Kenny Omega Interview Notes: Gabe Kidd, AEW, NJPW Return, Swerve

Fightful Select interviewed AEW Executive Vice President Kenny Omega. The former AEW World Champion spoke with Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp for over 45 minutes. The two discussed topics ranging from Kenny’s health, BTE, and the recent controversy between himself and NJPW STRONG Openweight Champion Gabe Kidd.

Sean begins the interview by asking Kenny Omega about the disease diverticulitis. Kenny explained he did not know how long he worked with it and said it was a “big wake-up call” for him. Omega conveys his gratitude for being back, somewhat. The discussion turns to Omega’s hiatus from wrestling, which began nearly a year ago. Sean mentions how this illness is not commonly understood among fans; it is known to affect other wrestlers (Brock Lesnar). Omega tells the story of his diagnosis, sharing that he wrestled through multiple matches, feeling constantly unwell and sensing something was wrong. He began to notice his training results diminishing, with fatigue and pain that extended beyond typical workout soreness.

Omega tells Sean as his health declined, he experienced worsening pain in his midsection and low energy levels. He recalls the effort it took to simply appear at shows, pushing himself to perform despite his symptoms. He remembered seeing himself in the mirror being pale. He told Sean that he once requested makeup to make him appear healthier. Omega said when looking back on the footage, he recognized that he looked unwell. Omega said the health scare became a blessing in disguise, and it pushed him to seek medical help.

Kenny says it forced him to consider his future and told Sean how he has already achieved far beyond his dreams in wrestling, having touched and been touched by countless people throughout his career.

Kenny said his potential exit is not ideal in the “storybook” way many wrestlers envision. He accepts it and feels he could end his in-ring career at peace. Seeing other wrestlers achieve memorable send-offs makes him wonder if an ending might still be possible for him.

He mentioned being at peace if it was the end of his career and feels like he will always be involved in wrestling.”

Omega comments on Sting’s recent retirement, expressing admiration for the legendary send-off Sting received. He discusses the recent match that would finish Bryan Danielson’s full-time career. Omega said Danielson managed to give a powerful farewell performance, even though it was under difficult circumstances and he lost. 

Kenny describes his physical condition as fluctuating, with progress seen in his training, though he says he will remain cautious. Good days are now more regular than bad days, and he’s beginning to feel more like his former self, though still with limitations. Kenny mentioned the importance of listening to his body and taking breaks when necessary. He is hoping for a potential return at Wrestle Dynasty on January 5th.

Kenny says he takes pride in his endurance and athleticism but now feels the weight of keeping up with his peers rather than them keeping up with him. He expressed relief that New Japan Pro Wrestling has been supportive and understanding, not pressuring him to perform at his peak immediately. He says he is happy with how NJPW works with him on a potential return.

The former Bullet Club leader talks about his approach to returning by the caliber of potential opponents. He mentions that he has envisioned multiple tiers of competitors he could face upon returning. He admits feeling ready for a comeback, at least against one of these tiers of opponents, yet prefers the flexibility to evaluate his condition closer to the event date.

Sean mentions Omega’s choice to return with New Japan Pro Wrestling rather than AEW, which raised questions among fans. Omega understands and says that his attachment to New Japan goes beyond a business decision; New Japan had a significant role in making him known. He feels a sense of gratitude and duty to New Japan, believing his comeback at the Tokyo Dome can help the company’s business by performing at the Tokyo Dome. 

Kenny understands that AEW would be a natural place for him to return. He feels AEW has been thriving without him, with its roster performing great and the show running smoothly. This success reassures him that the timing of his return can wait.  Omega says he will return to AEW when the moment feels suitable for both AEW and himself.

The interview now moves on to the NJPW incident involving Gabe Kidd. Omega said Kidd escalated the situation when media arrived, turning physical. Sean mentions that Kidd was eager to discuss the incident with him. The incident happened because Omega said the wrong name. He called him "Greg" instead of "Gabe," which he said was an honest mistake. They mention how such minor misunderstandings are common in the wrestling business. He mentioned an experience when Scott D’Amore called him the wrong name, but Kenny chose not to react.

Kenny said Kidd became confrontational, implying it was a sign of disrespect. Kenny says Kidd was aggressive to provoke a headline-grabbing moment.

Kenny mentions how Kidd got in his personal space and told Sean, “I should have seen the clues as soon as Gabe started to get in my face and talk about me forgetting his name over and over and over and over and over again, but I didn't. I did sense that he was feeling incredibly hostile towards me, and everyone's got their own personal space bubble. I don't know this guy from a glory hole in the wall and he's like right up in my grill talking to me, pointing at me. It's incredibly disrespectful.”

Kenny expressed frustration with the video's release and said it may have been done intentionally to spark publicity or create a storyline. He briefly mentions that several potential names were suggested as possible future opponents. Kenny mentions that Gabe was one of many names mentioned in a broader discussion. He says Gabe Kidd is not a suitable opponent for his comeback match. 

Sean would bring up "Being The Elite" (BTE), and Kenny mentioned how it provided a creative platform for wrestlers across multiple promotions, including New Japan, ROH, PWG, and others worldwide.

Kenny tells Sean that BTE was important in giving wrestlers a voice and credits the series with helping many talents rejuvenate or even establish their careers. Kenny mentioned that BTE allowed for creative experimentation beyond traditional wrestling. 

The former IMPACT World Champion said BTE grew in size and quality, but it became difficult for the original creators to manage. Kenny mentioned the increasing demand required more resources. Kenny appreciates the opportunities BTE provided for wrestlers to showcase their creativity and stay active even without TV time.

Sean mentions how the landscape in AEW has changed since we last saw him wrestle. He also mentions Sweve Strickland and how Swerve became a world champion. Omega recalled Swerve's hard work and ability to elevate matches, noting how he eventually found success. Kenny comes across as excited about the possibility of returning to the ring and possibly facing newer stars. 

The interview ends with Kenny being optimistic about a January 5th return and says they have so much talent in AEW that he will wait for an opportunity. Kenny said, “I'll look to the boss and say, put me in coach, and hopefully I can do a decent enough job to deserve that spot.”

You can follow Kenny Omega on X or Instagram at @KennyOmegamanX.

Watch the interview on Fightful’s Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OS6mjUBl1RE