The prestigious AEW Continental Classic tournament is officially returning. All Elite Wrestling announced on Wednesday’s Dynamite that the second annual round-robin tournament will kick off on next week’s episode of the show.
While the full brackets have not yet been revealed, one major name is already locked in: current AEW Unified Champion Kazuchika Okada. As the reigning champion (holding both the Continental and International titles), Okada is guaranteed a spot in the tournament, assuming he holds the title until it begins. Okada won the 2024 edition of the tournament by defeating Will Ospreay in the finals.
The Continental Classic features a round-robin format with a strict 20-minute time limit for matches. Additionally, no one is allowed at ringside, and outside interference is strictly prohibited. The finals of the tournament have taken place at the World’s End pay-per-view for the past two years. The inaugural winner in 2023 was Eddie Kingston, who defeated Jon Moxley.
