Kenny Omega Wins Return Match At NJPW x AEW Wrestle Dynasty

Kenny Omega wrestled inside a professional wrestling ring for the first time in over a year and 'The Best Bout Machine' picked up the win in his return match, proving in the process that he hasn't lost a step despite the long layoff.

Omega made his in-ring return in the semi-main event of NJPW x AEW Wrestle Dynasty inside the Tokyo Dome on January 5 as the former AEW World Champion and went one-on-one with Gabe Kidd.

In a surprise, Kenny Omega received boos from the fans inside the Tokyo Dome but the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion simply embraced the boos, working the match as a heel while commentator Chris Charlton expressed his dislike for AEW on commentary, calling Tony Khan a "money mark."

The match initially began as a traditional pro wrestling bout but devolved into a fight after Omega busted Kidd open with a Powerbomb through a table at ringside. Omega then took out Kidd, Clark Connors, Drilla Moloney, and referee Bryce Remsburg with a Springboard Senton to the floor. Omega injured his hip on the move, though, and Gabe Kidd took advantage, decking Kenny with chair shots and putting him through a table with a Suplex. A shot to the head with a broken piece of table then left Omega pouring with blood.

Red Shoes Uno's addition to the match ended the weapon spots but the match remained a fight as Gabe Kidd presented himself as the defender of New Japan. Omega dominated the defender, though, hitting a Snap Dragon Suplex from the top rope, a Jay Driller, and a V-Trigger before Gabe Kidd escaped a One Winged Angel attempt and channelled his inner Antonio Inoki, locking in a Cobra Twist. Kidd then followed up with a Piledriver but Omega kicked out. Kidd hit a Tiger Driver and Piledriver next but Omega managed to get his foot to the bottom rope.

The crowd rallied behind Kidd after he kicked out of a V-Trigger at one but Omega simply fired back with a Kamigoye as Kidd flipped him off before the One Winged Angel for the victory.

The match was a match-of-the-year contender and was so good that it left NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi in tears at ringside.

Omega had been out of action for over a year after suffering from a life-threatening bout of diverticulitis in December 2023 that left him with a 50 per cent chance of passing away.

Omega made a brief appearance in AEW in May 2024, during which he was attacked by The Elite. The Cleaner then returned to All Elite Wrestling at Worlds End on December 28, presenting Kazuchika Okada with the AEW Continental Title in a moment that hinted they will square off at All In Texas.

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