Kenny Omega Says AEW Veterans Are Ready To Step Aside As Younger Stars Take Over

Kenny Omega says AEW could be heading toward a major shift, and it might mean veterans stepping back while younger talent moves into bigger roles.

During an interview with Haley Miller of Vice Magazine, Omega talked about where AEW is headed and admitted that the company may not rely on the same veteran names forever. He explained that wrestlers from his generation still have value, but their roles could change as new stars rise.

Omega made it clear that veterans like himself, The Young Bucks, and Chris Jericho can still help the company, but more by guiding younger talent rather than always being front and center. He said the hope is that the next generation becomes strong enough to take over on their own. While discussing that transition, Omega admitted that many veterans actually want younger wrestlers to step up and take their spots through performance and drive.

“I feel like we’re absolutely on the cusp of it. I think we’re almost in a position where the reliance on the old heads, like myself, the Bucks, and Jericho, we can be put in auxiliary roles and help elevate certain situations. We can help guide that next generation. I think there’s a need for that. There’s still a place for people like us there, but I think it’s come to a point where we’re just hoping now that this next generation just takes it from us."

"I do think that deep down inside all of us are just trying our best, but we are hoping secretly that the younger generation steps up and says, ‘I know you’re trying your best, but hey, I’m younger than you, I’m faster than you, I’m stronger than you, and I’m just going to take it from you.’ I think that’s what we hope for. That’s what I hope for. And when I do see talent like that that comes along, where I know that I could never keep up anymore. We are going to be okay, and we’re headed in the right direction because people like this exist.”

Omega’s comments show that AEW could be moving into a new phase where younger stars take more control while veterans help support them behind the scenes. It’s a natural shift that happens in every wrestling company, but hearing it from someone who helped build AEW makes it stand out.