AEW’s Winter Is Coming week ended with a bang on the December 14 episode of Collision, as two pivotal matches in the 2024 Continental Classic’s Blue League reshaped the standings. Kazuchika Okada and Mark Briscoe emerged victorious, while Kyle Fletcher held onto the top spot despite a narrow loss. Meanwhile, Mortos’ tournament hopes officially evaporated in dramatic fashion.
Okada’s Redemption Arc
The reigning AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada stepped into the ring with The Beast Mortos, looking to rebound from last week’s shocking loss to Kyle Fletcher. Okada, as cheeky as he was determined, employed classic mind games—poking Mortos in the eye, grabbing his hair, and even blowing kisses to his own championship belt. Mortos, however, gave the champ a scare by landing a brutal Samoan Drop that had fans counting along with the referee.
But in true “Rainmaker” fashion, Okada capitalized on a misstep and delivered his devastating Rainmaker clothesline to secure the victory. With seven points now on the board, Okada’s path to the finals hinges on defeating Shelton Benjamin in his last league match. Mortos, meanwhile, remains winless at zero points, officially eliminated from contention.
Briscoe’s Clutch Main Event
The Collision main event saw Mark Briscoe and Kyle Fletcher put on a match that fans are already calling the tournament’s best. Briscoe, known for his relentless grit, narrowly overcame Fletcher’s offensive onslaught just before the 20-minute time limit expired.
Fletcher remains atop the Blue League with nine points and needs only a draw against Daniel Garcia in his final match to advance to the final four. Briscoe’s victory moves him into third place with six points, but his road to Worlds End is now a long shot. He must beat Mortos in his final match and hope the standings break in his favor.
Blue League Standings After 12/14 Collision
- Kyle Fletcher – 9 points
- Kazuchika Okada – 7 points
- Mark Briscoe – 6 points
- Daniel Garcia – 4 points
- Shelton Benjamin – 2 points
- The Beast Mortos – 0 points (eliminated)
With one round of league matches remaining, the Blue League’s final four spot hangs in the balance. Will Fletcher and Okada solidify their positions, or will late twists send shockwaves through the tournament?