Kenny Omega On AEW Title Bout: ‘This Is A Chance To Add To My Legacy’
The seed of possibility has been planted.
Unlikely as it seems, especially less than a month away from the Full Gear pay-per-view, AEW may crown a new world champion later this evening.
Courtesy AEW
Kenny Omega challenges Maxwell J. Friedman for the world title tonight on Collision, a match that will determine the champion–and the record for longest reign with the belt. Omega’s title reign from December of 2020 to November of 2021 lasted 346 days, a record MJF will have broken by this Wednesday on Dynamite–if, of course, he retains the belt tonight.
“I have the chance to accomplish something very meaningful in this match,” said Omega. “Protect my record and become a two-time AEW champion.”
In all likelihood, MJF will keep the belt beyond tonight. His opponent for Full Gear has already been announced, where he is scheduled to defend the belt against Jay White. The current priority for Omega at the moment is his ongoing rivalry with Don Callis. It should also be noted that the focus of Omega’s stories has shifted away from material accomplishments, like titles and tournament victories. The fruits of his labor currently include putting over others, a different type of success and victory for him as one of the best in the world.
Yet… why not crown a new champion tonight? If the belt changes hands, Omega’s ongoing stories are only strengthened. If MJF loses the title, his feud with White remains strong, particularly with the ominous masked character stalking him. MJF is already double-booked for Full Gear, defending the Ring of Honor tag titles by himself against The Gunns. A refresh with Omega as AEW champion would be a jolt for the company, which could instantly promote that their world champ is the best wrestler in the world.
“This is a chance to add to my legacy,” said Omega. “It’s my destiny to be remembered as the greatest champion AEW ever had. To do that, I need multiple runs.”
Courtesy NJPW
Omega, a former IWGP heavyweight champion in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, was asked what the AEW world title means to him.
“It conveys the same feeling to me that I felt for the IWGP title,” said Omega. “It’s the pinnacle of what the sport represents in America. That might be different in Japan or Mexico or the UK, but for me, the list of champions in AEW features some of the most incredible athletes to ever exist in this sport. Having my name on that list is quite an honor. To say I’ve won it once, that’s quite an accomplishment. To say I’ve won it twice would be even better, and I’d also still be able to say I’ve held it the longest–the cherry on top of the sundae.”
Omega was blunt when admitting he never expected MJF to be the one to come so close to surpassing his lengthy title run.
“I am surprised, but he’s earned it,” said Omega. “I always expected Max to be champion. He’s got the drive, there’s no doubt about that. He puts in the work as champion. With the belt, he has shouldered the load. Now he’s at the doorstep of breaking my record.”
Courtesy AEW
The origin of this match began on Being The Elite. MJF demonstrated kindness and his changed ways to the Young Bucks before insulting Omega, all while reminding him that his record was about to be broken.
“I still have my reservations over whether Max has changed,” said Omega. “But if Max wins the match, I’ll have to stomach that he is the one to break my record. This is my chance to do something about it.
“And there is a lot I want to prove with the belt. My responsibilities would start after the match. There would be a lot of work to do, and a lot of losses to avenge. The last time we clashed, I was on the losing end against Jay White. I’ve lost a number of six-man challenges against The House of Black. I don’t expect anyone to remember this factoid, but my home indie in Winnipeg is PCW, and that’s where I clashed with Samoa Joe and lost. Swerve is a top contender, and he just beat Hangman. There is no shortage of prime time matches I could have in a second reign as champion.”
Courtesy AEW
The Young Bucks will not be in Omega’s corner tonight, increasing the odds that Omega will not walk away as champion. But perhaps there is an unexpected moment in his future, one where Callis helps him become champion again–amplifying the narrative that Callis is responsible for Omega’s greatest victories.
“Don has accused me of relying too much on friends for my success,” said Omega. “I don’t believe that he’s right, but I want to prove that he’s wrong. And I want to prove it by myself. But those who are familiar with our programming know that Max has his own issues, clearly, with a lot of people. He has a lot of people gunning for him, too.”
While the safe bet is on MJF holding on to the belt, it is not out of the realm of possibility that Omega leaves Collision with the title.
“This is my chance to be champion again,” said Omega. “My focus is on the belt.”
