AEW’s third annual Continental Classic (C2) reached a thrilling climax as the tournament’s standings were finalized just days before the highly anticipated Worlds End pay-per-view on December 27, taking place in the Chicagoland area. Fans witnessed intense semi-final match-ups that set the stage for an unforgettable night.
The opening semi-final featured two prominent members of the Don Callis Family, Kazuchika Okada and Konosuke Takeshita, who have built a heated rivalry throughout the tournament. Okada, known as the “Greatest Tournament Wrestler Alive” and the runner-up of last year’s Classic, faced off against IWGP World Champion and Blue League winner Takeshita. Their story has been marked by Okada’s condescension towards Takeshita, treating him more like a little brother he fears might outshine him.
The match was action-packed, with standout moments including Okada narrowly escaping a pinfall after being struck by Takeshita’s devastating Alpha’s Powerdrive Knee. As the match progressed, tensions heightened when Okada, in a controversial twist, used a screwdriver hidden in the turnbuckle to secure a victory, much to the dismay of the audience, who rallied behind Takeshita.
Following that semi-final, Kyle Fletcher of the Callis Family faced Jon Moxley, who demonstrated resilience despite suffering an early injury and being met with Fletcher’s relentless submission attempts. Moxley’s experience shined as he fought back, showcasing his grit by kicking out from several close calls. In a dramatic moment, Fletcher attempted to retrieve the screwdriver, believing it was still in the turnbuckle. When he found it was missing, he ultimately succumbed to Moxley’s bulldog choke. In a fit of frustration, Fletcher attacked Moxley’s injured leg, complicating Moxley’s chances for the final match against Okada later that night.
Fans are eager to witness how the events of this thrilling night will unfold, particularly in the upcoming final where the stakes are high and the animosity is palpable. The excitement around these match-ups reflects the captivating storytelling that continues to make AEW a standout promotion in professional wrestling.