The thrill about the AEW Continental Classic is the variety of matches we get. Faces vs. Heels, Faces vs. Faces, Heels vs. Heels. Expect some surprising results, as is standard in the C2. After all, this is where Briscoe defeated Fletcher clean the first time.
The aftershock of Full Gear ripples right into Dynamite tonight! Thanksgiving Eve starts off hotter than a roasted turkey with an incredible Continental first round as Kyle Fletcher defeats Kazuchka Okada. Initially started on an even ground, eventually paved the way for each one trying to out-wrestle the other. Tons of counters, reversals, no way to say who was the more dominant wrestler. It was who had the cunning to find a way to outsmart the other. While Okada did strike first with the Rainmaker, it was Fletcher who managed to get one over on Okada, with a brainbuster for the finish. The crowd erupted, Okada losing in the first match of the tournament? This will be interesting to follow for sure.
It was mentioned on commentary Okada will be wearing the AEW International Championship, as he relinquished the Unified Championship and the Continental Championship Belt will be on display throughout the tournament.
Backstage, Lexi catches up with Kenny Omega who says he is willing to forgive the Young Bucks, as he has not always been on the side of angels either.
Babes of Wrath defeated Sisters of Sin to advance in the Women’s Tag Team Tournament
Willow and Harley gel very well together. Blue and Hart appeared to have the advantage for majority of the contest, however the tenacity of the babyfaces would prove to be too much for the Sisters to manage. Nice combo allowed Willow to hit the Doctor Bomb for the pinfall win.
Samoa Joe compares himself to Sun Tzu. As Joe gloats, the screen shows Swerve Strickland and “Hangman” Adam Page arriving to the arena. Regardless Joe is undaunted. He then shows a highlight reel revealing how Hook was in his thrall the entire time. Even goes as far as disparaging Eddie Kingston for being unwittingly used. Joe embraces Hook as he is welcomed by the Opps with open arms. Before Hook can brag, the lights go out and out enter Swerve and Hangman. They go bonkers on the random Opps members, Swerve using a staple gun while Page wields a chain.
Swerve and Hangman are in full intense mode. Props to the cameraman who zoomed in on Page’s eyes. Those crazy eyes could burn buildings.
I hope Eddie Kingston gets his chance to join in pursuit of The Opps.
Jon Moxley defeats Mascara Dorada in a Continental Championship bracket match
For two wrestlers with extremely different wrestling styles, they pulled off a very entertaining match. Mox sells being overwhelmed by Dorada’s flight and speed, but in response opts to ground the luchador, bringing him to his level. On the ground.
Mox’s victory is interrupted by “Timeless” Toni Storm! She’s got some choice words for Moxley and his cargo pants. While her promo is focused on Mox, she does let Marina Shafir know the stipulation for next week’s tag team tournament match… A Christmas Present for Mina Shirakawa – A no holds barred Holiday DEATHMATCH!
Toni Storm needs to be protected forever.
Kevin Knight defeated Darb Allin in a Continental Bracket Match
Darby is fresh off a devastating loss to PAC at Full Gear, looking to regain some momentum in the first round of the Continental Tournament. Knight appears to be more dominant on the offensive, while Darby seems to be struggling with lingering effects. Darby appeared to struggle against the faster Knight. As Darby appeared to go upstairs, Knight stopped him and hung him in the Tree of Woe.
In an absolutely insane spot, Kevin Knight blasted Darby Allin with the smoothest Coast-to-Coast dropkick I have ever seen. He didn’t have to stretch, the guy legitimately cleared the length of the ring. One UFO Splash later and Knight has his hand raised in victory.
Backstage: Eddie Kingston cuts a promo, refusing to address Hook out of anger and disappointment. Instead, he addresses the AEW Men’s Champion, Samoa Joe. He decides he is going to work his way through The Opps, starting with Shibata this week on AEW Collision.
Claudio Castignoli defeated Orange Cassidy in a Continental Bracket Match
As one would expect based on their previous encounters, Claudio and Cassidy put on a solid main event match. Unfortunately, Freshly Squeezed was still unable to get a singles victory over Castignoli. The Swiss Superman dominated most of the match, displaying power and unstoppable force, while Cassidy tried to be as resilient as possible. After the match, the locker room emptied of th other C2 tournament participants in a short brawl to close the show.
Overall, excellent show to follow up from Full Gear. The concluding brawl seemed a bit out of place and forced, but didn’t detract from the rest of the show.
