Kenny Omega will lead The Elite into battle against the Blackpool Combat Club at Blood and Guts on July 19th, but there are more surprises in store.
On the July 5th episode of Dynamite, it was confirmed that Eddie Kingston and Bryan Danielson will miss the match. Kingston is set to take part in the G1 Climax Tournament in Japan, while the American Dragon is currently out of action after he suffered a broken arm during his recent match with Kazuchika Okada.
Following the announcement, the commentary team revealed that two mystery combatants will be added to the match, with their identities becoming clear in the next few weeks.
However, Kenny Omega wasted little time in dropping a few hints of his own. Speaking after the show went off the air, Omega referenced his recent break from the show, commenting that he went to talk to an old friend.
Many fans have taken that old friend to be Kota Ibushi, who has long been linked with a move to AEW.
“Now you guys listen to this. There was a week when my whereabouts were unknown. I didn’t stay home. I didn’t go to Canada. I went to recruit an old friend, somebody who’s very near and dear to my heart. I’ve got no doubt in my mind that as much as he cares about me, he cares about the men in this ring, he cares about this promotion, he cares about changing the face of professional wrestling. At Blood and Guts in two weeks, there is no way we lose,”
Kenny Omega Hits Back At Recent Criticism
On Dynamite, Omega wrestled his first match since going to war with Will Ospreay at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, picking up a win over Wheeler Yuta.
The match at Forbidden Door drew praise almost across the board, but one spot during the match was heavily criticised. During the match, Omega took a Tiger Driver ’91 which saw him land very high on his head and neck.
While many critics questioned why Omega took such a move, the man himself said he would never do anything that would put him in danger.
H/t to Fightful