The Best Bout Machine is back, and he’s not wasting any time. After a year-long hiatus due to diverticulitis, Kenny Omega is ready to step back into the ring, and he’s chosen NJPW’s Gabe Kidd as his target. Omega, a former AEW World Champion and one of the most celebrated wrestlers of his generation, laid out the challenge in an interview with NJPW1972.com, signaling his return to the squared circle at Wrestle Dynasty on January 5, 2025.
Omega’s Challenge: Squaring the Circle with Kidd
Addressing his altercation with Gabe Kidd at NJPW’s Power Struggle on November 4, Omega admitted that the only way to resolve their differences was inside the ring.
“I’ve had time to reflect after Power Struggle, and I feel I would regret not being able to make things right. I would hate for this situation to cause a rift between AEW and New Japan Pro-Wrestling… If New Japan requests it, if Gabe requests it, and if the fans want it, then I will wrestle Gabe Kidd, as a professional, at Wrestle Dynasty January 5.”
Omega’s comments come after Kidd openly criticized the AEW star, accusing him of arrogance during his NJPW appearances. Now, with Omega’s challenge on the table, all eyes are on Kidd to see if he’ll accept the opportunity of a lifetime.
Plans Changed for The Elite?
Omega’s declaration also puts another rumored match on hold. Many fans had anticipated seeing Omega team up with NJPW icon Hiroshi Tanahashi to face The Young Bucks at Wrestle Dynasty. While the Bucks have already confirmed their participation at the event, their opponents remain a mystery following Omega’s challenge to Kidd.
This unexpected twist sets up Wrestle Dynasty as a must-see event, with Kenny Omega’s highly anticipated return at the center of the action.
What’s Next?
The ball is now in Gabe Kidd’s court. Will he rise to the occasion and accept the challenge, or will tensions between NJPW and AEW escalate further? One thing’s for sure—January 5 at the Tokyo Dome is shaping up to be a night of monumental moments.