AEW Grand Slam France: Will Ospreay Tops Kazuchika Okada in Thrilling Paris Show
On Tuesday, October 6, AEW held its first-ever event in Paris at the Adidas Arena, bringing fans an exciting lineup with four championship bouts. Although no titles changed hands, each match offered plenty of excitement.
Ospreay Outlasts Okada in Epic AEW World Title Match
The main event featured Will Ospreay defending his AEW World Championship against Kazuchika Okada. Both men performed like top-tier champions, delivering a memorable contest. After absorbing two Rainmaker moves from Okada, Ospreay sealed the victory using his signature Hidden Blade finisher, notably after removing his elbow pad. Okada’s attempt at a third Rainmaker backfired when Ospreay countered it with a quick Hidden Blade before finishing with a decisive strike.
This finish signals AEW’s intent to make the Hidden Blade Ospreay’s ultimate match-ender, similar to how Kenny Omega’s One-Winged Angel has become iconic. No opponent has kicked out of this move so far, adding significant weight to Ospreay’s arsenal. The match was a highlight of the night, showcasing both wrestlers’ skills and storytelling.
Looking ahead, Ospreay will face Clockwork Carnage at WrestleDream 2026 next Saturday, introducing a new multi-person stipulation match to AEW.
Darby Allin Retains TNT Title in Brutal Bout
Darby Allin successfully defended his TNT Championship against Kyle Fletcher. Despite rumors, no Eiffel Tower jump occurred during their chaotic and physical match. The action escalated near the end, with Fletcher hitting Allin with a brutal Brainbuster onto the exposed top turnbuckle, leading to a Scorpion Death Lock and two Coffin Drops by Allin to secure the win.
Fletcher now sets his sights on challenging The Young Bucks for tag-team gold alongside Kevin Knight at WrestleDream, pending the Bucks' outcome against The Dogs at AEW Grand Slam France Night 2.
Bandido Holds ROH World Title Over Kofi
The show began with Bandido retaining the ROH World Championship by defeating Kofi. The pairing felt unusual given Kofi’s long WWE history, yet they produced a solid match that served as a warm-up for the upcoming conclusion of the trios title feud involving Bandido and Hangman Adam Page. New Level and Swerve Strickland are set to defend their titles against the former champions in a Two-Out-Of-Three Falls match at WrestleDream, promising more intense rivalry.
Fans Steal the Spotlight
Parisian fans energized the event from the moment the graphics appeared, creating an electric atmosphere that only grew stronger during the main event. Their enthusiasm added a special layer to AEW’s first French appearance.
Full Results and Ratings from AEW Grand Slam France
- AEW World Championship: Will Ospreay (c.) defeated Kazuchika Okada — 4.75/5
- AEW Women’s World Championship: Mercedes Mone (c.) defeated Queen Aminata — 3.5/5
- TNT Championship: Darby Allin (c.) defeated Kyle Fletcher — 4.25/5
- The Don Callis Family (Mark Davis and Jake Doyle) defeated Death Riders (Jon Moxley and Gabe Kidd) — 3.75/5
- Clockwork Carnage Qualifier: Samoa Joe defeated Jungle Jack Perry — 3.75/5
- ROH World Championship: Bandido (c.) defeated Kofi — 3/5
Match Highlights from the Main Event
In a back-and-forth battle, Ospreay missed an initial Hidden Blade attempt while Okada reversed a Rainmaker. Despite taking two Rainmakers, Ospreay fought back with a Small Package turned Styles Clash, which Okada kicked out from. Both men exchanged powerful strikes, dropkicks, and signature moves including Okada’s falling elbow drop and Ospreay’s Phenomenal Forearm.
The crowd’s energy rose with every near-fall and counter, culminating in Ospreay’s removal of his elbow pad to deliver the Hidden Blade, ending the match in spectacular fashion.
Women’s Title Defense and Other Matches
Mercedes Mone defended her AEW Women’s World Championship by hitting the Lungblower and finishing with the Mone Maker to overcome Queen Aminata. Post-match, Thekla attacked Mone but narrowly missed a stomp, allowing Mone to escape.
Elsewhere, The Don Callis Family defeated Death Riders, and Samoa Joe earned a victory over Jungle Jack Perry in a qualifier for Clockwork Carnage.
The night maintained a fast pace with no surprises in outcomes, but plenty of high-quality wrestling that entertained the passionate Paris crowd.
