AEW International Champion Kenny Omega recently spoke on Wrestling Observer Radio about the ongoing changes in pro wrestling, offering his insights on the industry’s future direction. He referred to his earlier remarks from May about the possibility of a WrestleMania main event featuring celebrities such as Logan Paul and Mr. Beast, exploring how wrestling is adapting to modern audience preferences. Omega’s comments highlight the evolving nature of the sport in response to broader societal shifts.
The Rise of Short-Form Content and Influencers in Wrestling
Omega explained that the wrestling world is moving toward an “ADHD version” of the sport, dominated by short, digestible clips shared on platforms like TikTok, combined with appearances from influencers and special guests who draw broad attention. He emphasized that this shift is not limited to wrestling but is part of a larger trend in entertainment where audiences prefer content that is quicker to consume and easier to understand. According to Omega, this trend is neither inherently good nor bad but is a natural evolution driven by changes in societal behavior and media consumption.
Much like a wrestling analyst would view wrestling, I try to analyze and predict the trajectory of where things are headed. I took a little bit of heat for this, and I didn’t mean it in a negative way, but I said, ‘Hey, we’re kind of shifting towards an ADHD version of pro wrestling where it’s going to be TikTok clips and special guests and influencers that are going to garner most of the attention of pro wrestling.’ I don’t mean in just pro wrestling, it’s across the board. My interest in video games, TV shows, everyone kind of wants things compressed and they want to be able to digest it as quickly as possible and just get the gist of it right away. I don’t look at it as a positive or negative; it’s just evolution. That’s where society is headed.
—Kenny Omega, AEW International Champion
Adapting Wrestling Styles to Different Audiences
Omega also shared how his approach to wrestling matches varies depending on cultural context, noting a contrast between Japan and the Western market. He suggested that Western audiences tend to prefer faster-paced and more immediately engaging entertainment, which influences how matches are presented. Reflecting on the potential inclusion of personalities like Logan Paul and Mr. Beast in wrestling events, Omega clarified that his reference was lighthearted and highlighted how such figures might attract new fans. He acknowledged that while this style of wrestling differs from traditional presentations, it aligns with the evolving tastes of contemporary viewers.
I do think that, which is why I brought it up before, the way I approach a match in Japan would be much different than the way I would approach it here because I think it’s more of a Western philosophy to want to digest things as quick as possible. That’s just become the norm. I brought up Logan Paul, and I didn’t mean it in a negative context whatsoever when I said, ‘We could be looking at Logan Paul’ and I said Mr. Beast. That was in jest. I was just bringing up a name that has a homogeneous following and people would recognize immediately. With the amount of time that you have for preparation, I have no doubt in my mind that Logan Paul, with the creative minds behind the driving force of WWE, they would be able to put something together that was probably pretty entertaining. Is it going to be pro wrestling as the way we knew it and grew up? No, of course not, but if the fans like it and they are willing to buy it and they are selling it by the hundred thousands, then that’s just how history is going to dictate pro wrestling moves forward.
—Kenny Omega, AEW International Champion
Implications for the Future of Wrestling
Kenny Omega’s perspective underscores a significant shift in professional wrestling as it embraces new formats and audiences influenced by social media and celebrity culture. The inclusion of influencers and shorter clips represents an attempt to remain relevant in a rapidly changing entertainment environment. Omega’s balanced view reflects an acceptance of this transition as a response to evolving audience behavior rather than a decline in the sport’s traditional values. Moving forward, wrestling promotions may increasingly blend classic storytelling with modern trends to attract diverse fans and sustain growth.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who defeated Kenny Omega?
A. “Kenny” is a mockumentary that tells the fictional story of a man named Kenny. It captures his everyday life, showing both his work and personal relationships. Kenny speaks directly to the camera, sharing his experiences with the audience. His job is essential for the community, as he provides portable toilets.
