Who Has Kicked Out Of The One Winged Angel

Alright, settle in folks, grab a coffee (or something stronger, I won't judge), because we're diving deep into the hallowed and oh-so-dramatic world of pro wrestling. Specifically, we're tackling the Mount Everest of finishers: Kenny Omega's One Winged Angel. This move, my friends, isn't just a powerbomb; it's a statement. It's a promise of crippling defeat. It's a darn good way to end a wrestling match.

But, and this is a massive but, in the crazy, unpredictable world of wrestling, even the most devastating moves can be overcome. The question everyone loves to ask is, "Who dared to kick out of the One Winged Angel?" It's like asking who told Chuck Norris he couldn't have the last donut. Risky business!

The Very Exclusive Club

Kicking out of the One Winged Angel is like getting a golden ticket to Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, but instead of chocolate, you get bragging rights for eternity. Seriously, people put it on their wrestling resumes. So, who are these brave (or foolish) souls?

First, let's talk about Kazuchika Okada. The "Rainmaker" himself. This rivalry is the stuff of legends, a back-and-forth war that redefined modern wrestling. Okada, being the absolute mad lad that he is, kicked out of the OWA. Multiple times. Think of it like this: Kenny threw a supernova at him, and Okada just shrugged and asked for another.

Then, there's Tetsuya Naito. Another member of New Japan's elite, Naito is known for his... well, let's call it "tranquilo" demeanor. Which is wrestling speak for “I’m too cool to care.” Kicking out of the One Winged Angel? Just another Tuesday for Naito. He probably did it with a slight smirk and a sigh.

Don Callis himself, when Kenny Omega faced El Phantasmo he mentioned Naito was the first one in New Japan to kick out of it. This adds another layer to the Omega/Naito feud, and another point to his list of accomplishments.

Next up, we have Kota Ibushi. Oh, Ibushi. This one is complicated. Their relationship is… well, it's a whole other dramatic saga worthy of its own soap opera. But yes, Ibushi, with all his high-flying, death-defying glory, has also managed to escape the clutches of the One Winged Angel.

A Few More Daredevils... and Some Maybes

The list gets a little murky after those top guys. There are some wrestlers outside of NJPW who have managed to avoid the pin after the OWA, but the details get a little fuzzy depending on the context (e.g., near falls, matches that didn't air, etc.). Wrestling is theater, after all, and sometimes the script calls for a near-impossible feat.

Now, let's address the elephant in the room: why is this move so protected? The One Winged Angel isn't just a finisher; it's Kenny Omega's signature. It's his trump card. It's the move that's supposed to guarantee victory. Making someone kick out of it is a huge deal. It instantly elevates them to another level.

Think of it like Superman getting hit with Kryptonite – it's supposed to work. But when it doesn't, you know you're dealing with someone special.

The Psychology of the Kickout

There’s a very specific psychological reason for protecting a move like the One Winged Angel. It's not just about making Omega look strong (though, that’s part of it). It's about creating a sense of desperation and drama when someone finally kicks out. The audience has been conditioned to believe it's an automatic win. So when someone defies that expectation, it's a monumental moment.

It's like that old saying: "The bigger they are, the harder they fall." The more unbeatable a move seems, the more impactful it is when someone finally overcomes it.

So, there you have it, a (hopefully) humorous and informative look at the elite few who've managed to survive the One Winged Angel. Remember, wrestling is all about storytelling, and these kickouts are more than just athletic feats; they're key moments in the unfolding drama of these incredible performers.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have a sudden craving for chocolate... and maybe a re-watch of Omega vs. Okada IV.