Fantasy Booking Kenny Omega's Return to AEW Dynamite

No man is more important to All Elite Wrestling than Kenny Omega. While Chris Jericho, Jon Moxley, CM Punk and Bryan Danielson could all be seen as bigger names, The Cleaner was the name that defined the company from the beginning.

He has had many of the best matches in AEW's relatively short history while telling many of the best stories at the same time. He is a complete generation-defining performer who committed to the creation of AEW over joining many other promotions as a top star.

The 38-year-old's run with the AEW World Championship was the most memorable in the title's history to date, and when he dropped the belt to "Hangman" Adam Page and was forced to take time off for surgery, the company was left without a crucial element.

Nine months after his departure, the time is nearing for The Cleaner to return to action, and it should only elevate AEW as a whole.

How can Omega return in a way that not only makes sense but also sets the stage for the best run of his career? It all begins with the AEW Trios Championship.

On July 27, 2022, AEW finally announced the long-awaited AEW Trios Championship. With the company's focus on building stables, there have always been at least five separate strong trios with more than ever currently established.

However, years before these titles were ever in consideration, there was one trio that defined AEW: The Elite. The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega remain the most dominant and recognized threesome in the promotion's history.

AEW President Tony Khan confirmed in March during the AEW Revolution media call that he has had plans for the titles for a long time, but he would not institute them without the Bucks and Omega.

However, in the buildup to the tournament, Omega has been nowhere to be seen while Matt and Nick Jackson look ready to tag with Adam Page. They previously won the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championships with The Cowboy.

It would make the most sense to keep Omega off AEW programming all the way to the Trios Tournament finals, allowing the Bucks and Page to fight together to earn a spot in the match at All Out on September 4.

Many opponents could challenge The Elite in the final. The Blackpool Combat Club, Jericho Appreciation Society, House of Black or Best Friends stand out, but Death Triangle would be the most interesting opponents.

PAC, Rey Fenix and Penta Oscuro have been a trio through the years, battling through many injuries and setbacks while staying together. They also have plenty of history with The Elite.

With AEW All Out set to feature The Young Bucks and Hangman Adam Page (aka The Hung Bucks) against PAC, Rey Fenix and Penta Oscuro of Death Triangle, there would be plenty of stories to tell.

In particular, Adam Cole has stated he will not allow "his friends" to tag with anyone while he and reDRagon are out of action. He already tried to take out Matt and Nick Jackson once, and he will likely try something again, likely by attacking Page.

While it would be disappointing to see The Cowboy off the All Out card, fans would forgive the injury angle if it means the surprise return of Omega to replace him.

The Cleaner would be back just in time to reform AEW's most defined trio while also adding a new element to the growing rivalry of Cole's Undisputed Elite and the original Elite.

With the Trios Championships at the center of this story, the titles would get a massive boost amid the faction warfare.

Omega and The Young Bucks vs. Adam Cole and reDRagon is a feud that would at least build to a trios match at AEW Full Gear with the titles on the line. Regardless of that result, the story could continue far into 2023.

Working mostly tag team matches with the Jackson brothers would keep Omega fresh, limiting his exposure in the first few months in singles matches.

Once he is ready, Omega vs. Cole is a contest for a major pay-per-view, and by adding in a few allies, the teams could make it all the way to the next Blood & Guts match.

By then, The Cleaner should be working at his best again. The Trios Championships can eventually be shuffled onto House of Black or Blackpool Combat Club at the right moment, and Omega can start working one-on-one against the best again.

Omega vs. Bryan Danielson II, vs. CM Punk, vs. Eddie Kingston, vs. Darby Allin, and even vs. MJF (assuming he returns). These are all matches that could come out in the future.

While the timing may not be right, there is plenty of money in The Cleaner challenging The Best in the World for the AEW World Championship in particular.

If AEW and New Japan Pro-Wrestling decide to do another Forbidden Door PPV, Omega has to be a headliner, given his history with both promotions.

The future is bright for AEW as its top names are starting to get healthy again. The promotion could well soar to new heights by the end of 2022, starting with the return of The Best Bout Machine.

What comes next is anyone's guess, but it is fun to speculate about the various stories that Omega could tell upon his return.