Kenny Omega Reveals AJ Styles’ Pivotal Role in AEW’s Genesis
The foundation of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) may owe a significant debt to a single wrestling match that took place nearly two decades ago. Kenny Omega, a key figure in AEW’s creation and one of its top stars, has publicly credited AJ Styles with not only influencing his career trajectory but also, indirectly, inspiring the formation of the promotion itself. This revelation comes as Omega prepares for AEW Full Gear this Saturday, November 22nd.
Omega’s story centers around a 2006 independent wrestling bout against Styles for PCW in Winnipeg. At the time, Omega was freshly released from WWE’s developmental system, Deep South Wrestling, and grappling with uncertainty about his future in the sport. He considered the match a potential final performance.
A Career Crossroads in Winnipeg
“I wasn’t sure if I’d continue wrestling after I left developmental… [Thought the bout with Styles would be] a good last match,” Omega recounted in a recent interview with CBS Sports. CBS Sports. The match proved to be anything but a farewell. Despite having no prior interaction with Styles, Omega experienced a profound shift in his perception of professional wrestling.
“We had no interactions ever before, but there were moments in that match that really felt like the give and take felt so symbiotic. The chemistry was naturally there. I thought, ‘Wow, this is what wrestling someone at this level feels like. I’m not embarrassing myself. Maybe I’m not exactly keeping up, but I’m not embarrassing myself. Maybe if I push myself harder, I can reach this level.’”
Did You Know?: The match between Omega and Styles in 2006 remains their only one-on-one singles contest to date, adding to its historical significance.
From Rivalry to Revolution: The Bullet Club Connection
The paths of Omega and Styles would cross again a decade later within the ranks of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). However, their relationship took an unexpected turn. Omega eventually ascended to leadership of the Bullet Club, orchestrating a dramatic departure for Styles as he transitioned to WWE. This storyline, while seemingly a power play, proved to be a crucial catalyst.
Omega explained that Styles, recognizing the narrative potential, fully embraced the angle. “AJ, having a keen sense of what’s best for business, knew exactly how to go along with it. In a way, by his turning his back and allowing for that moment to happen, whether he knows it or not, that led to the forming of The Elite.”
The Elite, a collective of talented wrestlers including Omega, The Young Bucks, and Cody Rhodes, quickly gained a devoted following and ultimately became the driving force behind AEW’s creation. “Ultimately, it kind of led to AEW. Him being involved in our lives is very pivotal for [AEW] and our careers,” Omega stated.
What role do you think individual wrestlers play in shaping the broader landscape of professional wrestling?
AEW Full Gear: A Showcase of Wrestling’s Best
This Saturday, November 22nd, AEW presents Full Gear, a premier pay-per-view event featuring a stacked card. The event will be broadcast live at 8 p.m. Eastern time. Here’s a look at the scheduled matches:
- AEW World Champion Hangman Adam Page defends against Samoa Joe in a steel cage match
- AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander defends against Mercedes Mone
- AEW Tag Team Champions Brody King and Bandido defend against FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler)
- TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher defends against Mark Briscoe in a No DQ match
- Casino Gauntlet match to crown the first AEW National Champion
- $1 million trios match: Kenny Omega, Jack Perry, and Luchasaurus vs. The Young Bucks and Josh Alexander
- No Holds Barred match: Jon Moxley vs. Kyle O’Reilly
- PAC vs. Darby Allin
- Four-way tag team match: Toni Storm and Mina Shirakawa vs. Megan Bayne and Marina Shafir vs. Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron vs. Julia Hart and Skye Blue
AEW Full Gear Saturday Tailgate Brawl: Pre-Show Action
Before the main event, the AEW Full Gear Saturday Tailgate Brawl will kick off at 7 p.m. Eastern time on TNT and HBO Max, featuring the following matches:
- CMLL World Trios Champions El Sky Team (Mistico, Mascara Dorada & Neon) defend against Kazuchika Okada, Hechicero & Konosuke Takeshita
- $200,000 four-way: Max Caster & Anthony Bowens vs. Bang Bang Gang (Juice Robinson & Austin Gunn) vs. Big Bill & Bryan Keith vs. The Outrunners (Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum)
- Big Boom AJ & QT Marshall vs. Rocky Romero and Trent Beretta
- Eddie Kingston & Hook vs. The Workhorsemen (JD Drake & Anthony Henry)
How important are pre-show matches in building excitement for a major pay-per-view event like AEW Full Gear?
The Enduring Legacy of AJ Styles
AJ Styles’ influence extends far beyond his single match with Kenny Omega. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, known for his innovative in-ring style, captivating charisma, and ability to connect with audiences worldwide. His success in WWE, NJPW, and now AEW has cemented his status as a true icon of the sport. WWE’s official AJ Styles profile provides further insight into his career.
Omega’s acknowledgment of Styles’ impact highlights the often-unseen connections and influences that shape the world of professional wrestling. It’s a testament to the power of a single match to inspire a generation of performers and, ultimately, contribute to the evolution of the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kenny Omega and AJ Styles
- What was the significance of Kenny Omega’s 2006 match with AJ Styles?
The match served as a pivotal moment for Omega, inspiring him to push himself and pursue a higher level of wrestling, ultimately contributing to his success and the formation of AEW. - How did AJ Styles’ departure from NJPW influence the creation of AEW?
Styles’ willingness to play his part in the storyline that saw Omega take control of the Bullet Club led to the formation of The Elite, the group that would later become the foundation of AEW. - What is Kenny Omega currently preparing for?
Kenny Omega is preparing for AEW Full Gear, a major pay-per-view event taking place on Saturday, November 22nd. - Where can I watch AEW Full Gear?
AEW Full Gear will be broadcast live at 8 p.m. Eastern time on pay-per-view. The pre-show, AEW Full Gear Saturday Tailgate Brawl, will air at 7 p.m. Eastern time on TNT and HBO Max. - What makes AJ Styles such a respected figure in professional wrestling?
AJ Styles is renowned for his innovative in-ring style, charisma, and consistent ability to deliver captivating performances across multiple promotions.
Don’t miss the action at AEW Full Gear this Saturday! Share this article with your fellow wrestling fans and join the conversation in the comments below.
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