Tape Study Chatter Breakdown: Omega vs Kidd – Wrestle Dynasty Promo Battle
1. Introduction
In this Tape Study Chatter, we break down the promos leading to the match between Kenny Omega and Gabe Kidd at Wrestle Dynasty. The buildup has sparked mixed reactions, so let’s analyze the storytelling, character motivations, and promo delivery setting the stage for this clash.
2. The Promos: Omega’s Heel Turn vs Kidd’s Raw Intensity
Kenny Omega: The Anime Villain
Turn to Heel: Omega’s heel turn is abrupt. After returning to NJPW as a babyface, his sudden shift to the “Anime Villain” persona feels disconnected and forced, with no buildup to explain this drastic change.
Tone and Delivery: Omega plays up the "Anime Villain" archetype, delivering lines with exaggerated confidence. However, his transformation doesn’t align with the story he had been telling since his return, making his heel turn feel awkward and unearned.
Gabe Kidd: The Madman
Authentic Aggression: Kidd’s promo contrasts with Omega’s. He’s raw, unapologetic, and focused on Omega’s disparaging remarks online. Kidd’s intensity makes him come across as more genuine, his motivations clear: he wants payback.
Rawness and Intensity: Kidd’s promo mirrors his violent in-ring style—no gimmicks, just a man determined to take down Omega. This makes his character more believable than Omega’s forced villainous persona.
3. Key Moments in the Promos
Kenny Omega's Heel Promo Moments:
Omega’s “Anime Villain” Persona: Omega claims Kidd destroyed what he built—Bullet Club. This claim feels hollow, as Omega hasn’t publicly aligned with Bullet Club since 2018. His focus shifted to AEW, and his sudden attempt to reclaim Bullet Club feels desperate and forced. It makes him appear as a nostalgic, desperate heel trying to revive something irrelevant to the current story.
Omega’s Sense of Entitlement: Omega’s sense of ownership over Bullet Club, despite his absence, contributes to his arrogant persona. However, it feels more like a forced caricature than a natural heel turn, failing to resonate with those familiar with his real-life story.
Kidd’s Promo Moments:
Kidd’s raw delivery stands out. His aggression and desire to confront Omega feel authentic, making him come across as the true protagonist in this story.
4. Storytelling Breakdown
The storytelling here is uneven. Omega’s heel turn lacks the necessary buildup to feel natural, leaving it jarring. Kidd’s promo feels grounded and his motivations clear, giving him an edge over Omega’s forced character shift.
5. Conclusion: Why This Match Doesn’t Work
Despite efforts to create a compelling feud, this match falls flat for several reasons.
Kenny Omega’s Motivations Feel Unclear: Omega’s claim that Kidd “ruined” Bullet Club feels empty, as he hasn’t been aligned with the faction since 2018. His desire to reclaim Bullet Club isn’t explored in the promos, leaving his heel turn underdeveloped.
The Impact of Omega’s Health and Career: Omega’s career is storied, but after a life-threatening condition, his health remains uncertain. This “damaged goods” angle could’ve added depth, but it feels superficial, weakening his heel turn.
Misaligned Roles and Character Dynamics: Kidd is forced into a babyface role, which contradicts his anti-hero persona. Omega plays the stereotypical villain, distorting the dynamic and making the feud feel unnatural and forced.
The Lack of Narrative Momentum: The feud lacks depth, and Omega’s character feels stagnant. Kidd is miscast, and the story doesn’t invest the audience, leading to a shallow match.
In conclusion, this match doesn’t work because the storyline is disjointed and lacks depth. Omega’s motivations are unclear, and the roles of both wrestlers are poorly executed. While the in-ring action may still deliver, the match struggles to live up to its potential without a compelling narrative.
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