Konosuke Takeshita is the future of AEW internationally
Konsuke Takeshita is the man from the country of Japan who saw a rise in AEW after he beat Kenny Omega twice in one week. Yes, it is unheard of in modern times that an international talent can beat one of the top wrestlers in their main company in succession. Konosuke Takeshita has held the AEW International Championship in AEW. He is the current New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) IWGP World Heavyweight Champion after winning the 2022 G1 Climax. So why is he the man who should win the AEW Continental Classic? His rivalry with fellow Don Callis family member Kazuchika Okada is the reason why.
Konosuke Takeshita v.s. Kazuchika Okada is a money matchup
Okada and Takeshita are trying to show the world that they are better than each other. Okada wants to prove that he is the best tournament wrestler two years in a row. Takeshita is not getting the respect that he deserves from Okada. He is younger and wrestles all over the world. Takeshita is a younger version of Okada and that is not what the champion needs. "The Rainmaker," Kazuchika Okada, has won many G1 Climaxes in NJPW. Konosuke Takeshita has only won one. What if Takeshita wins two tournaments in one year? How would Don Callis think of one over the other? He might have to choose his side as both men want to win this year's Continental Classic for themselves.
The Continental Classic is a "Stepping Stone" to being a main eventer in AEW
Konosuke Takeshita wants to main-event all over the world. He has a contract with NJPW, AEW, and DDT. His route to future success as a main-event talent in AEW includes using this Continental Classic and his rivalry with Kazuchika Okada as steps toward making that dream come true. Okada wants the same goal, and that is what makes storytelling interesting going forward in AEW. The future of AEW runs through Konosuke Takeshita, and it begins with a year-end win in the finals of this year's Continental Classic!