The group stage of the 2025 Continental Classic wrapped up with a special Christmas edition of “AEW Collision,” leaving plenty at stake. With three of the four semi-final spots still open at the upcoming World’s End event, all 12 participants played in the final league matches to earn crucial points and join Konosuke Takeshita in the last four.
In the Gold League, all six wrestlers entered the “collision” tied at 6 points, each with a shot at reaching the semi-finals. The night kicked off with Kyle Fletcher against “Jungle” Jack Perry, where Perry’s injured ankle became a target for Fletcher. Despite Perry competing with his boots on throughout, Fletcher secured the win with a brainbuster in the final minute, finishing with nine points and a guaranteed semi-final spot—though it remained uncertain if he’d place first or second.
Kevin Knight and PAC then battled for three points in a tightly contested match. PAC seemed to have the upper hand near the end with a brutal submission hold, but the match concluded in a 20-minute time limit draw, earning each competitor one point. Both ended with seven points, effectively canceling each other out in terms of advancing.
The final Gold League showdown featured Kazuchika Okada versus “Speedball” Mike Bailey, where the winner would secure a spot at World’s End. Okada ultimately triumphed with a clutch roll-up in the last minute, finishing the league with nine points and clinching second place behind Fletcher, while Bailey finished atop the league.
Turning to the Blue League, Konosuke Takeshita faced Mascara Dorada aiming to become the tournament’s first undefeated league competitor. Though Dorada put up a valiant fight with aerial maneuvers, Takeshita’s power-based offense prevailed, earning him 13 points and a historic undefeated run while eliminating Dorada with 6 points.
Roderick Strong, still winless, had one last chance against Claudio Castagnoli to stay in the running. Strong’s aggressive start paid off as he knocked out Castagnoli with a knee strike, finally scoring his first and only win and ending with three points, putting Castagnoli’s advancement in jeopardy as Castagnoli finished with seven points.
The Blue League’s final match pitted Jon Moxley against Orange Cassidy, where a victory by either would secure a semi-final berth against Takeshita. The match ended in a draw, setting up a three-way tie for second place with Castagnoli. However, because of prior results, Castagnoli was eliminated, and Moxley later defeated Cassidy for nine points, securing his spot in the semi-finals.
With the league stage completed, the semi-finals of the Continental Classic 2025 will feature Kyle Fletcher vs. Jon Moxley and Kazuchika Okada vs. Konosuke Takeshita.
Fan Take: This update is huge for AEW fans as it sets the stage for high-stakes showdowns featuring some of the best competitors in the world. The intense buildup and surprising results highlight the tournament’s unpredictable nature, promising thrilling action and fresh rivalries that could shape the future of the sport.
