AEW star Kenny Omega has revealed that his current favorite wrestler in WWE is Ilja Dragunov, a moment that surprised many fans during a recent Twitch stream. This revelation offers insight into Omega’s respect for talent across wrestling promotions, despite his status as a leading figure in AEW since its founding in 2019.
Omega Praises Dragunov’s Unique Presence and In-Ring Intensity
Kenny Omega, often recognized as one of the premier wrestlers globally and a key architect of All Elite Wrestling alongside Tony Khan, Cody Rhodes, and the Young Bucks, has spent over seven years building an impressive legacy. While now maintaining a lighter schedule with AEW to address ongoing health concerns, Omega continues to engage with fans online. During a live Twitch broadcast, Omega named Ilja Dragunov as his favorite WWE superstar to watch and shared his reasoning in glowing terms.
“I feel that Dragunov, without me even knowing who he is, but I feel like he has that special element about him where he would bring the fight to the point where we would go to that magical place where we’re just trading blows back and forth, having the fans really believe in everything that we do, and us just giving it all,”
said Omega.
Dragunov, also known as the Mad Dragon, is renowned in WWE circles for his highly physical style and emotional performances in the ring. Omega’s comments highlight the respect shared between top-tier athletes, even across competing organizations.
Responding to William Regal’s Concerns on Wrestler Safety
After the AEW Worlds End event, retired WWE star William Regal made notable remarks about the dangers wrestlers face, specifically the risks attached to high-impact moves. Regal’s statements sparked speculation regarding whether he was referencing AEW’s in-ring style. Omega quickly took to social media, voicing support for Regal’s perspective and calling for greater focus on athlete welfare over rivalry.
“Regardless of timing or perceived intent, the general message from Mr. Regal remains a positive one. Tribalism, whataboutism, and other ‘isms’ aren’t needed here. Safety often takes a back seat when a wrestler is locked in and actively chasing the dragon. We all sometimes need a voice from afar to tether us back to reality and to tell us that the risks have consequences. The odds aren’t in our favor and none of us will walk away unscathed. This isn’t company vs company or wrestler vs wrestler.”
— Kenny Omega
This response from Omega reflects a balanced approach, recognizing the shared risks and challenges across the wrestling world, whether in AEW, WWE, or elsewhere.
Omega’s Continued Influence and What Lies Ahead
With his candid remarks about peer talent like Ilja Dragunov and industry veterans like William Regal, Kenny Omega continues to impact professional wrestling beyond his matches. As AEW looks ahead to upcoming events, including Omega’s anticipated return to AEW Dynamite, fans are eager to see how his perspective and actions shape future storylines and discussions on sportsmanship and safety.
Omega’s acknowledgment of exceptional competitors outside his home promotion, and his public commitment to health and realism, reinforce his role as both a competitor and a thoughtful leader in wrestling. As the landscape evolves, such exchanges add depth to ongoing narratives, drawing attention to mutual respect and the physical realities that define the sport.
Kenny Omega named Ilja Dragunov as one of his favourite current wrestlers to watch pic.twitter.com/k5Riyd0cQf
— AIR (@AIRGold_) January 12, 2026
