The world of professional wrestling and anime converged in spectacular fashion recently, captivating fans worldwide. Executive Vice President and wrestling superstar Kenny Omega, known for his deep appreciation of pop culture, delivered an unforgettable entrance at All Elite Wrestling's (AEW) All In: London pay-per-view event, paying homage to the iconic Symbol of Peace himself, All Might from My Hero Academia.
The Symbol of Peace Enters the Ring
Sunday's AEW All In: London witnessed Kenny Omega, also known by his real name Tyson Smith, step into the arena with an appearance perfectly crafted to represent the number one hero. His outfit was a meticulously designed tribute to All Might's classic heroic costume, instantly recognizable to anime enthusiasts. The homage was elevated further by an incredibly special addition: the entrance narration. Fans were treated to the powerful voice of Kenta Miyake, the original Japanese voice actor for All Might, whose stirring words, based on the character's famous speeches from My Hero Academia, resonated through the venue. This incredible moment was perfectly underscored by the series' exhilarating track, “You Say Run,” amplifying the energy and creating a truly goosebump-inducing experience for everyone present. The combination of visual fidelity, authentic voice work, and a beloved soundtrack made Omega's entrance a masterclass in fandom crossover.
A Grateful Hero's Shout-Out
Following his high-stakes match, Kenny Omega took to social media to express his gratitude for the epic collaboration. He extended his thanks to the creators of My Hero Academia, the streaming giant Crunchyroll, and most notably, to Kenta Miyake-san himself. Omega's message, "Thank you to My Hero Academia, Crunchyroll, and Miyake-san for allowing me to represent All Might," underscored the significant coordination and approval required to pull off such a detailed and beloved tribute. This gesture highlights the respect and appreciation Omega has for the source material and the artists behind it, making the crossover feel even more genuine and celebratory for fans of both wrestling and anime.
Beyond the Iconic Entrance
The night at AEW All In: London was filled with high drama, even beyond Omega's spectacular walk-in. Omega faced Will Ospreay in a highly anticipated main event, defending his AEW World Championship title. The match itself was a grueling affair, described as "35 thrilling minutes," which ultimately saw Ospreay emerge victorious, defeating Omega in a hard-fought contest. The event also marked another notable debut, with the popular tag team duo Austin Creed and Kofi, previously known as Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston, making their presence felt as the newly christened tag team, New Level. While Omega's championship reign concluded, his entrance cemented itself as one of the most memorable moments of the entire pay-per-view.
Omega's Legacy of Pop Culture Tributes
Kenny Omega is celebrated not just for his in-ring prowess but also for his consistent ability to blend his passion for professional wrestling with his love for anime and video games. This All Might tribute is far from his first foray into collaborative entrances. In 2019, he appeared at AEW's Double or Nothing event sporting a jacket inspired by Kirito, the protagonist from the popular anime series Sword Art Online. More recently, at New Japan Pro Wrestling's Wrestle Kingdom 17 in 2023, Omega made an even grander statement by entering in an elaborate outfit inspired by the iconic antagonist Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII. This entrance was complete with a stunning new rendition of the infamous Final Fantasy VII song "One-Winged Angel," specially composed by Nobuo Uematsu. These repeated tributes showcase Omega's dedication to his interests and his talent for bringing beloved fictional worlds to life within the wrestling arena, forging a unique connection with a broad spectrum of fans.
Kenny Omega's All Might entrance at AEW All In: London was more than just a costume; it was a profound celebration of shared passions, expertly executed with respect and flair. It stands as a testament to the power of crossovers and the thrilling possibilities when different forms of entertainment collide.
