The last time Lower Mainland-raised pro wrestler Kyle O’Reilly performed in Vancouver was in 2019.

It was a non-televised event with WWE’s NXT at the PNE Agrodome. The time before that, it was an even smaller venue—the Commodore Ballroom—for the ECCW Championship back in 2017.

O’Reilly’s return to home turf this May is not only in front of his largest local crowd to date—at Rogers Arena as part of All Elite Wrestling (AEW)’s roster—but hot off the heels of his return to action after a near-career-ending neck injury had him sidelined for two years.

So, for O’Reilly—who attended his first wrestling event back in 1998 at Rogers Arena, which was then called General Motors Place, and was instantly hooked—this homecoming is extremely significant.

“With AEW returning to that same building, it’s a cool full-circle moment for me to return to my hometown where it all began,” he shares. “To experience it like that, on the other side of the guardrail now, is pretty special.”

Born and raised in North Delta, O’Reilly pays homage to his Pacific Northwest roots whenever and wherever he can. 

“First of all, shout-out to Lions Gate Dojo [in Surrey], because they’re so amazing and great trainers,” he comments. “I think that one of those rings there now might still be the ring that I originally trained in, which is great.”

From setting up chairs at local wrestling shows at the Russian Cultural Centre to performing in front of much smaller audiences than he’s used to today, he’s certainly paid his dues in the industry.

“The Russian Cultural Centre on West 4th and Arbutus was our mainstay in Vancouver,” he says. “Some of my favorite shows and matches were there.”

Despite his love for his hometown, O’Reilly found that he had to leave BC in order to find career opportunities in the pro wrestling world.

“To make it in this sport, you have to be willing to make sacrifices and go where the opportunities are. That’s unfortunately why I had to leave BC,” he explains. “Because I knew that I really had no plan B.”

Although he now calls the United States home, his AEW entrance still has him billed as from Vancouver. In another nod to his local roots, O’Reilly’s ring gear even has a similar colour scheme to the Canucks. 

“It's kind of my ode to home and paying homage to that organization that’s near and dear, as much as they’ve disappointed me over the years,” he says with a laugh. “Hey, maybe this year will be different, right?” (The Canucks are currently in round one of the NHL playoffs against the Nashville Predators.)

Being a regular roster member of the second-largest wrestling promotion company in the world, O’Reilly’s seen a thing or two. With that knowledge, he offers advice for up-and-coming wrestlers in the scene. 

“Just really be willing to shut your mouth and open your ears,” he shares. “Don’t have any ego—leave that aside and be willing to learn.”

He also has some suggestions for meals in his hometown.

“Vancouver has so many amazing sushi restaurants; outside of Japan, it is probably the best sushi I’ve ever had, so it might be good to get some while I’m in town,” he says. “And of course, White Spot, always.”

Turns out nothing tastes better after a body slam than some Triple O Sauce.

AEW Collision takes place May 11 at Rogers Arena. Get tickets here.