Kenny Omega on his AEW role: ‘We need to trust our future’
At this point in his career, Kenny Omega is less focused on personal goals and more concerned with building the next generation up.
The 42-year-old Omega recently entered back into the AEW World Championship picture but, at least for now, was unsuccessful in securing a title shot. Omega lost to Andrade El idolo last week, with Andrade now set to face Hangman Page at Grand Slam Australia on February 14 to determine who will challenge MJF at Revolution.
In an interview with Undisputed that was published after his loss to Andrade, Omega was asked if he’s still driven by the idea of becoming World Champion.
“That’s a very good question,” he responded. “I’m in a position where a lot of my own personal goals are out of the way. I’ve checked all those boxes. The one personal goal I have left is to be the best utility tool for what the situation calls for.”
Omega — who also holds an Executive Vice President position behind the scenes in AEW — added that he feels the promotion needs to trust its future and allow younger wrestlers to establish their own success.
“Maybe I could main event until I’m dead,” Omega said. “But what follows after if I haven’t built anybody–or if I haven’t had a hand in helping the next generation rise up? That’s more so my role now than it’s ever been.
“We need to trust our future. There are people who need these experiences. They need to learn and evolve as performers. We can’t keep relying on the same small-knit group of people that have a track record of success. We need to be cognizant of what we’re doing moving forward.”
Omega isn’t ruling out another run with the AEW World Championship, though. He previously held the title for 346 days from 2020-2021 and is willing to step into that role again if necessary.
“If for some reason, whether it be the fans or the wrestling world in general, there is a want and a desire for me to have one more title run, then I’ll push myself to get there,” he said. “I also take pride in not needing to be there. I want to be in a position where I can say that I helped create an environment where all these guys have risen to the call and the challenge of being able to carry the company. I would love that. But if people are calling for it, for me to step up and be that guy, then I’ll do my best.”
With his World title pursuit on hold for the moment, Omega is set to feud with Swerve Strickland. There will be a face-to-face interview with those two on AEW Dynamite this Wednesday.
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.