Folks, the Rainmaker reigns supreme! With AEW’s All Out just around the corner, Kazuchika Okada has successfully defended his AEW Continental Championship, fending off a tough challenge from Kyle Fletcher. On the September 4 episode of AEW Dynamite, the Milwaukee crowd was treated to a classic bout that left fans chanting “holy s**t” before the bell had even rung. And honestly, can you blame them?
In a back-and-forth contest, both Okada and Fletcher traded blows like they were in a Rocky montage, with Fletcher nearly pulling off the upset after delivering a brainbuster that sent Okada crashing onto the apron. The momentum was all his as the final minutes of the 20-minute time limit approached.
But—and this is where champions earn their stripes—Okada showed why he’s still on top. In true Rainmaker fashion, Okada pulled a trick from his bag, using referee Rick Knox as a human distraction. In the ensuing chaos, a quick low blow and a Rainmaker clothesline put Fletcher down for the three-count. Maybe not the cleanest of victories, but hey, it’s not cheating if you don’t get caught… right?
After the bell, things took another twist as Konosuke Takeshita—representing the Don Callis Family—hit the ring to check on his stablemate Fletcher. But Takeshita wasn’t there just to hand out sympathy pats. No, no. He sent a message to Okada, challenging him to get back into the ring and throwing gasoline on the fire for what could be an explosive confrontation this Saturday at All Out.
Takeshita isn’t the only one looking to get in on the action. All Out will see a four-way match for the AEW Continental Championship, with Takeshita facing The Beast Mortos in a Continental Contenders Challenge match. The winner earns a spot alongside Orange Cassidy (who’s facing Bryan Keith) and Mark Briscoe (who’ll square off with Lance Archer) in what’s shaping up to be a barnburner of a match.
Will The Rainmaker retain, or will one of these hungry contenders shock the world? Saturday’s All Out is guaranteed to leave us with some answers—and probably a few more “holy s**t” chants.