1 week Ago By Judy Obae, Last Word On Sports
Kevin Knight made a statement in his AEW pay-per-view debut at Dynasty 2025 following a highly-praised debut on Collision , stepping into the spotlight against one of the world’s best — Will Ospreay — in the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament quarterfinals. The result may not have gone his way, but the performance was unforgettable. A Fast-Paced Opening: No Feeling-Out Phase From the start, Knight brought the heat.
There was no cautious feeling-out period. He charged at Ospreay with blistering speed, landing a stunning dropkick that sent the AEW crowd into a frenzy. He followed up with a springboard crossbody that caught Ospreay off guard, showing no signs of nerves in his first AEW match .
But Ospreay, known for his ring IQ and experience, quickly slowed the pace. After avoiding a second springboard attempt, he grounded Knight with a stiff kick to the ribs, transitioning into a series of methodical holds designed to wear down the younger competitor. Kevin Knight’s Comeback: Heart Over Hype Knight refused to stay down.
Channeling the crowd’s energy, he fought his way out of a chinlock and landed a ropes-assisted DDT that turned the tide. The momentum swung wildly in Knight’s favor after he hit a tope con hilo to the outside, taking Ospreay off his feet and bringing the fans to their feet. Back in the ring, Knight nearly scored a massive upset with a Sky High spinebuster, earning a close two-count.
His athleticism and passion were on full display, forcing Ospreay to dig deeper than many expected this early in the tournament. Will Ospreay Finds the Weak Spot The turning point came when Knight went for a top-rope maneuver, a missile dropkick that Ospreay sidestepped with flawless timing. Knight landed awkwardly, tweaking his knee.
Ospreay, ever the opportunist, went straight to work. He targeted the leg with a series of precision kicks and a dragon screw that left Knight limping. From there, Ospreay unleashed his signature flurry — a Hidden Blade counter into the OsCutter, stunning Knight.
Though Knight kicked out at 2.9, the damage was done. Moments later, Ospreay finished the match with the Hidden Blade, sealing the win in what was arguably the best match of the night.
Respect Earned in Defeat Though Kevin Knight didn’t win, he earned the respect of the AEW faithful and the man who beat him. Ospreay offered a brief handshake after the match, a subtle but powerful nod to Knight’s performance. The moment felt symbolic, almost like a passing of the torch to the next generation of aerial artists.
Kevin Knight may have lost at Dynasty, but he gained something far more valuable — momentum. In a match filled with near-falls, breathtaking counters, and sheer heart, Knight proved he belongs among AEW’s elite. If this performance is any indication, the “Young Jet” is just getting off the runway.
This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission..
