The AEW Continental Classic has become a showcase edition to wrestling tournaments across the industry. Just like anime, any promotion worth its salt has some version of a great tournament arc. While AEW may have too many sometimes, the CC is one of those that fans look forward to every year. With the 2025 edition set to start on Thanksgiving Eve, here are three men who must be involved in the action.
As of this writing, three names are announced to take part. The current Continental Champion, Kazuchika Okada steps into another tournament in his illustrious career. Kyle Fletcher is stepping up once again, after coming close to picking up a victory in the 2024 tournament. Plus, the current IWGP Champion, Konosuke Takeshita, is going to try to pick up another round-robin tournament victory just months after winning the G1 Climax. With nine other spots available, here are three names who should show up.
PAC
PAC is one of those wrestlers who doesn't miss. Everything he does is delivered with intensity and a believability that he's one of the most dangerous men in wrestling. He's has some big moments in AEW, but hasn't taken his position as the top guy in the company. He's one of those names who may never become champion due to just how stacked this roster is, but that doesn't mean he isn't championship-caliber. PAC wouldn't be favored to win the CC, but seeing him go on a deep run would be enjoyable by many.
Kyle O'Reilly
Kyle O'Reilly is a fan-favorite, and has been such for years. While he's been shuttled away in the tag team division for much of his run in mainstream wrestling, that hasn't changed the fact that he's reached impressive heights as a singles performer. He's picked up some important wins in All Elite Wrestling these last few weeks, and if the goal is to keep building on that momentum, the Continental Classic would be a great place to do so. KOR would be a long shot to win the entire thing, but he's someone who would certainly give fans some standout matches.
Powerhouse Hobbs
It is time for AEW to do something with Powerhouse Hobbs. It's almost astounding to realize he's only been featured in one "serious" title arc, back when he was battling against Samoa Joe and Wardlow for the AEW TNT Championship. Since then he's been stuck in the role of background character, which is basically what he is within The Opps. Even though they are AEW World Trios Champions, those titles do not mean much of anything. Hobbs needs a strong singles run and the CC would be a great place to start.
The 2025 Continental Classic is going to be a great showcase of wrestling. AEW is packed with names who could take a spot in the tournament and put on a great show. Involving these three names would go a long way in adding to the excitement.