Top AEW Star Expected To Take Time Off: Report
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Another top AEW star is expected to take time off from the company.
Following a storyline write-off on this week's episode of Dynamite, a new report indicates that former AEW World Champion Kenny Omega will be absent from programming for an unknown period.
This news comes as AEW is already dealing with a significant "injury bug," with other top stars like Adam Cole, Will Ospreay, and Samoa Joe also currently sidelined.
Omega's potential absence would be another major blow to the company's main event scene.
July 12, 2025 – Kazuchika Okada strikes Kenny Omega at AEW All In: Texas.
July 12, 2025 – Kazuchika Okada strikes Kenny Omega at AEW All In: Texas.
Ricky Havlik/AEW
The Storyline Write-Off
On the July 16th episode of AEW Dynamite, Omega's former manager and bitter rival, Don Callis, cut a promo addressing Omega's recent championship loss to Kazuchika Okada. During the segment, Callis repeatedly and callously referred to Kenny Omega as "dead," signaling a storyline reason for his absence.
A subsequent report from Fightful Select confirmed that Omega is indeed expected to take time off. The report noted that the specific reason for his hiatus, and whether it will be a consecutive or sporadic absence, is not yet known. Omega was not present at the Dynamite or Collision tapings this week.
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This news is especially concerning given that Kenny Omega only recently returned from a career and life-threatening battle with diverticulitis.
The illness, which is a severe inflammation of the digestive tract, kept him out of action for over seven months. He made his triumphant and emotional return to the ring in June of this year.
Since his comeback, Omega has competed in ten matches. His return was seen as a massive boost for AEW, and he was immediately thrust back into the main event picture. This new, unexpected hiatus has fans worried, though it is unknown if it is related to his previous health issues.
Another AEW Pillar Sidelined
Kenny Omega is a foundational figure in AEW, serving as an Executive Vice President and its second-ever AEW World Champion. He is widely regarded as one of the best in-ring performers of his generation, with a legendary career in both AEW and New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
His absence adds to a growing list of top AEW talent currently on the shelf. The company is navigating the recent losses of Adam Cole (concussion), Will Ospreay (banged up), and Samoa Joe (promotional duties for Twisted Metal).
With another of its biggest stars now out, AEW faces a significant creative challenge as it builds towards the fall season.
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