Kenny Omega Discusses Working With IMPACT And How AEW Has Continued On Through The Pandemic

Kenny Omega says his character change on TV was a way to bring excitement to weekly programming during these uncertain times.

Kenny Omega has been at the forefront of a working relationship between IMPACT Wrestling and AEW. However, at the beginning of the COVID-19 global pandemic, Kenny wasn’t even sure AEW would be able to continue running shows in these conditions.

Speaking with TV Insider, Kenny spoke about the decision to power through and how AEW was able to find its rhythm during these unprecedented circumstances.

“At one time we wondered if we could even run shows. I think we found a viable solution when issues with COVID happened. Everyone was on board with [the measures taken] to create a safe environment for us to do what we love to do. When you face a challenge with your brothers and sisters in arms and overcome it together, you become closer. I think that is how we are as a roster now.”

He continued, “That safety is paramount. COVID is a terrible situation for everyone across the board. The best thing we can do is be prepared to take care of one another right when something bad happens. There is no reason to do what we were taught to do at the entry-level of wrestling, which is to tough [injuries] out. It doesn’t help anybody. We’ve had very serious situations and maybe didn’t do the right thing [in the past]. Luckily we didn’t pay the price for it.”

Regarding his heel turn, Kenny says that he felt the wrestling needed a shot in the arm, which could have come from anyone, but he was fortunate enough to have a unique idea that he was able to put into work.

“It just felt like wrestling needed a shot in the arm. It could have come from anyone, [but] it just so happened I had a good idea—something unique that I was in a position to pull off and had the support to do. We thought, ‘Let’s pull the trigger on this and get people talking. Let’s take the first step in trying to unite a large fan base that has very much been divided.’”

That unique idea has seen Kenny Omega compete for AAA Lucha Libre, IMPACT Wrestling, and AEW all at the same time.

“I went to IMPACT, [Lucha Libre] AAA [Worldwide] and back to AEW, so I have been able to see three different rosters—all incredibly talented, regardless of what fans say is the best. As a performer, I’d love to work with each and every one of them. It’s exciting that we’ve blown the doors wide open and there are all these potential opponents. I just hope as we present these new matches, the fans enjoy watching them as [much as] we enjoy performing them.”

Kenny Omega will address his wrestling “dominance” on the January 20th episode of AEW Dynamite. Fightful will have live coverage beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern.