Why AEW Booked Kazuchika Okada Vs. Will Ospreay As The Continental Classic Final

At the AEW Worlds End 2024 PPV, both the semi finals and the final of the AEW Continental Classic were held. Will Ospreay surpassed rival Kyle Fletcher, and Kazuchika Okada defeated Ricochet, before meeting in the final later on in the night. Okada emerged victorious, successfully defending the AEW Continental Championship before being confronted by the returning Kenny Omega. 

When it comes to why the Continental Classic final consisted of these two individuals, Dave Meltzer provided some insight in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. AEW President Tony Khan wanted Okada and Ospreay as the final in order to try and make this the ‘greatest tournament in U.S. wrestling history’. There were many in AEW who reportedly didn’t expect Okada vs. Ospreay at Worlds End due to the fact that the match was technically a ‘surprise’ and without a lengthy build.

Additionally, the choice of Okada as the winner was to run the narrative of him being the best tournament wrestler of all time following his years of success in NJPW’s G1 Climax tournament, which he won a total of four times. 

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