SouthernWorldwide.com – Kenny Omega walked into The BayCare Sound in Clearwater, Florida, on Wednesday night knowing it could be the final time he could challenge for the All Elite Wrestling (AEW) World Championship.
It was a stipulation that Omega agreed to in order to face champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF). This stipulation is similar to one that “Hangman” Adam Page agreed to and subsequently lost to MJF earlier this year. Both Omega and MJF are recognized as two of the top stars in the entire professional wrestling landscape.
The crowd in Clearwater appeared to be firmly behind Omega. MJF had already managed to antagonize his potential challenger at All In, Will Ospreay, by spitting in his face during a backstage segment. These heightened tensions undoubtedly contributed to what was a terrific match between the two professional wrestlers.
The referee allowed the contest to become a fierce battle. MJF and Omega took their fight beyond the squared circle and into the stands before eventually returning to the ring. MJF initially employed his signature underhanded tactics to evade Omega. He strategically placed the referee in the path of an intended V-trigger and then resorted to biting Omega’s face.
“I’m moonwalking to Wembley Stadium whether you like it or not,” MJF declared to the camera during the intense match.
Omega attempted to create some distance between himself and MJF. He moved up the ramp and managed to regain some control of the match. He then climbed atop a lifeguard tower that had been positioned at the top of the ramp, from which he executed a moonsault onto MJF. He successfully brought MJF back into the ring and delivered a dropkick from the top rope directly to MJF’s back.
Omega displayed an impressive performance, looking as good as ever. It seemed he was on the verge of taking full control with the clear intention of becoming the AEW World Champion for the third time. However, MJF had different plans, cleverly using a drop toehold to capitalize on Omega’s blinding speed. Despite this, it was not enough to completely halt Omega’s momentum.
The match continued with both competitors exchanging blows, leaving the fans eagerly anticipating who would ultimately walk out of Clearwater with the championship belt.
As the match progressed, MJF attempted to drive Omega from the apron and through the announce table with a tombstone piledriver. However, Omega managed to escape the maneuver and retaliated with a V-trigger on MJF. The champion was sent flying from the apron and crashed through the announce table.
By the time MJF was able to recover and get back to his feet, both men were visibly exhausted. They both attempted to land their final significant blows. MJF connected with a tombstone piledriver on a chair, but it appeared he may have injured his knee during the execution of the move. Omega then managed to get MJF back into the ring and landed two more impactful V-triggers.
Remarkably, MJF was able to counter Omega’s signature One-Winged Angel with a poisonrana. He then hit Omega with a heatseeker, but crucially, he could not secure the pinfall.
MJF prepared to strike Omega with the Dynamite Diamond Ring. However, Will Ospreay made a surprise appearance to intervene and take the ring away. Omega then had an opportunity to hit MJF with the AEW title belt, but he hesitated. Seizing the moment, MJF delivered a low blow followed by a strike with the title belt. Astonishingly, Omega managed to kick out at a mere one count.
It was then Omega’s turn to unleash his offense. Digging deep, he delivered three more V-triggers to MJF, culminating in a decisive One-Winged Angel.
Omega successfully pinned MJF to claim the AEW World Championship.
The crowd erupted in celebration, and it now appears that Omega is set to face Ospreay at All In later this summer.
