The Continental Classic tournament is one of AEW’s most iconic events, eagerly anticipated by fans during the month leading up to the annual World’s End pay-per-view. As the 2025 edition nears its conclusion, with the final four teams recently decided at the Hammerstein Ballroom taping, AEW president Tony Khan shared insights into how he approaches planning the tournament. In an interview with TVInsider, Khan revealed that his preparation begins early, involving constant updates on wrestler health and weekly monitoring of injuries, which can significantly affect his plans.
Khan explained, “Since Wrestle Dream, I’ve been fully focused on determining the tournament participants. It’s a demanding process, so I track injuries closely because even one can disrupt my strategy. I document all the names in a notebook and maintain a clear plan for the period around Full Gear. I assess the wrestlers’ conditions to make any necessary adjustments to my draft in the months following Full Gear.” Injuries have caused notable changes this year, such as Kyle O’Reilly’s injury after November’s Full Gear event and Darby Allin withdrawing early on, replaced by Jack Perry.
Khan described his meticulous planning process for the Continental Classic: “When I organize the tournament, I retreat to one of my many homes. After a shoot in Nashville, I returned to Chicago and laid out papers and ideas across my desk and floor, experimenting with various combinations and schedules.” This detailed approach reflects how seriously Khan takes booking the tournament, managing numerous variables to deliver an exciting event.
Fan Take: This insight into Tony Khan’s detailed and flexible planning shows AEW’s commitment to delivering high-quality wrestling despite challenges like injuries. For fans, it highlights the dedication behind the scenes that keeps AEW’s tournaments thrilling and unpredictable, ensuring the sport continues to evolve with engaging storylines and matchups.
