AEW star Kenny Omega visits viral Punch the Monkey
(Courtesy : Kenny Omega/X)
Punch the Monkey X Kenny Omega!
Every so often, the internet crowns an unlikely star. This time, it’s not a headline-grabbing celebrity or a dramatic viral clip, but a small, fragile moment from Japan that has quietly taken over timelines worldwide.
At the center of it all is Punch, a baby Japanese macaque whose story has struck a deeply emotional chord. And now, unexpectedly, that story has intersected with one of wrestling’s biggest names, Kenny Omega.
Kenny Omega’s Japan trip brings him closer to Punch’s world
Omega, currently in Japan for a video game event, found himself swept into the viral wave surrounding Punch. The AEW star shared a lighthearted update on social media that immediately caught fans’ attention.
“I was looking for Miyakoshi-san with my friends, but he was taking pictures with me outside Monkey Mountain. He’ll be here soon! Sorry, Punch-kun!” Omega wrote.
“Closing time here as Punch waits for Miyakoshi to open the door. My bad, I was taking pictures with some wonderful fans… Including Miyakoshi 😅”
#GoPunch.
The tweets, playful on the surface, tied Omega directly into one of the internet’s most emotional viral stories.
The story behind Punch’s viral rise
Punch isn’t just another cute animal clip. The seven-month-old macaque was born at Ichikawa City Zoo. He was rejected by his mother shortly after birth, forcing zookeepers to step in.
They gave him an orangutan plushie, reportedly an IKEA Djungelskog toy, to act as a surrogate comfort.
Videos of Punch clinging to it, dragging it around, and sitting alone quickly spread across social media.
What followed was an explosion of global attention. Millions watched, shared, and emotionally invested themselves in Punch’s journey, especially after clips surfaced of him being bullied by other macaques.
From trending Google searches to sold-out plush toys, Punch became more than viral, he became symbolic. While his social media presence made headlines, Omega also made waves professionally. Despite not wrestling at AEW Revolution 2026, he delivered a major moment.
After Strickland defeated Brody King, the situation escalated when Prince Nana introduced a cinder block, hinting at a brutal attack.
Omega’s music hit just in time. He stormed the ring, forcing Strickland to retreat and reigniting a rivalry that had sidelined him weeks earlier.
Who is Punch the Monkey?
Punch is a baby Japanese macaque from Ichikawa City Zoo who went viral after videos showed him clinging to a plush toy for comfort.
Is Kenny Omega returning to AEW full-time?
Omega recently appeared at AEW Revolution 2026, signaling a comeback and continuing his feud with Swerve Strickland.
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Blesson Daniel is a sub-editor who spends his days organizing words and managing social media, crafting bursts of creativity designed to make people smile. He occasionally dives into writing as well — whether it’s crafting articles, brainstorming ideas, or finding the perfect caption. Believing that every piece of writing offers an opportunity to tell a story, Blesson brings creativity and thoughtfulness to every project he takes on. When he’s not glued to his laptop, Blesson is likely planning his next travel adventure or losing himself in music. A passionate explorer of new places, sounds, and ideas, he believes in balancing work, play, and a good playlist in the background. Whether he’s editing, writing, or daydreaming about his next trip, Blesson is always chasing that sweet spot where creativity and curiosity collide to create something memorable.