Week 1 of the 2025 AEW Continental Classic has kicked off, with the tournament’s second set of matches taking place on the December 3rd episode of “AEW Dynamite.” Fans are beginning to see clear frontrunners emerging in both the Gold and Blue Leagues.
The most anticipated bout before the show was the Blue League singles match featuring the two Death Riders, Jon Moxley and Claudio Castagnoli. Both wrestlers entered this match with three points each, having defeated Mascara Dorada and Orange Cassidy respectively the week before. Marina Shafir tried to linger at ringside but was removed by referee Bryce Remsburg. Had she stayed, the bout would have likely been the bloodiest of the tournament so far. Moxley suffered a tough time after being slammed into the crowd, struggling to recover. Just as he was regaining momentum, Claudio secured victory with a running uppercut, earning three more points to bring his tournament total to six and top the Blue League leaderboard. Both competitors will continue their streaks this Saturday on AEW Collision, where Moxley faces Konosuke Takeshita and Castagnoli battles Mascara Dorada.
In the Gold League, PAC faced off against AEW Unified Champion Kazuchika Okada. The Death Riders were eager to lead their faction atop both leagues. PAC, having earned three points against “Speedball” Mike Bailey previously, aimed to double that count, while Okada sought redemption following a loss to Kyle Fletcher. PAC appeared to be winning late in the match after enduring Okada’s offense, including an Avalanche Brainbuster and Momentum Lariat. However, Okada’s experience shone through as he trapped PAC in a crucifix pin to claim the victory. Both wrestlers now have one win and one loss each.
The “Dynamite” event closed with Kyle Fletcher topping the Gold League thanks to a win over Kevin Knight. Fletcher had previously defeated Okada in the tournament’s opening match on Thanksgiving Eve. Knight, who recently injured Darby Allin, nearly landed his signature coast-to-coast dropkick, but Fletcher countered with a UFO splash and a series of tough kicks, finishing with a brainbuster to secure a decisive victory and bring his total to six points.
Fan Take: This opening week of the Continental Classic has set an exciting tone, highlighting fierce rivalries and standout performances that could define AEW’s competitive landscape in 2025. For fans, the tournament promises fresh storylines and intense matches that might shift the balance of power and elevate the sport to new heights within AEW.
