Published: 4 hours ago by SP3 | Last Updated: 12 hours ago by SP3
Born in Harlem, New York and now living in the Bronx, Sid Pullar III aka SP3 is a lifelong wrestling fan who has been covering the industry for over nine years as a podcaster and writer. His passion for the industry has been documented with over 3,000 videos on YouTube and 8,000 written pieces across multiple outlets, such as WrestleTalk, Sports Illustrated and more.@TruHeelSP3
AEW
At AEW Grand Slam France, Will Ospreay defeated Kazuchika Okada to retain the AEW World Title.
Following this show, it should be interesting what is next for “The Rainmaker.”
Since he is still the AEW International Champion, there could be any number of stars from the roster who will step up next to challenge him for the title.
Here are five next potential AEW International Championship challengers for Kazuchika Okada after Grand Slam France.
Konosuke Takeshita
At AEW Double Or Nothing 2026, Konosuke Takeshita defeated Kazuchika Okada to win the AEW International Championship.
This made Takeshita and Okada even in their head-to-head record after “The Rainmaker” beat “The Alpha” in the Continental Classic tournament last year.
Then at AEW All In London 2026, Okada defeated both Takeshita and Kyle Fletcher to regain the gold.
Takeshita making his return to the company could see going after the title he has held twice before and settle the score with Okada once and for all.
Tommaso Ciampa
At AEW All Out 2026, Kazuchika Okada defeated Tommaso Ciampa to retain the AEW International Championship.
Despite coming up short in his bid for the gold, Ciampa took Okada to his limit in Chicago.
“The Psycho Killer” has been on the hunt for gold and might not stop pursuing the International Title now.
Ciampa getting a rematch against “The Rainmaker” could lead to him finally capturing the AEW International Championship.
Austin Creed
At AEW All In London 2026, The New Level made their debut by teaming with Swerve Strickland to win the Trios Roulette Royale and capture the AEW World Trios Championships.
While they have been successful as a trio, Kofi has recently tried his hand in the singles division.
After picking up a win over Lee Moriarty on the October 3 AEW Collision, Kofi challenged Bandido for the ROH World Title at Grand Slam France, coming up short in the process.
Now, it could be Austin Creed’s turn and could see him challenge Okada for the AEW International Championship in the near future.
“Hangman” Adam Page
After Revolution 2026, “Hangman” Adam Page can no longer challenge for the AEW World Championship.
Following some time off, Page returned and set his sights on the other titles in All Elite Wrestling.
While he won the AEW World Trios Titles with Brodido, the team lost the gold at All In London 2026 and then failed to regain them at All Out 2026.
Despite getting another chance for the titles at WrestleDream, Page might be avoiding the inevitable of going after singles gold again and could set up a tantalizing bout against Kazuchika Okada for the AEW International Championship.
Kyle Fletcher
At AEW All In London 2026, Kazuchika Okada defeated Kyle Fletcher and Konosuke Takeshita to win the AEW International Championship.
Despite both men being in the Don Callis Family, Okada chose to pin his stablemate to win the title.
Since then, there has been increased tension between Fletcher and Okada in recent weeks.
To regain the gold, it may just be a matter of time before “The Protostar” challenges “The Rainmaker” for the AEW International Championship in the near future.
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