The inaugural Continental Classic, held in 2023, focused heavily on Eddie Kingston and the struggles faced by him and 11 other competitors in their pursuit of AEW gold. By this time, Kingston had already secured both the ROH World Championship and New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Strongest Openweight Championship after overcoming his long-time opponent Claudio Castagnoli. With these titles in tow, he entered the Continental Championship tournament, effectively creating a sort of triple crown.
Kingston’s journey wasn’t smooth; he faced setbacks, losing to Brody King in his first match and to Bryan Danielson in his second. However, he rebounded during the league stage by defeating Castagnoli and Andrade, allowing him to advance to the semi-finals where he would once again face Danielson.
Prior to this match, Kingston had never managed to defeat Danielson in three previous encounters, which included the Continental Classic and the 2021 AEW World Title Eliminator Tournament, as well as a CHIKARA match back in 2010. The tension between them was rooted in a shared history on the independent circuit, and this bout represented Kingston’s quest for redemption, a chance to silence his critics.
Facing Danielson presented Kingston with yet another formidable challenge. Danielson aimed to demonstrate his superiority—mentally and physically—over Kingston. To win, Kingston had to rise above these hurdles, and despite the doubts surrounding him, he ultimately achieved victory.
Throughout the match, Danielson absorbed punishment while Kingston fought to sustain his chance at winning. The crux of Danielson’s failure lay in his unwillingness to acknowledge Kingston’s strengths. It was Kingston’s pressure that ultimately placed Danielson in a situation where he could not respond.
If the 2023 Continental Classic symbolizes Kingston’s path to redemption, his match against Danielson stands out as a pivotal chapter in that narrative. This bout remains a standout in the tournament’s early history.
Editorial Note: This storyline is crucial for wrestling fans as it showcases the compelling narratives that define the sport. Kingston’s journey is not just about titles; it represents resilience and the quest for respect in wrestling, a theme that resonates deeply within the wrestling community.
