10 Backstage Stories About Kenny Omega We Can't Believe

Kenny Omega is one of the best success stories of a wrestler thriving without having to work for WWE. The short developmental run for Omega early in his career was the only time he worked for them, but it didn’t hold him back from finding his identity in the industry afterward. The past few years have featured Omega getting a reputation as arguably the best wrestler in the world.

Many steps were needed for Omega to find his place in the wrestling world. The superb run in New Japan made Omega a relevant player with classic matches and feuds to get to the top. AEW launching saw Omega receiving an EVP role with his friends in The Elite. Find out more about Omega’s life behind the scenes with some surprising stories backstage.

10 Biggest influence in AEW's women's division

The various Executive Vice Presidents in AEW have different roles and strengths working under Tony Khan. Kenny Omega is the most important influence in the women’s division with many signings coming from his recruiting.

For example, Britt Baker recently revealed that Omega was the person who approached her about the idea of turning heel. It ended up being one of the best moves from AEW since Britt is now a huge star rebounding from early struggles.

9 TNA went back on plan to sign him in 2004

TNA came close to signing Kenny Omega and making him part of the X-Division all the way back in 2004. Omega had a great match against TNA’s X-Division Champion Petey Williams at the NWA 56th Anniversary Show.

The representatives of TNA at the event discussed the potential of Omega joining the roster as another hungry young star. Omega never actually received the contract offer in another of the many mistakse in TNA’s history.

8 Was planning to retire until AJ Styles match changed his mind

The weak run in WWE developmental made Kenny Omega consider retiring and finding a new path in life. A match with AJ Styles on a PCW show in 2006 changed his mind after having one of his best wrestling experiences.

Omega was shocked at how fun wrestling could be against someone that matches his athleticism and could tell a story with him. The great night influenced Omega to continue wrestling and growing as a performer.

7 Wanted to rebuild his career in Japan

Kenny Omega left the United States independent circuit to move to Japan for a legitimate rebuilding process of his career. The Japanese style and culture were always appealing to Omega for his future in wrestling.

Omega went all the way by moving to Japan and learning the language. DDT and other promotions used him until he made the full-time jump to New Japan. Omega made the right choice to figure out his ideal wrestling experience.

6 Harley Race felt he was reckless in the ring

Wrestling legend Harley Race ran a training camp attended by representatives of WWE and Japan’s Pro Wrestling NOAH. Kenny Omega revealed that Race wasn’t a big fan of his after a mistake in the ring leading to his opponent hurting his nose.

Race used the term “a little reckless” when describing Omega in front of the other trainees. John Laurinaitis of all people spoke up for Omega saying he was the best performer there since he already showed his potential in WWE developmental.

5 Tried to get match with New Day approved by NJPW

Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks entered an online feud with New Day based on silliness despite working for different companies. All six wrestlers legitimately wanted to have a match and pitched it to their respective bosses.

Wrestling politics once again hurt the fans as neither WWE nor NJPW felt an idea like that would make sense. New Day and The Elite finally got to face off in 2018, but it came in video game fashion when playing Street Fighter at E3.

4 Friendship with Don Callis set up dream match with Chris Jericho

Don Callis formed a friendship with Kenny Omega when slowly returning to the wrestling industry. Omega was the one to suggest New Japan hiredCallis for their color commentator position on the broadcasts in English.

For almost three decades, Chris Jericho remained one of Callis’ closest friends in wrestling. Callis was the one to pitch the idea of Jericho and Omega having a dream match in NJPW. Jericho wanted a new challenge and it inspired him to end his rule of never wrestling outside of WWE.

3 Used curiosity of his relationship with Kota Ibushi as part of reunion storyline

The close relationship between Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi created curiosity of fans wondering if they were dating or just best friends. An answer has never been officially given by Omega, but he used it as part of a storyline in NJPW.

Ibushi returning to the company saw his former partner now leading the Bullet Club. The tension between the two was teased for months with the emotional element in play. Omega and Ibushi finally reunited in a beautiful moment to start tagging again.

2 Wanted hardcore match with Jon Moxley as a personal challenge

The unsanctioned match between Jon Moxley and Kenny Omega at AEW Full Gear was a violent masterpiece. Both wrestlers had chemistry with the match leaning towards Moxley’s style of weapons and violence.

Omega revealed in an interview afterward that he wanted to have the match stray away from his usual work. Instead of the technical and fast-paced wrestling, Omega channeled a more sadistic side to face Moxley in a great match.

1 NJPW felt disrespected at him leaving for AEW

Many fans are holding out hope that AEW and NJPW will develop an official working relationship. A few performers like Jon Moxley and Chris Jericho can appear on NJPW shows that don’t interfere with their AEW schedule.

Kenny Omega is likely the name NJPW fans most want back, but the ugly ending to the NJPW run may make it harder. NJPW felt Omega and the Young Bucks were disloyal for leaving after they gave the trio the biggest pushes of their careers to become top stars.

NEXT: 5 Ways Kenny Omega Is Better In AEW (& 5 Ways He Was Better In NJPW)