Kenny Omega made an emotional return to AEW Dynamite in Clarksville, Tennessee, detailing his year-long battle with diverticulitis that nearly claimed his life. The former AEW World Champion addressed the crowd at F&M Bank Arena, revealing the severity of his condition that required immediate surgical intervention.
The surgery resulted in the removal of two feet of Omega’s intestines. Medical professionals were uncertain about his recovery prospects, leading to questions about his wrestling future. During his address, Omega shared the sobering warning he received from his doctor.
His initial appearance left fans concerned about his future:
And for those who don’t know what [diverticulitis] is, well.. It took two feet of my intestines from me, and if I hadn’t checked myself in when I did, the doctor had told me, ‘Kenny, you’d have been dead.’ So for the past year, it’s been this roller-coaster ride..
Despite these challenges, Omega marked his in-ring return at Wrestle Dynasty 2025 with a victory over NJPW’s Gabe Kidd. Prior to this match, he made a special appearance at Worlds End 2024 to present the Continental Title belt to Kazuchika Okada, the winner of that year’s Continental Classic.
The celebration of his return was cut short when The Don Callis Family initiated a confrontation. However, Will Ospreay unexpectedly intervened, coming to Omega’s aid during the ensuing brawl.
Post-Show Address Reveals Match Details
Following Dynamite’s broadcast, Omega continued to connect with fans in attendance. He confirmed his medical clearance extends beyond his recent NJPW appearance, allowing him to compete in AEW rings as well. This announcement sets the stage for his upcoming match against Brian Cage on the January 15 edition of Dynamite.
During his post-show address, Omega displayed his trademark humor while discussing the physical matchup with Cage, acknowledging the challenge ahead in facing such a formidable opponent. His 30-minute performance against Gabe Kidd last weekend demonstrated his readiness to return to high-level competition.
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