Kenny Omega's Brief & Forgotten Run In WWE's Developmental System, Explained
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In modern day professional wrestling, there are very few competitors in the same league as Kenny Omega. The “Best Bout Machine” is a multi-time world champion in countless promotions and a co-founder of AEW. He has been an active in-ring competitor since 2000, when he first began wrestling in Canada. During his over twenty-year career, Omega has wrestled in AEW, NJPW, ROH, Impact Wrestling, AAA, and many more promotions. But, there is also a small piece of Omega’s career where he was signed to Deep South Wrestling, WWE’s former developmental territory. His time there was brief, with Omega himself not a fan of his wrestling there.
Deep South Wrestling & WWE Were Not Kenny Omega's First Choice
Before WWE had the modern developmental system of NXT that is used now, DSW had been one of the promotions used in order to train future wrestlers. A number of modern day professional wrestlers, who wrestle across WWE, AEW, Impact Wrestling, and more, competed there. However, the promotion closed in 2007. Omega made his debut for DSW in 2005, facing off against Mack Johnson in a losing effort.
RELATED: A History Of WWE's Developmental Territory Before NXT: Florida Championship Wrestling
In an interview with Monthly Puroresu, Omega described how initially he did not plan on wrestling for WWE in DSW and wanted to go to Pro-Wrestling NOAH. However, plans changed. He said, “I thought, 'Well, this is a different kind of opportunity, and maybe this is kind of where my destiny is guiding me towards, so I’m not going to ignore it.' And it was a great opportunity, even though it’s different from where I thought I would end up being.”
Kenny Omega's Time In DSW Was Short-Lived & He Did Not Enjoy It
Omega competed for DSW for a few months in 2006. While there, he teamed with Heath Miller (FKA as Heath Slater in WWE and is currently Heath in Impact Wrestling). He also faced off against Miller, Mike Knox, and Matt Striker. However, his time in the developmental promotion was very short-lived. Omega was very unhappy there and did not like the system in place.
The time Omega spent in DSW, as well as his distaste for the promotion’s model, made him question if he wanted to pursue wrestling. He said, “I did go into the WWE developmental system, Deep South Wrestling at the time, and it wasn’t for me. At that point I had thought maybe wrestling isn’t for me because I was thinking at the highest level, when it becomes more of a business rather than a passion.” Ultimately, Omega requested his release and was gone after less than a year.
Kenny Omega Goes On His Own Path To Wrestling Success
Ultimately, Omega ended up pursuing his own path in professional wrestling. Following his exit from DSW, he took his talent around the world. He went to Japanese promotions such as DDT Pro-Wrestling and NJPW. NJPW saw him achieve a plethora of success as a member, and eventual leader, of Bullet Club. He also competed in several high profile matches, such as his legendary rivalry with Kazuchika Okada. In the US, he wrestled in PWG and ROH. AAA also saw Omega’s talents in Mexico. He also developed a close friendship with The Young Bucks, consisting of Matt and Nick Jackson, and Cody Rhodes. Together, they went on to form AEW.
RELATED: How The Kenny Omega Vs. Kazuchika Okada Feud Put NJPW On The Map
AEW has seen Omega partake in some of the greatest matches of his career thus far. He has faced off against the likes of Chris Jericho, Jon Moxley, PAC, “Hangman” Adam Page, Rey Fénix, and many more. He has also joined forces with The Young Bucks, together as The Elite, in trios action against Death Triangle, The Dark Order, AR Fox and Top Flight, and The House of Black. He has also held the AEW World Championship, the AEW World Trios Championship, and the AEW World Tag Team Championship. He is one of the most accomplished professional wrestlers in the promotion’s short history.
RELATED: Does It Make Sense For Kenny Omega To End His Career In WWE?
Omega’s resume speaks for itself. He is one of the very best wrestlers not only in the world at the moment, but of all time. With countless classic matches and championships to his name, Omega will certainly be putting on more fantastic matches in the future. He has an accomplished career that rivals many in professional wrestling. With rumors swirling that WWE is looking to sign Omega and The Young Bucks after their AEW deals expire, all three are some of the biggest names in the industry today. Whether it is AEW, WWE, or somewhere else, anyone would be lucky to have such talents on their roster. In Omega’s case, he chose to go on his own path in professional wrestling, which ultimately paid off well for him and his career.
