Kenny Omega has yet to wrestle in 2024, and the wait for his return to the ring might be extended a bit longer.
The AEW star and EVP has been sidelined since last December, when it was revealed he had been diagnosed with diverticulitis — an infection of sections of the digestive system including the large intestine and colon. Some cases of diverticulitis can heal with rest, dietary changes and antibiotics, which would have been the best case scenario for Omega.
Unfortunately, it appears that might not be in the cards. In his latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter (subscription required), Dave Meltzer says “it looks more likely than not” that Omega will require surgery to recover from the condition.
While no decision has been made, it looks more likely than not that Kenny Omega will be getting surgery on his intestines. He’s had his ups and downs but has largely been dealing with a good amount of pain for months now. He said surgery is becoming more and more likely as two different doctors have told him they think it’s the best option. It’s not 100 percent that he will have surgery but it’s looking more likely, particularly if he wants to get into condition to resume his career that he will probably have to get rid of the perforated sections of his intestine and colon.
Meltzer notes that AEW has set up a big storyline for whenever Omega can get back at it, as the Young Bucks booted him from The Elite and replaced him with Kazuchika Okada. Omega and Okada had several legendary matches during their time together in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and Omega would want and need to be in top physical condition to resume their rivalry.
While it’s a bummer that AEW fans will likely have to wait even longer to see Omega get back to what he does best, the silver lining is that the arrival of Okada and others means the talent cupboard has remained well stocked even while Omega, MJF and a few others are out of action. Omega tends to be pretty open about his health, so it’s likely we’ll hear updates on a possible surgery and his recovery directly from him over the spring and summer.
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