Kenny Omega hasn’t been seen on AEW television since Full Gear on November 13, 2021, but that could be changing sometime this summer based on recent advertising from the company. The Best Bout machine has been dealing with a plethora of injuries, and AEW even featured some of his medical treatment on its YouTube channel in early June. That video was titled “Footage of Kenny Omega receiving medical treatment for return to AEW!” and flew under the radar a bit considering the implication.
Reports indicate that Omega has been working backstage with AEW, but it isn’t clear if his presence has been a weekly or reoccurring thing or not. He has been closely tied to the women’s division since All Elite’s inception, which has drawn some criticism for how it has been booked. Working behind the scenes and getting back out in the ring are two different things, though. Omega might be inching closer towards a return to action, possibly as soon as this August if recent advertisements are to be believed.
In a press release announcing the Quake By The Lake on August 10, Omega is listed along with a plethora of other performers on AEW’s “star-studded roster.” Everyone else listed, outside of CM Punk who was recently injured, is actively wrestling for the company. Names such as Sting, Jade Cargill, and Jon Moxley were also included in the press release, which was tweeted out by Fightful’s @SeanRossSapp.
Fans need to read between the lines here, but it’s odd to see Omega mentioned in a press release for a branded Dynamite show in August, given how long he has been inactive. It remains to be seen exactly how AEW will handle Punk’s injury and subsequent surgery, but it seems unlikely that he’ll simply be left in the background for the next six months. He’s too big of a draw and can do plenty of damage on the microphone, so including him in this presser makes sense. Punk could be there and could cut a promo on the branded Dynamite show.
Why Omega would be included is murkier. It could be a random list of names pulled from AEW’s roster, but again, everyone else listed is actively performing right now. Omega hasn’t been seen in a ring since November of last year. It’s worth noting that The Cleaner isn’t being featured on any visual advertising for the show, where the likes of Chris Jericho, Adam Cole, and Jon Moxley are front-and-center. It’s by no means any kind of confirmation that Omega is close to returning, and of course, his health comes first. Still, seeing his name pop up in a press release for AEW Quake By The Lake is noteworthy.
