The 2024 AEW Continental Classic is shaping up to be bigger, bolder, and more dramatic than a Kenny Omega entrance. AEW officially announced the 12 participants who will duke it out in this year’s round-robin tournament, with the coveted AEW Continental Championship hanging in the balance. Spoiler alert: this lineup isn’t just stacked—it’s practically teetering.
Taking place across “Dynamite,” “Rampage,” and “Collision,” the tournament will culminate at AEW’s final pay-per-view of the year, Worlds End, on December 28 in Orlando, Florida. With two leagues—Gold and Blue—fans are in for weeks of explosive action, point tallies, and enough drama to rival a Young Bucks backstage meeting.
The Lineup: Legends, Underdogs, and a Beast
Gold League:
- Darby Allin: AEW’s stuntman-in-chief, ready to skateboard his way to victory.
- Claudio Castagnoli: A man so strong he could probably suplex a semi-truck.
- Will Ospreay: The aerial assassin who might just flip his way into another classic.
- Ricochet: Yes, that Ricochet. Prepare for a superkick buffet.
- Brody King: A walking mountain with a mean streak.
- Juice Robinson: The wild card of this bunch, known for chaos and… questionable fashion.
Blue League:
- Kazuchika Okada: The reigning champion and self-proclaimed “greatest tournament wrestler” alive. Confidence? Sky-high. Arrogance? Justified.
- Daniel Garcia: A man with moves slicker than his hair gel.
- Kyle Fletcher: Aussie Open’s finest, here to prove he’s more than just a tag team guy.
- Mark Briscoe: A wrestling legend with a legacy as tough as his chops.
- Shelton Benjamin: The veteran ready to remind the world he’s still got gold in his sights.
- The Beast Mortos: Because every tournament needs a monster, and Mortos is bringing the intimidation factor in spades.
Okada: Confidence or Overconfidence?
In the tournament announcement, Kazuchika Okada delivered a message with enough swagger to make Ric Flair blush. “I’m the greatest tournament wrestler in the history of this sport. Kazuchika Okada is Japan’s greatest export,” he declared, likely while practicing his Rainmaker pose in a mirror.
While his six successful title defenses this year back up his claims, Okada’s near loss to Bryan Danielson earlier this year proves even “The Rainmaker” isn’t invincible. Could one of these challengers dethrone him? Or will Okada leave everyone else drenched?
The Path to Worlds End
The Gold and Blue League winners will clash at Worlds End in Orlando on December 28, promising to deliver a match worthy of the championship. Until then, fans can expect unforgettable matches, shocking upsets, and more storyline twists than a Matt Hardy promo.
Buckle up, AEW fans. The Continental Classic is here, and it’s about to reign chaos.