In a recent interview with GameSpot, Kenny Omega recalled competing in the ‘Like A Dragon Gaiden Street Fight’ on the November 15, 2023, episode of AEW Dynamite.
Omega, Paul Wight, Kota Ibushi, and Chris Jericho teamed together to defeat The Don Callis Family’s Konosuke Takeshita, Powerhouse Hobbs, Kyle Fletcher, and Brian Cage.
You can check out some highlights from the interview below:
On how much it hurt to be hit with a bicycle in the middle of the match: “I was involved in the Like A Dragon Gaiden Street Fight Match. For as much as a Kendo stick might hurt or some barbed wire, thumbtacks, being hit with a bicycle, full blast, we’re talking 360, discus throw bicycle shot, there’s never quite been anything like it. In fact, I don’t even know if you can see it. I have a scar from the wheel hitting me. It’s not going away. That’s what a bike does to you,” Omega said. “There were comments were like, ‘Oh, this is silly. Why would someone use a bike in a fight? How could that hurt?’ I couldn’t believe people actually think that you’re gonna hit with a real-life bicycle. I get it. I’ve been there. I’m living it, still living it to this day.”
On doing more promotional work: “The dude had the bike in the ring. It’s like, oh man, I know this is a show, ‘Alright, I’ll f**king get hit with a bike.’ So I go in the ring and I’m just getting walloped by this bike and I’m like, ‘Yeah, you guys made the right decision, but someone had to do it.’ Does that mean I won’t do it ever again? No, shoot. Let me do promotional work again. I love matches like that. When those weapon attacks do more damage than your normal attack would, there’s a reason for it. It’s not fun, it’s unpleasant.”
In a recent appearance on the “Compas On The Beat” podcast, The Acclaimed’s Anthony Bowens discussed his early days in wrestling, the trajectory of his career, his humble beginnings, and more.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On the trajectory of his career: “Way back in 2012, I had stopped playing college baseball and I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I was like, ‘Maybe pro wrestling,’ because I fell in love with it again around then, but I just didn’t know where to go, where to start training, how to get that process going.”
On seeing Santino Marella at a gym: “As I walked away, [Marella] stopped me and he said, ‘Hey, you look like a pro wrestler. Have you ever thought about becoming one?’ He gave me the number [of] Pat Buck, who is trainer/owner at Create-A-Pro Wrestling Academy.”
In a recent interview with GameSpot, professional wrestler Kenny Omega shared his experience competing in the ‘Like A Dragon Gaiden Street Fight’ on the November 15, 2023, episode of AEW Dynamite. Omega, along with Paul Wight, Kota Ibushi, and Chris Jericho, formed a team to take on The Don Callis Family’s Konosuke Takeshita, Powerhouse Hobbs, Kyle Fletcher, and Brian Cage.
One of the standout moments of the match was when Omega was hit with a bicycle. Reflecting on the incident, Omega revealed that being struck by a bicycle was unlike anything he had ever experienced before. He emphasized the impact of the blow, stating, “For as much as a Kendo stick might hurt or some barbed wire, thumbtacks, being hit with a bicycle, full blast, we’re talking 360, discus throw bicycle shot, there’s never quite been anything like it.” Omega even mentioned that he still carries a scar from the wheel hitting him, highlighting the intensity of the moment. He expressed surprise at people questioning the authenticity of using a bike in a fight, emphasizing that it indeed caused significant pain.
Despite the discomfort and potential risks involved, Omega expressed his willingness to continue participating in such matches. He acknowledged that while being hit with a bike was not enjoyable, he appreciated the storytelling aspect and the added impact it brought to the match. Omega stated, “When those weapon attacks do more damage than your normal attack would, there’s a reason for it. It’s not fun, it’s unpleasant.”
In another wrestling-related interview, Anthony Bowens from The Acclaimed appeared on the “Compas On The Beat” podcast to discuss his early days in wrestling and the trajectory of his career. Bowens shared that in 2012, after quitting college baseball, he was unsure about his future. However, his passion for professional wrestling led him to consider pursuing it as a career. He mentioned the challenges he faced in finding the right training and guidance to kickstart his journey.
An unexpected encounter with former WWE wrestler Santino Marella at a gym changed Bowens’ life. Marella noticed Bowens and remarked that he looked like a pro wrestler. He then provided Bowens with the contact information of Pat Buck, the trainer and owner of Create-A-Pro Wrestling Academy. This encounter proved to be a turning point for Bowens, as it set him on the path to becoming a professional wrestler.
Both interviews shed light on the behind-the-scenes experiences of professional wrestlers and their dedication to their craft. From enduring painful blows to seizing unexpected opportunities, these stories highlight the passion and commitment required to succeed in the world of wrestling.