The highly anticipated showdown between Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada has officially been set as the main event for AEW All In, reigniting one of wrestling’s most celebrated rivalries, with Will Ospreay standing out and Tay Melo making a widely praised comeback. Fans can look forward to Omega’s presence at the event, as AEW has confirmed this major headline match, along with significant developments across the card and the return of prominent stars.
Historic Rivalry Renewed: Omega Faces Okada at All In
AEW originally hinted in December that Kenny Omega would face Kazuchika Okada at All In, and their long history in NJPW is well known among wrestling enthusiasts. This storied rivalry, considered by many as transformative for modern professional wrestling, added a new layer of excitement for the upcoming pay-per-view. AEW is now positioned to reintroduce this legendary matchup to a broader audience, raising expectations for a match that may once again shape the wrestling landscape.
Memorable Moments and Key Performances
The episode leading to these announcements featured several notable moments. Will Ospreay continued his rise with an impressive post-match segment, while Adam “Hangman” Page delivered an emotional speech affirming his independence and proclaiming that the All In event would mark a pivotal night for him. Hangman’s fiery words reinforced his ongoing story with Swerve Strickland and signaled major implications for future championship pursuits.
Meanwhile, FTR’s performance against Atlantis Jr. & Templario was well received, highlighting the team’s capabilities as AEW Tag Team Champions and building anticipation for their future title defenses. The inclusion of emerging stars, such as Nick Wayne, showcased AEW’s commitment to nurturing new talent, with Wayne, at only 19, being singled out for his poise and potential to become a top-tier competitor in the coming years.
Tay Melo’s Return and Divisional Shifts
Tay Melo made her return to AEW programming, intervening to support Anna Jay. Melo, who had stepped away to become a mother, came back in strong form and reestablished her presence in the division. Her confrontation with Megan Bayne set the stage for a heated tag team encounter at the upcoming Summer Blockbuster event. This development not only marked a personal milestone for Melo but also promised a fresh dynamic in the women’s division.
Thekla delivered an impressive debut, demonstrating a unique style during her first live outing. Her performance piqued interest for her upcoming match against Queen Aminata, with fans and commentators eager to see how she fits into the AEW Women’s Division moving forward.
Concerns Over Women’s Division Booking
Despite the positive highlights, there were reservations about the number of women’s matches on the card, as only two took place over the course of four hours. Some viewers felt the Don Callis Family’s involvement on Collision, which took up a significant segment, limited opportunities for building out a women’s mid-card feud. The ongoing storyline between Toni Storm and Mercedes Mone at All In remains a focal point, but there is a call among fans and commentators for AEW to diversify their women’s storytelling. Additionally, the proposition was raised that moving the TBS Title away from Mercedes Mone could free up fresh narrative options for the division as All In approaches.
Event Grades and Wrestling Milestones
The show’s overall assessment reflected both the positives and the drawbacks, with six clear standouts and two notable misses. The confirmation of Okada versus Omega was regarded as a critical step for AEW All In, though some felt the four-hour run time impacted the show’s pacing and consistency. In a nod to wrestling history, it was also recalled that on June 4, 2017, at WWE Extreme Rules in Baltimore’s Royal Farms Arena, Dean Ambrose dropped the Intercontinental Championship to The Miz, marking another significant milestone on the same date.
What the Future Holds for AEW
As AEW All In draws closer, the renewal of the Omega versus Okada rivalry stands as the centerpiece of an evolving landscape, while rising stars like Nick Wayne and established talents such as FTR and Will Ospreay continue to shape the brand’s future. Tay Melo’s return and Thekla’s introduction signal growth in the women’s roster, though there remains ongoing discussion about balancing screen time and narrative focus within the division. The confirmation of Kenny Omega for the main event has invigorated the fanbase, and the road to All In is set with high-stakes matches and storylines that promise to define AEW’s trajectory in the coming months.
