack Perry, The Young Bucks, and JetSpeed. The personal history between Omega and Andrade remains unresolved, and with Omega eyeing a path back to world title contention, a collision between the two is a distinct possibility. A confrontation could escalate quickly, possibly leading to a singles match that would reignite their unfinished rivalry and boost Omega’s credibility on his journey back to the top.
Potential Rival #2: Josh Alexander and the Pursuit of Vengeance
In October at AEW Collision: Homecoming, Josh Alexander from the Don Callis Family faced Kota Ibushi in a brutal match. The contest ended with Ibushi suffering a broken femur, sidelining him for the foreseeable future. Since then, Alexander, whose persona thrives on antagonizing his rivals, has claimed credit for Ibushi’s injury, boasting about it within AEW programming.
Kenny Omega, closely linked to Ibushi as a tag team partner, has crossed paths with Alexander during various multi-man matches, including the high-stakes trios bout at Full Gear 2025. However, Omega and Alexander have yet to meet in singles competition within AEW. Following his return on Dynamite: Maximum Carnage, Omega could issue a challenge to Alexander, seeking retribution for Ibushi’s injury. A decisive win against Alexander would strengthen Omega’s standing and advance his pursuit of the AEW World Title.
Potential Rival #3: A Renewed Challenge for AEW World Champion MJF
On the October 28, 2023, edition of Collision, MJF—a dominant force and reigning Men’s World Champion—defeated Omega in a high-profile, thirty-minute contest, defending his title and surpassing Omega’s own record as the longest-reigning champion. Later, at Worlds End 2023, MJF lost his title to Samoa Joe in a turning point for the division. However, by December 2025, at Worlds End, MJF reclaimed the championship by overcoming Samoa Joe, Swerve Strickland, and Hangman Page in a fierce four-way match.
In the aftermath, Omega signaled his intent once again to pursue the AEW World Championship, making his ambitions clear to MJF and AEW audiences. Given their history—MJF’s prior victory over Omega and Omega’s determination to reclaim the spotlight—fans are anticipating a potential rematch. Even if Omega does not compete against MJF immediately, he may target the champion on Dynamite: Maximum Carnage, especially during or after MJF’s scheduled title defense against Bandido, setting the stage for another marquee confrontation.
The Impact of Omega’s Return on AEW
Kenny Omega’s return is poised to inject new energy into AEW storylines and the wider wrestling landscape. Whether facing Andrade El Idolo, seeking vengeance against Josh Alexander for Kota Ibushi, or reigniting his rivalry with current champion MJF, Omega’s next moves will shape future title contention and major event storylines. All eyes are on Dynamite: Maximum Carnage to see how Omega’s path unfolds as he seeks to reclaim his place among AEW’s elite.
