Much has been said about AEW EVP Kenny Omega making his return at New Japan Pro Wrestling's recent Power Struggle event. Many AEW fans feel it was a betrayal, particularly when AEW needs all the help it can get in terms of attendance and ratings.
Others have argued that an NJPW appearance does nothing to lessen his AEW role, though the man himself has now broken his silence on the decision.
Explaining that he feels he owed the Japanese company for helping launch his career, Omega admitted that he considered returning to AEW but doesn't feel the company is in desperate needs of his services right now.
"The way I look at it is that a lot of people, not only in Japan, but internationally, never knew who I was until I did big things in New Japan, so I really do owe New Japan a gigantic thank you," Omega explained. "I do feel that there’s a debt I have to repay in some way, shape, form or fashion. I think that by performing at the Tokyo Dome, by making my comeback at the Tokyo Dome is a way to help repay that."
"If it can help something for their business, then I’m more than happy to do that. I’m sure naturally the next question is, ‘Well, 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. If you watch any of the episodes of our TV recently, everything is flowing like clockwork right now. 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," he continued. "I feel like if I just kind of showed up and said, ‘Hey guys, I’m back, so one of you is going to have to, you know.’ I don’t want to be that guy. 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 will make my return to New Japan instead, for now," Omega concluded.
Understandably, fans have speculated that there could be friction between Omega and AEW President Tony Khan...and that he'll be next to jump ship to the now red-hot WWE being overseen by Triple H.
While we don't think that's necessarily the plan, we'd be shocked if Omega doesn't end up in WWE at some point down the line.
You can watch the full interview below.