The BEST Wrestling Moment Every Year (1989 - 2026)
1. 2026 | Kenny Omega Is BACK
Kenny Omega never felt truly at home in All Elite Wrestling. For years, he was pelted with accusations that he was not the same man as the New Japan Kenny Omega. A step slower, far more awkward on the microphone, and seemingly uninterested in ruthlessly competing for the top spot that most assumed would be automatically his in 2019, it was frustrating. His peaks were seminal. His best work was always very thoughtful. He cared, but about the wrong things, if that makes sense. Then, in 2026, after a life-threatening battle with diverticulitis, he woke up.
Ahead of his second challenge of MJF’s World Heavyweight title, Omega cut an honest to goodness classic babyface promo in which, with searing conviction, he vowed to get it done. And he did.
AEW was taught a lesson that it probably won’t heed by the match length; 15 minutes shorter and twice as good as their baggy and only occasionally brilliant match at Dynasty, the televised sequel was lean, urgent, pulsating, special - the story of a man who could not be denied channelling the glory days. This was Omega’s good-once-as-he-ever-was late-career masterpiece, a masterful fusion of electrifying set-pieces and old man pathos.
The location of his great comeback was beautiful in its poetry. As was mentioned by Justin Roberts in his ring introduction, Omega calls Florida his home these days. He didn’t wait until he was in Canada to win the belt. He did it on home turf, where he belongs now, having become the best version of his new self.