The highly anticipated Kazuchika Okada vs Mark Briscoe AEW Grand Slam matchup was announced following a violent incident involving Okada and Kenny Omega at AEW’s Summer Blockbuster. Set to unfold on June 18 at Arena Mexico, tensions are running high after Okada’s attack left Omega seriously hurt, prompting Briscoe to challenge Okada to settle their issues in the ring.
Background: Okada’s Attack Sparks Outrage and Sets Up the Challenge
Mark Briscoe addressed fans through a promo released by AEW on social media in the aftermath of the shocking events at Summer Blockbuster, a night where Okada’s attack on Kenny Omega made headlines. Briscoe, reflecting on his friendship and recent partnership with Omega, expressed his disappointment in Okada’s actions. He noted that he expected better from the Continental Champion, and as an act of fairness and retribution, Briscoe issued a challenge to Okada for a match at AEW Grand Slam Mexico, promising to make Okada pay for his violent conduct.
On Wednesday, @KennyOmegamanX was brutally attacked by his nemesis @RainmakerXOkada.After the Conglomeration’s trios match Wednesday, Kenny’s longtime friend @SussexCoChicken learned of Okada’s bloody assault on Omega. It didn’t sit well with Mark Briscoe, who had this to say: pic.twitter.com/m3ZIidNTXr
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 13, 2025
Official Match Announcement by Tony Khan
Without delay, AEW President Tony Khan made the Kazuchika Okada vs Mark Briscoe match official, confirming that the two will face off for Continental gold at the iconic Arena Mexico. The announcement came swiftly following Briscoe’s public challenge and focused on the personal stakes involved, especially with Briscoe seeking vengeance for his injured friend, Kenny Omega.
This Wednesday, 6/18#AEWGrandSlamMexico8pm ET/7pm CT, TBS + Max@SussexCoChicken vsContinental Champion @rainmakerXokadaAfter Okada’s brutal attack on Omega, Kenny’s longtime friend Mark Briscoe is out for payback!Briscoe wants to hurt Okada in Arena México THIS WEDNESDAY! https://t.co/eNsQBA4GXF pic.twitter.com/GL7o7gZxZ3
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) June 13, 2025
Chronology of Events Leading to the Grudge Match
The confrontation between Okada and Omega began during the contract signing for their All In match, held at AEW Summer Blockbuster. Initially civilized, the situation turned violent when Don Callis orchestrated a distraction, creating an opening for Okada to begin his attack. Okada targeted Omega’s recently operated abdomen, exploiting his vulnerability after diverticulitis surgery. As Omega was being attended to by medical personnel and placed on a stretcher, Okada escalated the assault by leaping off the top rope and landing another blow, intensifying the severity of Omega’s injuries and setting the stage for Briscoe’s challenge.
Full Card Lineup for AEW Grand Slam Mexico
Alongside the featured Kazuchika Okada vs Mark Briscoe AEW Grand Slam bout, the event at Arena Mexico will showcase a lineup packed with marquee matchups and top contenders:
1. CMLL World Women’s Champion Zeuxis defends her title against Mercedes Mone
2. MJF squares off against Mistico
3. Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta) and Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson & Nicholas Jackson) take on Swerve Strickland, Will Ospreay, and The Opps (Samoa Joe, Powerhouse Hobbs & Katsuyori Shibata) in a major team clash
4. Kazuchika Okada vs. Mark Briscoe in a heated singles showdown
5. Adam Cole, Daniel Garcia, Brody King, Templario, Bandido & Atlantis Jr. battle Dax Harwood, Cash Wheeler, Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher, Josh Alexander & Hechicero in a team contest
6. Ricochet, Hologram, Lio Rush, and Mascara Dorada face off in a four-way contest
Significance of Okada and Briscoe’s Showdown
The Kazuchika Okada vs Mark Briscoe AEW Grand Slam encounter is more than just a championship bout; it represents the fallout from personal betrayal and unresolved animosity following the brutal events involving Kenny Omega. Prominent figures such as Tony Khan, Don Callis, Jon Moxley, and Mercedes Mone are all woven into the fabric of AEW Grand Slam Mexico, making it a must-watch. The outcome will not just affect the wrestlers involved but could have ripple effects across the ongoing rivalries within AEW, keeping both fans and competitors on edge as the fallout from these explosive events continues to unfold.
