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News behind Kenny Omega's absence, injuries

Added 2022-08-17 16:44:41 +0000 UTC

It's the worst kept secret in wrestling, but Kenny Omega is nearing his return for AEW Dynamite tonight to team with the Young Bucks.

Fightful Select had reported last month that Omega was heading back to All Elite Wrestling after being sidelined since November via injury. When Fightful spoke with Adam Cole this year, he said it was unbelievable that Omega was able to work at a high level with all the injuries he'd sustained. We'd later learn these involved a shoulder injury that was rehabbed, a sports hernia, vertigo brought on by an Okada dropkick, and a leg/knee injury that also had to be taken care of. Omega had told us that there was so much to take care of he couldn't put off surgery any longer.

Omega had briefly returned to the road for AEW, but removed himself as he felt it was hindering his recuperation and rehabilitation. Omega said to Fightful that his original hope was to be back by Forbidden Door, but that didn't end up working out.

In July, some tentative plans for All Elite Wrestling were shifted, and the once internally discussed FTR vs. Young Bucks match was changed. Several talent were told this was due to Omega's impending return, with plans for he and the Young Bucks to team in the trios tournament.

Even earlier this year, Tony Khan told Fightful on a media call that he was more likely to establish Trios Titles whenever Kenny Omega was back in the fold. During our interview in June, Omega was setting up a face-off with Will Ospreay, who is involved in the trios tournament as well.

We're told that Kenny Omega consciously avoided the public eye for much of the time he was sidelined. He was also integral on the development of the AEW Fight Forever video game, with one person who worked on the game telling Fightful that his input was "crucial."