Tony Khan has announced a round-robin tournament named the AEW Continental Classic, and Bryan Danielson is the first entrant.
The announcement was made during Saturday’s episode of AEW Collision. In a backstage segment, Khan appeared, flanked by Danielson, and explained that the 12-man tournament was something that fans had been asking for.
Two leagues of six men will face each other over six weeks, with the respective winners eventually facing off.
Khan said that the weekly tournament would kick off on November 22 in Chicago, followed by a succession of other cities. The league finals will take place in Orlando, Florida, on December 27, with the inaugural winner crowned at AEW World’s End on December 30.
Danielson was then announced, “against all odds”, as the first participant.
Danielson said:
I know I may not look ready right now but this is the kind of tournament that I’ve been wanting to do my entire career, and there is no better place to do it than in AEW with the best wrestlers in the world and with Tony Khan booking these shows. There is nothing that could stop me from coming back and participating in the Continental Classic, and me, just like all the other AEW wrestlers, we’re fired up and we’re gonna put on the best wrestling tournament ever.
Just announced by #AEW CEO & GM @TonyKhan–
The #AEWContinentalClassic, a round-robin tournament featuring 12 of #AEW's top stars, kicks off on #AEWDynamite LIVE on 11/22 in Chicago!
The first entrant?
The American Dragon @bryandanielson!
Watch #AEWCollision On TNT! pic.twitter.com/6pC9jHEWXd
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) November 12, 2023