Potential AEW International Title Challengers Looming for Kazuchika Okada

Published: 4 seconds ago by SP3 | Last Updated: 4 seconds 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.

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AEW

Following AEW All In London 2026, Kazuchika Okada has reclaimed the AEW International Championship.

Entering his second reign with the title, the question remains as to who will challenge “The Rainmaker” for the gold.

From former rivals to emerging talents, Okada could potentially face numerous stars on the AEW roster in the near future.

Here are seven potential candidates to challenge Kazuchika Okada for the AEW International Championship.

7. Konosuke Takeshita

At AEW Double Or Nothing 2026, Konosuke Takeshita defeated Kazuchika Okada to claim the AEW International Championship.

“The Alpha” proved his capability of defeating and dethroning “The Rainmaker.”

Now that Okada is once again the champion, fans can expect Takeshita to seek another opportunity at the title.

A rematch between Takeshita and Okada would present a compelling showdown, reminiscent of one of the best bouts of 2026.

6. “Jungle” Jack Perry

“Jungle” Jack Perry recently re-signed with All Elite Wrestling.

With this re-signing, Perry made his case for eventually becoming AEW World Champion.

On his path to the gold, Perry has stated his intention to face the best to become the best. The former “Jungle Boy” has actively pursued championship gold.

A matchup between Perry and Kazuchika Okada would present a formidable test for the current International Championship reign.

5. Jay White

At AEW x NJPW Forbidden 2026, Jay White returned to the company for the first time in over a year.

Although he has been focused on his rivalry with David Finlay and The Dogs, White has always had his sights set on championship gold in AEW.

“Switchblade” is no stranger to Kazuchika Okada, given their history in New Japan Pro Wrestling.

Based on their established rivalry, White is a logical candidate to challenge Okada for his current AEW International Title reign.

4. Speedball Mike Bailey

At AEW Double Or Nothing 2025, Kazuchika Okada defeated Speedball Mike Bailey to retain the AEW Continental Championship.

Throughout his tenure in All Elite Wrestling, Bailey has relentlessly pursued the International gold.

In his first pay-per-view match, Bailey narrowly lost a three-way match with Kenny Omega and Ricochet at AEW Dynasty 2026. He then failed to capture the International Championship against Kyle Fletcher at AEW Grand Slam Mexico 2026.

Now, Bailey could get another opportunity to avenge his losses against Okada and potentially win the AEW International Championship.

3. Kevin Knight

At AEW All In London 2026, Darby Allin defeated Kevin Knight in a Falls Count Anywhere match to win the TNT Championship.

“The Jet” joined Kyle Fletcher in the Don Callis Family, a faction that lost at the year’s biggest show.

Since joining the DCF, Knight has experienced some teased tension with both Fletcher and Kazuchika Okada.

Now that Okada holds the AEW International Championship, it would not be surprising to see “The Jet” attempt to claim his stablemate’s title.

2. “Hangman” Adam Page

“Hangman” Adam Page is no longer eligible to challenge for the AEW World Title after his loss to MJF in a Texas Death Match at Revolution 2026.

The two-time AEW World Champion took several months off before returning in time for All In London 2026.

Following his return, Page made it clear that he intended to still become a champion, despite being ineligible for the top prize in All Elite Wrestling.

For the first time in over eight years, fans could finally see “Hangman” face Kazuchika Okada one-on-one for the AEW International Championship in the future.

1. Kyle Fletcher

At AEW All In London 2026, Kazuchika Okada defeated Kyle Fletcher and Konosuke Takeshita to win the AEW International Championship.

To secure the victory, Okada chose to pin his Don Callis Family stablemate, Fletcher.

This has created a heated dynamic between “The Rainmaker” and “The Protostar” moving forward.

Eventually, fans could see Fletcher step up to demand his rematch against Okada in what could be a spectacular bout anywhere in the world.

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