15 Misconceptions About AEW You Probably Believe
15. “Kenny Omega Isn’t Presented As A Big Enough Star”
This isn’t a blind defence of a writer’s favourite wrestler, but the narrative, while not untrue, is exaggerated.
Kenny Omega had to struggle as a babyface initially to justify turning heel; Omega had to turn heel to one day put over babyface Hangman Page, around whom the first phase of AEW storytelling was built.
Long-term planning was stressed as a key early initiative. In 2019, WWE’s abysmal lack of commitment and approach to continuity was so bad that this was, in addition to being good booking practise generally, something that fans of the alternative needed to hear. This strategy - eventually - worked to unreal effect. Hangman’s coronation at Full Gear 2021 was an iconic feel-good moment, his arc was super-dramatic, and Omega that year was in stupendous form as a mischievous, entertaining baddie. Things then get slippery.
Weeks after returning from injury, Omega was suspended following the events of Brawl Out. AEW in the first half of 2023 presented him as a big match specialist, in classics against El Hijo del Vikingo and Will Ospreay, but what was he doing tagging with Chris Jericho?!
In late 2023, AEW was losing the plot in general. A second, longer stint on the injury list followed, after which Omega was presented as an upper midcard champion - a legend with little time left who must work smarter. This copy is penned by a Kenny Omega super-fan, so the following point is not made with any real joy.
It’s not Tony Khan’s fault that Omega too often comes out on Dynamite like he’s down to his least favourite set of gym clothes. Those plain, unfashionable shorts and dad jeans Kenny insists on wearing for many of his promo segments do as much to make him look like a regular guy as his position on the card. The man could do with presenting himself as a bigger deal.
Kenny Omega is no longer the God-tier Cleaner of NJPW. That’s a shame, but it’s understandable.
Omega himself concedes that he is in decline and can’t really be a Will Ospreay type anymore, which explains his current role - and can Tony Khan be blamed for Omega’s dress sense?