Kenny Omega's return will raise some eyebrows

Kenny Omega is nearing his in-ring return. The former AEW and IWGP champion was last seen in December 2023, when he appeared at Wrestle Kingdom for New Japan Pro Wrestling, defeating Will Ospreay. Since then, Omega has been battling diverticulitis. 

However, Omega is gearing up for NJPW's Wrestle Dynasty show on Jan. 5, 2025, where he hopes to make his return. Considering Omega is an executive vice president for AEW and is contracted to Tony Khan's company, his decision to return in Japan may raise some eyebrows. 

“The way I look at it is, a lot of people, not only in Japan, but internationally, they never knew who I was until I did big things in New Japan, so I really owe New Japan a gigantic thank you," Omega told Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp in a recent interview. "I do feel that there’s a debt I have to repay in some way, shape, form or fashion." 

Omega then went on to explain that his decision is also based on the current rhythm of AEW programming. Omega doesn't want to step in and disrupt the flow of the current storylines despite the fact he would likely be a major draw.

“I’m sure naturally the next question is why not AEW first?" Omega said. "That is the company I helped create, I’m contracted to, it makes sense. It’s tough to answer because why not AEW? There’s nothing wrong with AEW at all ... If you watch any of the episodes of our TV recently, everything is flowing like clockwork right now ... So I feel like, when there’s an opportunity, when there’s a chance, sure, I’d love to be back if you guys could have me."