During a recent Twitch livestream, former AEW World Champion Kenny Omega named his favorite wrestlers growing up, which include The Ultimate Warrior and Rick Rude.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On why Curt Hennig made him think differently about singles wrestling: “When I first started to kind of become like a ‘workrate’ guy where I really enjoyed more of what I saw in the ring than the storyline type stuff, he was my first ever ‘oh man this is what wrestling looks like when I’m really into a match.’ Not that I wasn’t into the matches before, I was into them in a different way.”
On what tag teams he enjoyed: “I loved the Legion of Doom, but my actual favorite tag team was The Rockers … and second place was the Hart Foundation easily.”
Former AEW World Champion Kenny Omega recently revealed his favorite wrestlers from his childhood during a Twitch livestream. The Canadian professional wrestler, known for his high-flying and technical style, mentioned two legendary figures as his top picks: The Ultimate Warrior and Rick Rude.
Omega’s admiration for Curt Hennig, also known as Mr. Perfect, was evident as he discussed how Hennig’s performances influenced his perception of singles wrestling. Omega explained that Hennig was the first wrestler who made him truly appreciate the artistry and athleticism involved in a match. He stated, “When I first started to kind of become like a ‘workrate’ guy where I really enjoyed more of what I saw in the ring than the storyline type stuff, he was my first ever ‘oh man this is what wrestling looks like when I’m really into a match.'”
Omega’s appreciation for tag team wrestling was also evident as he shared his favorite tag teams from his childhood. While he loved the iconic duo of The Legion of Doom (Hawk and Animal), his personal favorite was The Rockers, consisting of Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty. Omega expressed his fondness for their high-energy and exciting performances in the ring. He also mentioned the Hart Foundation, featuring Bret “The Hitman” Hart and Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, as his second favorite tag team.
These revelations from Kenny Omega shed light on his early influences and the wrestlers who inspired him to pursue a career in professional wrestling. It is not uncommon for wrestlers to draw inspiration from their predecessors, as they learn from their styles and incorporate them into their own repertoire.
Omega’s choices reflect his appreciation for both technical skill and captivating storytelling within the wrestling ring. His love for the athleticism displayed by Curt Hennig and the high-flying action of The Rockers showcases his passion for the art form.
As a former AEW World Champion and one of the most respected wrestlers in the industry, Kenny Omega’s insights into his favorite wrestlers provide fans with a glimpse into his own wrestling journey. It is always fascinating to learn about the influences that shape the careers of our favorite athletes, and Omega’s choices highlight the impact that these legendary wrestlers had on him.