3 Stars who could dethrone the AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada
Kazuchika Okada made his AEW debut in March 2024. The Rainmaker joined forces with The Elite on debut, shockingly turning heel in the process.
It did not take Okada long to taste success in AEW, as he dethroned Eddie Kingston in less than three weeks after his debut to become the new AEW Continental Champion. The 36-year-old star has done a decent job since then, taking down numerous top stars during his title reign.
Having been the AEW Continental Champion for over five months, it is high time Okada dropped his title. After elevating the prestige of the Continental Championship, The Rainmaker finally seems ready to enter the main event picture.
In this article, let's look at three stars who could dethrone Kazuchika Okada to become the new AEW Continental Champion.
#3. Jay White could revive his career by dethroning Kazuchika Okada
Jay White is amongst the greatest in-ring performers on the AEW roster. Unfortunately, White's run in the Tony Khan-led company has been very disappointing so far. For someone who was once a main event talent in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), The Switchblade has been greatly underutilized by AEW's creative team.
Despite getting decent success in the Trios division, Jay White has failed to establish himself as a legitimate singles star in All Elite Wrestling. However, The Catalyst could turn things around in his career by setting his sights on Kazuchika Okada.
White has a storied history with The Rainmaker. The two stars have faced each other on numerous occasions in NJPW, but they are yet to lock horns in the Jacksonville-based promotion.
Tony Khan might consider pitting The Switchblade against Okada once the former returns from his injury. A proven in-ring mastermind, The Catalyst could give his former rival a run for his money. Dethroning Kazuchika Okada would do wonders for Jay White's AEW career, which has not turned out as great as everyone had expected.
#2. Eddie Kingston could reclaim his AEW Continental Championship
Eddie Kingston has a personal attachment to the AEW Continental Championship. The Mad King survived several world-class competitors during a grueling first edition of the Continental Classic to win this prestigious title.
It would have been a disheartening moment for Kingston when a cocky Kazuchika Okada took him down in March 2024 and took away his title. Although The War King is currently absent due to injury, he could target The Rainmaker once he is fit to compete.
If AEW plans to keep the Continental Championship on Kazuchika Okada till next year, the NJPW legend could end up dropping the title to The Mad King in early 2025. It would be a full circle moment for Eddie Kingston, who would finally redeem the loss he suffered against The Elite member.
It would also be a great way to relieve Okada of his responsibilities as a champion, without making him look weak after suffering a defeat.
#1. Konosuke Takeshita takes down The Rainmaker
Konosuke Takeshita is seemingly eyeing Kazuchika Okada's AEW Continental Championship. The two stars recently competed against each other in a four-way match at All Out 2024, where The Alpha outshined the reigning AEW Continental Champion several times during the contest.
The duo engaged in a tense backstage confrontation on the latest episode of AEW Dynamite, where Okada told Takeshita that he would never become the Continental Champion. Considering how popular the 29-year-old star is with the AEW audience, it would not be a surprise if Tony Khan picks The Alpha to take the Continental Championship off The Rainmaker.
Okada vs. Takeshita could end up being a clash for the ages, filled with brutal strikes and hard-hitting action. The Elite member would certainly get his limits tested against Don Callis' protege, who has taken down many main event stars in the last 12 months. Following a successful run in the G1 Climax 2024, Konosuke Takeshita could further continue his momentum by decimating The Rainmaker.