Kenny Omega didnt hold back when reflecting on AJ Styles legacy during a recent interview on SHAK Wrestling. With AJ announcing his retirement plans for next year, Omega took the opportunity to thank him for three critical moments that shaped his entire wrestling careerand possibly even laid the groundwork for AEW.
Early in his career, Omega was disillusioned after leaving WWE developmental. He wasnt sure he wanted to continue wrestling at all. Thats when a local promoter booked him in a match against AJ Styles.
But something changed during the match.
That match with Styles reignited Omegas belief in himself. Then came a second turning point: AJ gave his blessing for Omega to get involved in AJs NJPW match against Kota Ibushi. That brief interaction re-opened the door for the Golden Lovers storyline.
The final and most pivotal moment? AJs New Japan exit. Omega, alongside the Young Bucks, turned on AJ in a shocking angle that they didnt even tell management about. According to Kenny, that unscripted moment helped birth something massive.
For Omega, Styles wasnt just an inspirationhe was a direct spark in moments that changed his life and helped shape an entire promotion. AJ Styles is often hailed as one of the greatest in-ring performers of all time, but according to Kenny Omega, his impact goes far beyond his own title runs.
Do you think AJ Styles gets enough credit for influencing AEWs origins? Was Omega right to say that Styles helped ignite it all? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
