Kenny Omega reveals how AJ Styles unknowingly saved his career

Kenny Omega has acknowledged that a single night changed his life. And the protagonist of that turning point was none other than AJ Styles. In an interview with CBS Sports, the Canadian recalled how, in the early stages of his career, he was on the verge of quitting professional wrestling forever.

During his time at Deep South Wrestling, the then WWE developmental territory, Omega lost all motivation. The excessively controlled environment, lack of creative freedom, and the feeling of not being able to showcase his true style pushed him to the limit. So much so, that he requested his release and began considering leaving the ring.

"It wasn't fun. Everything was micromanaged, and I felt like I couldn't be myself," he admitted. He even started training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and seriously considering transitioning to MMA.

The match that changed everything

However, he still had pending commitments. One of them was a match with AJ Styles in Premier Championship Wrestling. Omega approached that encounter convinced that it would be his farewell to professional wrestling. What he didn't imagine is that this match would reignite his passion.

He explained that the chemistry with Styles was immediate. The exchange in the ring, the fluidity, and the feeling of competing against someone at another level awakened something in him. "I wasn't out of place. I thought: maybe, if I try, I can reach this level."

What was initially intended as his "last match" became the boost he needed to regain motivation. From there, he decided to refocus on improving, and the rest is history.

Years later, when they both coincided in NJPW, Styles was once again crucial. Omega learned from him how to behave as a world champion and, after the American's departure, he inherited the leadership of the Bullet Club. That transition would deeply impact his career and lead to the brotherhood with The Elite that, later on, would result in the creation of AEW.