Breakdown of the AEW Continental Championship Situation
Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers for the Christmas episode of "AEW Collision," recorded on December 21st.
The recent Christmas episode of "AEW Collision" has set the stage for the final four competitors in the 2025 AEW Continental Classic tournament. The semi-finals and finals are set for this Saturday at the AEW World’s End pay-per-view in Chicago. There was some confusion earlier as the current champion, Kazuchika Okada, had to relinquish his title to compete in the tournament. The tournament winner will be crowned AEW Continental Champion, and if Okada triumphs in the 2024 Continental Classic, he will automatically enter next year’s tournament.
Okada is expected to finish second in the Gold League, just behind Kyle Fletcher from the Don Callis Family, marking his second consecutive year atop the league. In the Blue League, Konosuke Takeshita, the reigning IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and "Alpha" of the Don Callis Family, finished this tournament with a perfect record, amassing 13 points through four victories and one draw, surpassing former AEW World Champion Jon Moxley.
In the semi-finals, Okada will clash with Takeshita after months of rivalry, while Fletcher takes on Moxley for their first singles match. Takeshita, who recently won the G1 Climax in New Japan Pro Wrestling, appears to be a strong contender, while both Fletcher and Moxley have made their mark in previous Continental Classic finals. Okada is billed as one of the greatest tournament competitors, making this a highly anticipated showdown.
Konosuke Takeshita
Konosuke Takeshita’s career has reached new heights this year. Starting 2025 as the AEW International Champion, he traveled to Japan and won the challenging G1 Climax, earning a shot at the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, which he captured in October. Set for a monumental double title match at New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4, 2026, Takeshita has garnered multiple Match of the Year nominations.
Throughout the Continental Classic, Takeshita has only stumbled against current CMLL World Heavyweight Champion Claudio Castagnoli. The rivalry with Okada has escalated as both vie for Don Callis’ favor, and their upcoming showdown promises to be thrilling. AEW might consider a unification match between Okada and Takeshita later, especially since Okada still holds the AEW International Championship. A victory for Takeshita over Fletcher would further establish his prominence, while Fletcher would also gain valuable momentum moving forward.
From a political perspective, New Japan Pro Wrestling might not want their top champion to lose so close to Wrestle Kingdom 20, especially since it could impact Hiroshi Tanahashi’s chances against Okada at the Tokyo Dome. All signs suggest that World’s End could be the crowning moment for Takeshita, making the outcome crucial.
Kyle Fletcher
Kyle Fletcher’s achievements in 2025 have been equally impressive. As a rising star, he’s largely gone unnoticed while fans anticipated his potential clash with Okada. The wrestling world is buzzing about giving younger talent, like Fletcher, more opportunities typically afforded to seasoned wrestlers, especially since AEW and WWE have been hesitant to crown champions under 30.
Fletcher has been touted as the "future of the business", with Tony Khan recently signing him to a multi-year deal. A victory at World’s End would cap off an impressive year, positioning him for a bigger role in AEW in 2026. Imagine him defeating Moxley and then either Okada or Takeshita, showcasing his talent and proving that Don Callis overlooked his true potential amidst his more established family members.
While Takeshita seems like a likely candidate to win the Continental Classic and the title, an unexpected win for Fletcher could benefit AEW by paving the way for young talent in the industry.
Fan Take: This news is pivotal for wrestling enthusiasts, as the outcomes could shape the landscape of AEW’s future storytelling and character development. A focus on rising stars like Takeshita and Fletcher not only excites fans but also signals a shift towards a new era in professional wrestling, enhancing competition in the sport.
