Since the launch of AEW in 2019, executive vice presidents Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks and Cody Rhodes have spoken several times about how those responsibilities behind the scene have impacted them. Cody, now back in WWE, has been especially sincere, admitting in past interviews that I felt that I was not mature enough for the role at that time.
Now, in a recent conversation with Adi ShankarKenny Omega reflected on one of his own frustrations with the EVP position, specifically, how he changed the way he could express himself creatively.
“One of the greatest regrets that I have to become EVP was to lose the freedom to be funny in the ancient style of Being the Elite,” Omega explained. “As soon as we assumed those roles, we became responsible for everything we said or did. If we said something that was not aligned with the expectations of the chain or offended someone who decided to file a formal complaint, they could get out of us immediately.”
He said that the pressure of that responsibility, not only towards fans but also towards the many employees who work under the AEW flag, weighed.
“I really began to miss those days when we were only a small team: I, the Bucks, Hangman, Cody, simply throwing ideas, trying to make people laugh and connect with fans,” Omega continued. “We were always respectful, we never wanted to hurt anyone. Even if we played being villains in a segment, it was part of a story. That was the point.”
Looking back, Omega said he recently checked some old BTE clips with the bucks and felt a wave of nostalgia.
“We were just joking, doing ridiculous things. All of us who looked knew it was a joke, and laughed with us, or of us, and that was great,” he said. “Now it's sad that we can't really do that. Not because I would really harm someone, but because someone could choose to offend themselves and then feel power to hurt us for it.”
He concluded, “So now I only stay in my shell and do what they pay me to do. That part is a bit depressing.”
There has not been a new Being the Elite episode since October 2023.
