Kenny Omega: I Didn’t Enjoy My Time In WWE Developmental
Kenny Omega discusses his time in WWE developmental and finding opportunities outside of WWE.
Before he became IWGP Heavyweight Champion and the self-proclaimed Best Bout Machine, Kenny Omega was signed to Deep South Wrestling, WWE’s developmental brand at the time. Omega spent a year in DSW before moving on various Independent promotions and Japan.
Speaking to The Warmup, Omega shared his thoughts on his time in DSW.
“I was in their developmental system. They develop you to be a star on their television show when they feel like you’re ready or they have a spot for you,” said Omega. “I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I appreciated the opportunity and I learned a lot but I felt going into the system and being nobody and them not knowing my limitations or potential, I really want to prove to them that I could be more to them and the business than what they thought of me. So I decided to leave WWE and started my journey to Japan.”
Omega continued, discussing the changing landscape in wrestling and how WWE is no longer seen as the peak of professional wrestling.
“When I made the decision to leave WWE, I was still young and foolish and money didn’t mean anything to me. I had parents who were supportive of my career and I was able to live at home for free. No one really understands that there are other options and there is more to wrestling than WWE,” stated Omega. “You can make a living and a difference and be regarded as one of the best on the planet but not stepping foot in WWE. When I decided to venture into Japan, it wasn’t really possible. Things have changed so much where other promotions and wrestlers are making headlines across the world. The landscape and culture is very different. The general image of WWE being end-all, be-all is no longer a thing. It’s still the largest company in the world but does that mean it has the best programming, matches or competitors? Probably not. That’s what makes it fun to be a wrestling fan right now.”
Omega was asked about his current free agency, but avoided the question by saying he needed time away from wrestling to play video games. Omega’s contract with NJPW expires in early February. AEW has teased signing Omega on recent episodes of Being The Elite.
