In a recent interview with Comicbook Nation, AEW President Tony Khan explained the rules around the AEW Continental Championship and how the Continental Classic tournament factors in.
Kazuchika Okada defeated Eddie Kingston on this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite to win the AEW Continental Title, though Kingston remains the ROH World Champion and NJPW Strong Openweight Champion. That led to some negative fan feedback as the inaugural AEW Continental Classic tournament billed the three titles combined as the Modern Day Triple Crown.
Khan said, “Whoever is the champion going into the Continental Classic, they will put the title up going into the Continental Classic. [The champion] will have the opportunity to retain it by winning the tournament. The Continental title will be defended under Continental Rules for the rest of the year. No outside interference, nobody allowed at ringside. Whoever is the champion coming out of Full Gear, they will defend the title in the Continental Classic, and at Worlds End, we’ll determine who will be the Continental Champion.”
Kingston will defend the ROH World Championship against Mark Briscoe at ROH Supercard of Honor 2024.
In a recent interview with Comicbook Nation, AEW President Tony Khan shed light on the rules surrounding the AEW Continental Championship and how it relates to the Continental Classic tournament. This announcement has sparked both excitement and confusion among fans, as it introduces a unique concept in professional wrestling.
The AEW Continental Championship is currently held by Kazuchika Okada, who defeated Eddie Kingston on a recent episode of AEW Dynamite to claim the title. However, it’s important to note that Kingston still holds the ROH World Championship and the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship. This situation has led to some negative feedback from fans who were expecting the AEW Continental Championship to be the sole focus of the tournament.
Tony Khan addressed these concerns by explaining the rules for the Continental Classic tournament. He stated that whoever is the champion going into the tournament will put their title on the line. The champion will have the opportunity to retain their title by winning the tournament. This means that Okada will defend his AEW Continental Championship throughout the tournament, while also holding onto his other titles.
To ensure fairness and prevent outside interference, Khan emphasized that the Continental title matches will be held under Continental Rules for the rest of the year. This means that no outside interference will be allowed, and nobody will be permitted at ringside during these matches. This rule aims to create a level playing field and maintain the integrity of the championship matches.
Looking ahead, Khan revealed that the champion coming out of Full Gear will defend their title in the Continental Classic tournament. The culmination of this tournament will take place at Worlds End, where a new Continental Champion will be determined. This adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for fans, as they eagerly await the outcome of this unique tournament.
In addition to discussing the AEW Continental Championship and the Continental Classic tournament, Tony Khan also mentioned that Kingston will defend his ROH World Championship against Mark Briscoe at ROH Supercard of Honor 2024. This match further adds to the prestige and significance of Kingston’s championship reigns, as he faces tough competition from Briscoe.
Overall, Tony Khan’s interview has provided fans with valuable insights into the rules and structure of the AEW Continental Championship and the Continental Classic tournament. This innovative concept has generated both interest and discussion among wrestling enthusiasts, as they eagerly await the upcoming matches and the crowning of a new Continental Champion.