AEW EVP Kenny Omega has stated that a top star in WWE was a major factor in the formation of All Elite Wrestling, and he isn’t talking about Cody Rhodes.
Established in 2019 by Tony Khan along with Omega, Rhodes and The Young Bucks, AEW was presented as the alternative at a point when mainstream wrestling was not exactly firing on all cylinders. Although January 2019 was the official start date of the promotion, there was a series of events that ultimately led to the wrestling quartet becoming involved in Khan’s vision.
While speaking to Shakiel Mahjouri of CBS Sports, the former World Champion recalled his independent match against AJ Styles back in 2006 for PCW in Winnipeg, which took place after Omega requested his release from Deep South Wrestling, which was at the time the developmental system for WWE. Omega admitted that while he was at a point of uncertainty in his pro wrestling career, there was undeniable chemistry between them both:
“I wasn’t sure if I’d continue wrestling after I left developmental… [Thought the bout with Styles would be] a good last match.
“We had no interactions ever before, but there were moments in that match that really felt like the give and take felt so symbiotic. The chemistry was naturally there. I thought, ‘Wow, this is what wrestling someone at this level feels like. I’m not embarrassing myself. Maybe I’m not exactly keeping up, but I’m not embarrassing myself. Maybe if I push myself harder, I can reach this level.’”
Kenny Omega Looks Back On Angle That Led To AJ Styles Joining WWE
10 years later, Styles and The Good Brothers were kicked out of Bullet Club as they had signed WWE contracts, and Omega took over the leadership role. Addressing this moment in the interview, Omega noted that the Styles exit led to the eventual formation of The Elite and ultimately, AEW:
“AJ, having a keen sense of what’s best for business, knew exactly how to go along with it. In a way, by his turning his back and allowing for that moment to happen, whether he knows it or not, that led to the forming of The Elite.”
“Ultimately, it kind of led to AEW. Him being involved in our lives is very pivotal for [AEW] and our careers.”
Omega is set to team with Jurassic Express at Full Gear to take on The Young Bucks and Josh Alexander, where the winners will receive $1 million. Styles has been in WWE for close to a decade, and has recently stated that he will retire in 2026. The Phenomenal One currently reigns as Tag Team Champion with Dragon Lee.
Featured image: AEW
