The wrestling world was rocked Saturday night when Kota Ibushi made his stunning return to AEW Collision, setting his sights directly on Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada. The Golden Star’s surprise appearance sent shockwaves through the Don Callis Family and created one of the most emotionally charged moments in recent AEW history.
The Rainmaker’s Ruthless Reminder
Okada’s segment opened with a chilling reminder of his brutal assault on Kenny Omega that solidified his alliance with Don Callis. The footage served as a stark illustration of how far The Rainmaker has fallen from grace since joining the controversial stable.
Callis seized the moment to twist the knife deeper, mocking the hospitalized International Champion. The manipulative manager painted a picture of isolation, claiming Omega had alienated everyone around him, including his former Elite teammates and Callis’s own faction.
An Unlikely Alliance Forms
Mark Briscoe quickly emerged to challenge Callis’s narrative, stepping up as a voice of loyalty in Omega’s darkest hour. The recent Grand Slam opponent made it clear that The Cleaner wasn’t as alone as the Don Callis Family believed.
What happened next left the Washington crowd and the Don Callis Family stunned. Briscoe’s cryptic words about Omega having more than one friend suddenly made perfect sense as familiar music hit the arena speakers.
The Golden Star’s Electric Return
Ibushi’s entrance alongside Briscoe created an electric atmosphere that immediately shifted the power dynamic in the ring. The Japanese superstar wasted no time making his intentions clear, targeting Josh Alexander with precision strikes that showcased his legendary striking ability.
Alexander’s quick retreat to ringside left Okada momentarily isolated, forcing the Continental Champion to face his past. The tension was palpable as both men sized each other up, their shared history with Omega adding layers of complexity to the confrontation.
Striking Fury Settles Old Scores
When Okada finally struck first, it unleashed a devastating exchange of forearm strikes that reminded everyone why both men are considered among the world’s elite. The back-and-forth battle showcased the technical prowess and fighting spirit that made both wrestlers legends in New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Ibushi’s superior conditioning and striking technique ultimately prevailed, sending a series of kicks that left Okada retreating to the outside. The visual of The Rainmaker backing down from his former contemporary spoke volumes about the psychological warfare at play.
History Repeats in Dangerous Ways
This confrontation carries extra weight given Ibushi’s previous AEW appearances, particularly his 2023 Street Fight victory alongside Omega against the Don Callis Family. That alliance with Paul Wight and Chris Jericho proved successful, but now Ibushi finds himself in a very different landscape.
The Golden Star’s return represents more than just another wrestler seeking revenge. His deep personal connection to Omega and their legendary Golden Lovers partnership adds emotional stakes that transcend typical wrestling rivalries.
What’s Next for This Explosive Situation?
Ibushi’s dominant showing against both Alexander and Okada sends a clear message to the Don Callis Family that their reign of terror faces serious opposition. With Omega sidelined and The Elite fractured, could we be witnessing the formation of a new alliance that might finally bring down Callis’s manipulative empire? The stage is set for what could be one of AEW’s most personal and hard-hitting feuds of the year.
