Kenny Omega Admits He Rushed His AEW Return After Recovering From Diverticulitis
Kenny Omega had a near-fatal case of Diverticulitis in 2024. Thankfully, Omega made a highly anticipated comeback in early 2025. Fans celebrated his return to the squared circle, but behind the scenes, it was a grueling battle. Omega admitted that his celebrated return actually happened far too soon. Pushing his body before it was completely ready set his recovery back significantly.
The Hidden Cost of an Epic Comeback
Omega stepped back into the ring on January 5, 2025, at New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Wrestle Dynasty event inside the Tokyo Dome to face Gabe Kidd. Feels weird that in his comeback he started in NJPW instead of AEW, but Omega has a soft spot for the Japanese wrestling style. Omega delivered a performance so spectacular that the Wrestling Observer Newsletter later voted it Match of the Year.
To the audience, he looked like the same elite competitor who had dominated the wrestling world for years. However, speaking with Vice Magazine, Omega confessed that he “came back way too early” from his illness. Diverticulitis causes severe inflammation and infection in the intestines, and in Omega’s case, the condition sidelined him for most of 2024 and put his life in jeopardy.
By jumping back into a demanding in-ring schedule roughly a year and a half before his body was truly ready, Omega lacked his usual energy and the explosive spring that defines his signature offensive style. The premature comeback made his overall recovery much harder and longer than it needed to be.
Finding the Winning Formula for Recovery
Wrestling at a championship level requires peak physical conditioning. After realizing the setback caused by his early return, Kenny Omega had to rethink his entire approach to health and fitness. He described enduring a long, highly uneven rehabilitation process to get back on track.
Eventually, the AEW star found a specific equation that works for his body. He overhauled his diet, changed his daily training routines, and made crucial lifestyle adjustments. These changes have finally helped him feel closer to his old self. While he notes that he still experiences bad days, the good days now make him feel better than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
How serious was Kenny Omega’s bout with diverticulitis?
The intestinal condition was extremely severe. Omega described the illness as nearly fatal, and it forced him to miss the vast majority of the 2024 wrestling calendar while he focused entirely on surviving and recovering.
Did he regret his timeline for returning to the ring?
Yes. During his Vice Magazine interview, Kenny Omega stated clearly that he came back way too early. This decision ultimately hindered his ability to heal fully and complicated his physical rehabilitation.
Is he finally back to 100 percent?
Recovery from a major illness is rarely a straight line. Omega reports significant improvements thanks to his new diet and workout plans. He has days when he feels incredible, but he still manages unpredictable physical variability.
The Next Bell: Kenny Omega Will Do Anything For His Art
This is another example of how much Kenny Omega loves pro wrestling. He is willing to sacrifice and risk his body for their art in pro wrestling. It’s been done for many years, and Omega is another statistic.
Moving forward, expect Omega to lean heavily on medical guidance and appreciate the time he has left in the ring. After all, the man is 42 years old, and who knows how long he has left in the ring. Diverticulitis is no joke, and he should have ensured his health with something serious like that. Thank goodness Omega is okay, and it will be a fun one in his upcoming match against MJF at AEW Dynasty.
