AEW Grand Slam France: Will Ospreay Tops Kazuchika Okada in Exciting Paris Show

AEW's First Paris Event Delivers Intense Action

On Tuesday, October 6, AEW held its inaugural event in Paris at the Adidas Arena, featuring a packed card with four championship bouts. Although no titles changed hands, each match offered something memorable for the fans in attendance.

Will Ospreay Defends AEW World Championship Against Kazuchika Okada

The main event showcased a thrilling contest between Will Ospreay and Kazuchika Okada for the AEW World Championship. Both wrestlers performed like true champions, blending skill and showmanship. Ospreay ultimately secured victory using his signature Hidden Blade finisher after surviving two Rainmakers from Okada. The champion’s strategy paid off when Okada’s attempt at a third Rainmaker was countered by a quick Hidden Blade, delivering the decisive blow without his elbow pad.

This move appears to be AEW’s version of a guaranteed finisher for Ospreay—similar to how Kenny Omega’s One-Winged Angel is recognized as an automatic win. Ospreay’s Hidden Blade has never been kicked out of, reinforcing its status as a match-ender. Their match created an electric atmosphere, and it seemed Okada nearly had the upper hand until he overreached.

Next, Ospreay will face Clockwork Carnage in a multi-person match at AEW WrestleDream 2026 on Saturday, marking a new stipulation brought into the company by the champion himself.

Darby Allin Retains TNT Title in Chaotic Bout

Despite the show being in Paris, Darby Allin refrained from any Eiffel Tower stunts while defending his TNT Championship against Kyle Fletcher. The match turned wild, culminating in a brutal bloodbath after Allin took a devastating Brainbuster onto the exposed top turnbuckle. Utilizing a Scorpion Death Lock followed by two Coffin Drops, Allin secured the win.

Fletcher’s defeat sets him up for a tag team title challenge alongside Kevin Knight against The Young Bucks at WrestleDream, provided the Bucks overcome The Dogs during the second night of AEW Grand Slam France.

Bandido Holds ROH World Title Over Kofi

The opening match saw Bandido retain his ROH World Championship by defeating Kofi. Watching Kofi adapt to AEW opponents after nearly two decades in WWE feels unusual, but both competitors delivered a solid performance. This bout served as a lead-in to the ongoing saga involving The New Level faction, Brodido, and Hangman Adam Page.

A Two-Out-Of-Three Falls match between The New Level and Swerve Strickland versus the former champions has been scheduled for WrestleDream. The rivalry between Strickland and Page remains intense, with their interactions ringside signaling a heated conflict ahead.

French Crowd Shines as Uncrowned Gem

The live audience in Paris deserves special mention. From the moment the show opened with graphics, the crowd’s energy was palpable, reaching new heights during the main event. French wrestling fans showed up in force, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that enhanced every match.

Match Results and Grades from AEW Grand Slam France

• AEW World Championship: Will Ospreay (c.) defeated Kazuchika Okada — Grade: 4.75/5
• AEW Women’s World Championship: Mercedes Mone (c.) defeated Queen Aminata — Grade: 3.5/5
• TNT Championship: Darby Allin (c.) defeated Kyle Fletcher — Grade: 4.25/5
• The Don Callis Family (Mark Davis and Jake Doyle) defeated Death Riders (Jon Moxley and Gabe Kidd) — Grade: 3.75/5
• Clockwork Carnage Qualifying Match: Samoa Joe defeated Jungle Jack Perry — Grade: 3.75/5
• ROH World Championship: Bandido (c.) defeated Kofi — Grade: 3/5

Detailed Main Event Recap

The match between Ospreay and Okada was a rollercoaster of counters and near falls. Ospreay missed his Hidden Blade early, and Okada reversed moves to land multiple Rainmakers, yet Ospreay kicked out every time. Okada even survived a Stormbreaker and a Styles Clash from Ospreay. The back-and-forth momentum featured dropkicks, forearm exchanges, and high-risk maneuvers such as an Oscutter on the apron and a Phenomenal Forearm attempt.

The crowd’s excitement swelled as the wrestlers traded blows and escapes. Okada teased his Rainmaker several times but never landed the final blow. The turning point came when Ospreay removed his elbow pad and executed the Hidden Blade, ending the contest to loud cheers.

Other Notable Moments

Mercedes Mone defended her Women’s World Championship against Queen Aminata, finishing with the Mone Maker. Post-match, Thekla confronted Mone and hit a spear, narrowly missing a stomp.

The Don Callis Family and Death Riders engaged in a hard-hitting tag team battle, and Samoa Joe advanced by defeating Jungle Jack Perry in a Clockwork Carnage qualifier.