New Japan Pro Wrestling has ‘punished’ Gabe Kidd following his altercation with Kenny Omega at NJPW Power Struggle 2024. On X, NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi had the following announcement:
“On November 4 in Osaka, after he delivered an address to the crowd, Kenny Omega was involved in a physical altercation with Gabe Kidd. We take this type of incident seriously, and after investigation have determined that Kidd’s actions in physically assaulting a non active wrestler were unbecoming of a professional. Gabe has been issued with a formal warning and a fine as a result.
I would like to formally apologise to Kenny Omega and AEW for the distress caused.”
The incident between Omega and Kidd came after the former AEW World Champion teased a return to the ring as part of the Wrestle Dynasty event on January 5. After going backstage, Omega and Kidd ‘brawled’ in the closest Omega has come to a fight since December of last year. It was also the first time Omega has gotten physical at a wrestling event since being attacked by The Elite in May.
Omega’s brawl with Kidd has sparked talk among fans of a match between the pair for the latter’s Strong Openweight Championship at Wrestle Dynasty. The first-of-its-kind show will feature talent from AEW, New Japan, CMLL, Ring of Honor, and Stardom and will take place from the famed Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan. The show will take place one day after NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 19, which will also emanate from the Tokyo Dome.
Any match for Omega will hinge on him being cleared in time, though Kota Ibushi has predicted a return is not too far away. Nevertheless, the idea of Omega finally getting back in the ring to wrestle is welcomed news to his legion of fans eager to see him back in the ring.