Marie Shadows dives into the heated final promo exchange between Gabe Kidd and Kenny Omega leading up to their clash at Wrestle Dynasty on January 5th. Here's what we unpack:
Gabe Kidd: A Self-Made Madman
- Gabe Kidd has had a breakout year in 2024, carving his path in NJPW and proving his worth.
- At the press conference, he demanded respect, calling out Omega for AEW’s perceived undermining of NJPW and its talent.
- Kidd’s intense energy and raw passion captured what many NJPW loyalists feel about their promotion.
Kenny Omega: The Disrespectful Mentor
- Omega dismissed Kidd’s pandemic struggles, comparing them to his own NJPW tenure a decade ago.
- His patronizing tone framed him as a disappointed “father” figure, offering Kidd a supposed "opportunity" while taking credit for NJPW’s growth.
- Omega’s claim that NJPW’s success is built on his name neglects the promotion’s long-standing legacy and history with international stars.
A Familiar Pattern: Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay
- This confrontation echoed Omega’s feud with Will Ospreay, with a strikingly similar narrative.
- Both Kidd and Ospreay have spoken openly about their mental health struggles during the pandemic, only to be met with Omega’s dismissive and diminishing responses.
- While Omega’s “heel” persona may justify some of his behavior, these comments feel unnecessarily out of pocket, given the real-life hardships endured.
Does This Match Even Make Sense?
- Despite the hype, the match between Omega and Kidd feels perplexing, with no clear storyline or *true* stakes driving the confrontation.
- The press conference seemed to manufacture drama rather than build on organic tension, leaving fans questioning the purpose behind this pairing.
NJPW vs. AEW Culture Clash
- The conversation also highlighted the tension between NJPW’s tradition and AEW’s modern influence, raising questions about Wrestle Dynasty’s true identity.
- Is this event a genuine NJPW production or more of a Tony Khan-backed AEW showcase?
Why This Feud Feels Hollow
The Omega vs. Kidd showdown lacks the depth and stakes needed to make it compelling, despite the heavy-handed press conference drama. Don’t miss this must-listen breakdown of the dynamics and questions surrounding Wrestle Dynasty!