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AEW fans continue to patiently await the return of Kenny Omega. There have been recent teasers and reports that have fueled rumors and speculation about the EVP returning to action, but uncertainty surrounding Omega remains. However, the man himself has now checked in with fans.
The Best Bout Machine last wrestled in December 2023. After a serious case of diverticulitis, Omega underwent surgery and has been recovering, but progress was a bit slow. Another top star dropped a massive hint at return plans just days ago, but the in-ring status of AEW's first Triple Crown Champion could not be confirmed. Omega was still recovering while in pain and unable to take bumps as of late August, but this week it was confirmed that he was at least training some.
Omega knows his video games, and Samoa Joe was just announced for SEGA's Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii. The game, scheduled to be released on February 28 of next year, was revealed by developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio at their RGG Summit 2024. Omega took to X to promote The Samoan Submission Machine's involvement in the game and casually mentioned that he is not medically cleared to compete.
"Joe’s gonna kill you - but hopefully not me - I’m not medically cleared! #RGGSummit2024 @SamoaJoe," Kenny Omega wrote with the photos below.
Omega's return date has not been confirmed by AEW sources, but The Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer recently noted a feeling that The Cleaner will be back in the ring before the end of this year. The 40-year-old has not wrestled since defeating Ethan Page at the December 5 Collision tapings.
Samoa Joe's viral comments amid AEW hiatus
Samoa Joe has not wrestled since losing a Dynamite Street Fight to Chris Jericho on July 10. The veteran recently celebrated two years with AEW and is taking time off for other projects.
The King Of Television is approaching his 25th year as a wrestler. Joe recently participated in a Terrificon panel and was asked who he'd face if Tony Khan let him book his own 2025 feud as a full program and not a one-off. The 45-year-old went viral for his response.
"It's a tough answer because I'm only interested in doing the match-ups that the fans want to see. I have zero interest in doing a vanity match of somebody who's my dream opponent because I don't do this for me. I'm not doing this to pad my resume, to add to my portfolio. I do this for the fans to want to come and watch it. So, inevitable that question, at this point in my career, in my life, is left in your hands. What match do you want to see?" Samoa Joe said. [From 34:17 to 34:48]
Joe continued with heartfelt remarks on dedicating the rest of his career to fans. The former WWE United States Champion returned to ROH in 2022, not long after Khan became owner, and has been with both companies ever since.
