The holiday season has become a highlight period for AEW, centered around the Continental Classic tournament, which debuted in 2023 and quickly became known for delivering some of the best matches on AEW television. This round-robin tournament has grown into a yearly tradition that fans eagerly anticipate as the year wraps up.
With major AEW events like All In and Forbidden Door shifting to different months in 2025, questions have arisen about whether the Continental Classic might also change its annual timing. In a recent media event promoting AEW World’s End 2025, AEW President Tony Khan addressed this possibility. While Khan acknowledged the idea of moving the tournament is intriguing, he emphasized the importance of keeping the event during the busy holiday period because of the unique excitement and attention it garners.
Khan explained, “Having strong shows during the holiday season is crucial,” pointing out that despite the many personal priorities people have during the holidays, top-tier wrestling offering a compelling reason to tune in is valuable. He appreciates how AEW wrestling can attract viewers even when families have other important activities.
The company has also enhanced its holiday programming, hosting annual Christmas episodes of “AEW Dynamite” and “AEW Collision” at New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom, with the Continental Classic’s final league match featured prominently on “Collision.”
Tony Khan is deeply aware of professional wrestling’s tradition of thriving during the holidays, referencing how the famous Starrcade event moved to Christmas in the early ’90s under WCW. He hopes the Continental Classic will carry on that legacy. Additionally, Khan, who serves on the NFL’s Fan Engagement and Major Events Committee, points to the strong TV ratings football enjoys over Christmas as a model AEW aims to emulate. He wants AEW to be a go-to holiday entertainment option for viewers watching alongside family and friends, building a “must-see” status for these shows comparable to big football events.
If quotes are used, please credit Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
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Fan Take: This news underscores AEW’s commitment to making the Continental Classic a marquee holiday event, blending tradition with strategic programming to maximize viewership during a competitive season. For AEW fans, this means more high-stakes matches and exciting storylines when audiences are most engaged, potentially elevating the promotion’s status alongside major sports entertainment occasions.
