The 2025 Continental Classic tournament is approaching soon, with the participant lineup revealed during a “Selection Special” broadcasted on all AEW social media channels. “Rainmaker” Kazuchika Okada is confirmed to defend his title at the Full Gear pay-per-view on November 22nd and will compete in the Gold League. Also competing in the Gold League are former AEW TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher, Jetspeed members Kevin Knight and “Speedball” Mike Bailey, PAC of Death Riders, and Darby Allin, who aims to improve on his near-final finish from 2024 after losing to PAC at Full Gear.
In the Blue League, IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Konosuke Takeshita will participate alongside high-flyer Mascara Dorada from CMLL, Roderick Strong, “Freshly Squeezed” Orange Cassidy representing Paragon and The Conglomeration, Claudio Castagnoli—an AEW Continental Classic veteran—and former AEW World Champion Jon Moxley. Matches for both leagues will air on AEW Dynamite and AEW Collision episodes, with the league finals scheduled for December 27th at the World’s End pay-per-view event. The finalists will face the challenge of wrestling twice in one night to claim victory in the 2025 Continental Classic Tournament in Chicago.
Fan Take: This announcement excites AEW fans by showcasing a blend of global wrestling talent and rising stars, promising intense and high-stakes matchups. The demanding format of potentially wrestling two matches in one night at World’s End adds a thrilling layer of endurance and strategy, which could elevate the sport’s competitive drama in AEW.
