AEW star Kenny Omega shared harrowing details about a life-threatening diverticulitis attack that nearly ended his wrestling career in late 2023. Revealing the emergency on Wrestling Observer Radio, Omega explained how doctors warned him that without immediate medical intervention, his condition might have been fatal, shining a light on the seriousness of his health scare.
Desperate Effort to Maintain Composure Despite Feeling Ill
During the minutes leading up to his last television appearance in November 2023, Omega described his physical state as dire.
The memory of it’s pretty vivid still,
he said, recalling the night. Although feeling faint and pale, he chose to continue with his segment, enduring what he called a battle of will to stay conscious.
I told everyone beforehand… ‘Hey guys, like, look, I don’t know what’s wrong with me… but I really don’t feel reliable right now.’
He further added,
I feel like I could just keel over… I look at myself in the mirror… I feel really pale, really blue.
Urgent Medical Intervention and Hospitalization
After the show, Omega sought medical advice and was initially sent home. The situation escalated quickly, leading to an urgent recall by the doctors.
I remember going home, getting a call about an hour and a half later, and they said, ‘Yeah, do you mind coming back and just being prepared to stay in the hospital for quite a while?’
Omega recounted, explaining the urgency conveyed.
I said, ‘I’ll pack a bag… and I’ll head to you guys tomorrow.’ They said, ‘No, like, you need to come now… we don’t want to worry you or anything, but you could be at risk of dying.’

Grueling Surgery and Difficult Recovery Period
The surgery that followed was intense, leaving Omega with significant weight and muscle loss. He highlighted the mental effect of hearing cautious advice from medical staff.
They had said, ‘Have no expectation… be happy with any positive improvement.’ That actually helped to hear that… not to be too hard on myself.
Despite the challenges, Omega eventually returned to wrestling but confessed ongoing struggles with energy and physical aftereffects, especially after intense matches like the Anarchy in the Arena event.
Lingering Effects and Long-Term Complications
One of the most troubling lasting issues has been the formation of adhesions inside his abdomen, which cause pain and discomfort during physical exertion.
When you’re breathing heavy, when you have to use a lot of core, when you have to twist, when you have to stretch… the adhesions are binding to my inner organs. They’re pulling apart and it causes a lot of discomfort. It causes flu-like symptoms to emerge.
These complications have forced Omega to carefully consider which matches to participate in, preserving his health for the most meaningful contests.
Selective Approach to Wrestling and Upcoming Major Match
Expressing frustration with the toll wrestling takes on his body, Omega shared his decision to focus on the most important opportunities.
The ones that don’t mean anything… it’s like chipping away at what’s left, and there isn’t much left,
he reflected.
I want to make sure that the meat that is on the bone still… that it’s good tasting meat, you know, hopefully.
With his health cautiously managed, Omega is preparing for a prominent title unification match against longtime rival Kazuchika Okada at AEW All In: Texas. The event is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, marking a significant moment in his return to top-tier competition.
Looking Ahead to Omega’s Wrestling Future
As Kenny Omega continues to balance recovery and in-ring performance, his diverticulitis life scare underscores the physical risks wrestlers face behind the scenes. His selective match choices demonstrate a strategic approach to prolonging his career while maintaining his well-being, signaling a new phase in his professional journey.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who defeated Kenny Omega?
A. Kenny is a mockumentary that shows the fictional character Kenny in his everyday life. It explores his job and personal relationships while Kenny shares his thoughts with the camera and audience. Kenny’s role involves an essential community service: managing portable toilets.