Kenny Omega, one of AEW’s brightest stars and a wrestling phenom, has been facing a tougher opponent than any he’s encountered in the ring: his own health. Last December, Omega was diagnosed with diverticulitis, a painful condition that inflames small pouches in the intestinal tract. While he bravely returned to AEW television earlier this year, his comeback was short-lived, as a brutal encounter on “AEW Dynamite” landed him back in the hospital for surgery.
Now, as fans wonder when—or if—The Cleaner will make his triumphant return, we finally have some answers, thanks to Omega’s close friend Michael Nakazawa. Speaking with Love-Spo (with Fightful kindly providing the translation), Nakazawa gave a detailed update on Omega’s condition post-surgery, and it’s clear that the road to recovery is going to be a long and winding one.
During his surgery, Omega had approximately 25 centimeters of his colon removed, a procedure that has left his abdominal area severely weakened. While he’s able to walk on his own, simple tasks like bending down to clean his cat’s litter box now require assistance. It’s a sobering reminder that even the most powerful athletes can be brought low by health issues beyond their control.
Nakazawa also shared that Omega is gradually getting back into physical training, though it’s a far cry from the intense regimen that once made him one of the best in the world. For now, his routine includes light exercises like walking and pool workouts, as he searches for a balance between rehabilitation and maintaining some semblance of his former strength.
But what does this mean for Omega’s future in wrestling? The doctors have expressed concerns about whether he can return to the ring at all, given that his abdomen currently lacks the power needed for the physical demands of professional wrestling. Nakazawa himself is unsure when—or if—Omega will be cleared to wrestle again, leaving the future of the former AEW World Champion hanging in the balance.
For now, all we can do is send our best wishes to Kenny Omega as he battles through this challenging time, hoping that one day, he’ll be back where he belongs—under the bright lights of the AEW ring, thrilling fans once again.