Kenny Omega has voiced his worries about younger wrestlers not taking sufficient care of their bodies.
The former AEW champion has dealt with numerous health challenges over recent years, which have kept him away from the ring for extended periods. Given the toll wrestling has taken on his body, Omega must be very cautious about the risks he takes in matches while still striving to maintain his expected performance level.
During a recent appearance on Wrestling Observer Radio, Omega reflected on the dangers of taking excessive risks early in one’s career.
He said, “It feels like chasing a dragon, and you don’t want things to get so physically taxing and dangerous. But eventually, it feels like you can’t avoid it.”
Kenny Omega expressed his concerns about AEW’s tendency to regularly showcase great matches, which he sees as a double-edged sword. The company often presents dream matches on weekly TV without much buildup, creating high expectations for pay-per-view events.
Omega worries this approach could push young talents to overextend themselves so much that they may never fully enjoy their success.
He explained, “My worry is that when it’s time to trust a certain athlete or performer, these young guys might be harming themselves at an accelerated rate. I see the warning signs from my own experience. I know where I’m headed and how I need to pace myself. I’m not invincible—I fear injuries and health issues. I have to be careful and choose my moments. You can’t just tell a young guy, ‘This path is okay, trust me—I was once like you and I’m fine.’ It’s exactly that kind of situation.”
This interview came just days before AEW star Adam Cole had to relinquish the TNT Championship due to injury. The former NXT champion was expected to compete in Texas, but the news of him giving up the title broke only hours before the pay-per-view event.
At 36, this marks the third time Cole has been sidelined during a major storyline since 2021, forcing AEW to adjust their plans significantly. Cole’s emotional promos at PPVs hint that this injury might spell the end of his wrestling career.
Fan Take: Kenny Omega’s comments highlight a crucial challenge facing AEW and wrestling overall—balancing the ambition and excitement of young stars with the need to protect their long-term health. For AEW fans, this conversation is vital as it underscores the importance of sustainable careers to keep the sport exciting and filled with top talent for years to come.
