Jim Ross Disagrees with Kenny Omega’s Claim That AEW Doesn’t Need Him

Kenny Omega recently created discussions by stating that AEW doesn’t really need him at the moment. Many fans disagreed with his statement, and Jim Ross is now one of them as Ross believes Omega was wrong to make that claim.

Kenny Omega has been on the shelf for almost a year after undergoing emergency surgery for diverticulitis, but he is set to make his in-ring return against Gabe Kidd at NJPW x AEW Wrestle Dynasty on January 5th at the Tokyo Dome.

During a recent interview with Fightful, Kenny Omega talked about the reason behind hi making his in-ring return to NJPW first instead of AEW. The Best Bout Machine stated that he doesn’t believe AEW needs him right now.

“And I’m sure naturally the next question is, why not AEW first? That is the company that I helped create, that is the company that I’m contracted to. It makes sense. It’s tough to answer, because why not AEW? There’s nothing wrong with AEW at all. I mean, if you watch any of the episodes of our TV recently, everything is flowing like clockwork right now.

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I feel like there’s a spot for all of the hard-working men and women that are on those shows. They’ve all worked incredibly hard to earn their spots and keep their spots. And I feel like if I just kind of showed up and said, ‘Hey guys, I’m back, so one of you are going to have to be done.’ I just don’t want to be that guy.

So I feel like when there’s an opportunity again, when there’s a chance, sure, I’d love to be back if you guys can have me. But right now, I feel like AEW has got a good thing going. I don’t think they need me. So I’ll make my return for New Japan instead…for now.”

While speaking on his Grilling JR podcast, Jim Ross talked about Kenny Omega claiming AEW doesn’t need him right now as he disagreed with Omega. Ross stated that Omega is one of the best wrestlers in the world, and it doesn’t make sense for AEW to not use someone that talented. He admitted it felt disappointing to hear Omega say that and hoped things could change.

Ross explained that wrestling is always changing, and decisions can be adjusted. He said Omega is special, with skills you don’t see often, and it would be a big loss if AEW stopped featuring him on TV. Ross also admitted he just wants to keep seeing Omega as a top star in AEW.

“Kenny Omega is one of the best workers in the world, seriously. And him saying, ‘Well, they don’t need me.’ We don’t need the best worker in the world? I think you’re wrong there, Kenny. I think that’s a blow to me. And maybe that stuff changes. You know, it could change. And that’s why the eraser’s the most important and vital weapon in wrestling. You erase somebody’s name, you put somebody else’s name in that spot.

So you know, we’ll see. But Kenny Omega is one of my favorites. I’m just selfish, I want my guys to be front and center… I just don’t want to lose Kenny Omega permanently from AEW television. He’s too good, he’s just really, really good. And guys like that don’t come along all the time. They don’t grow on trees, as the little cliche goes. But they know they don’t come along, but only a few times in a lifetime. So you hate to lose a guy that’s got that much talent, that much first versatility.”

Kenny Omega is currently focused on his upcoming match with Gabe Kidd but that doesn’t mean he won’t make his return to AEW television after that. Therefore, it’s only a matter of time before the former AEW World Champion graces AEW fans with his presence again and begins a solid program with a top star in the company.