Kazuchika Okada kept his AEW International Championship on the March 28 episode of AEW Collision, narrowly beating challenger Kevin Knight in a hard-fought match.
Match summary
The title fight took place on the March 28 episode of AEW Collision. Okada defended his AEW International Championship against “The Jet” Kevin Knight. Knight had previously beaten Okada in the Continental Classic tournament, so he came in looking for a second upset victory over the champion.
The match was fast and physical. Both men traded big moves and near falls. Knight hit a Coast-To-Coast Drop Kick and tried for his UFO Splash from the top rope. Okada rolled away, but Knight still hit the move and came down hard on Okada’s knees. Later, Okada attempted his Rainmaker finisher, but Knight surprised him with roll-ups and close near falls.
Key moments
Early in the match, Okada used his ring experience to taunt Knight, even threatening chops to make Knight flinch. Okada also did damage outside the ring, including a DDT on the floor. Knight recovered and answered with his own high-flying offense. He matched Okada’s Drop Kick, hit a big Springboard Clothesline to the outside, and landed a leaping hurricanrana that brought the champion down.
The finish came after a chaotic exchange. Knight went for the UFO Splash from the top rope but missed and crashed into Okada’s knees. Okada tried the Rainmaker, but Knight countered with roll-ups for close counts. On the final sequence, Okada dropped his weight onto Knight during a pin and grabbed the ropes for extra leverage as the referee counted. That gave Okada the pin and the win, allowing him to retain the AEW International Championship.
Aftermath and outlook
With this result, both men now have one victory over the other. Knight’s earlier win in the Continental Classic tournament was a noted upset, and this match’s controversial finish makes a third meeting likely. Fans and pundits may call for a trilogy match to settle the score cleanly.
Okada leaves Collision still the AEW International Champion. Knight showed he can hang with the champion and remains a top contender after another solid showing.
Match details
Event: AEW Collision (March 28, 2026)
| Fighter | Recent Result |
|---|---|
| Kazuchika Okada | Win — retained AEW International Championship (March 28, 2026) |
| Kevin Knight | Loss — challenger (March 28, 2026); had beaten Okada previously in the Continental Classic tournament |
Both men left the ring with momentum. Given the close and controversial finish, a third match between Okada and Kevin Knight seems likely in the near future.
