The 2024 Continental Basic obtained underway this previous Wednesday on “AEW Dynamite” and has featured three first-round matchups, with Shelton Benjamin defeating Mark Briscoe, Claudio Castagnoli overcoming Ricochet, and Brodie King getting the higher of Darby Allin. This yr’s occasion options a collection of each returning and new rivals with the winner being topped the Continental Champion, at present held by Kazuchika Okada, at Worlds Finish on December 28.
In a latest version of “Wrestling Observer Radio,” Dave Meltzer introduced his predictions for the match starting with the Blue block, and likewise supplied his ideas on the primary occasion for subsequent month’s ROH Remaining Battle.
“From an motion standpoint, it could wind up being the most effective month of the yr for AEW televised matches. From TV, I might sense Chris Jericho vs. Mark Briscoe because the ROH Remaining Battle foremost occasion, however nonetheless, I feel Blue comes right down to Okada, Fletcher, and possibly Garcia. If Fletcher would not at the very least end second, or get a win over Okada, the win over Ospreay won’t have been price it,” Meltzer mentioned.
Meltzer continued by assessing the Gold block, the place he defined that though there is a clear favourite to emerge first, there are a number of choices that might advance to the ultimate two.
“On the Gold block aspect, Ospreay is the favourite, but when Allin is getting a title match at any level, he ought to do effectively,” he added. “Other than Robinson, I may see any of the others even be within the ultimate two.”
Meltzer compares the Continental Basic to the G1 Climax
Dave Meltzer then spoke in regards to the variations between the Continental Basic and the G1 Climax held by NJPW, explaining that the G1 typically options the corporate’s high stars, whereas AEW President Tony Khan chooses to pick out a wide range of main-eventers and mid-carders for the Continental Basic. He additionally questioned why The Beast Mortos is featured within the match, stating that there is one other AEW star who would’ve probably been a better option.
“It is presupposed to be like G1, however it’s not. G1 is to create a high contender for the title and likewise has each high star in it. In case you go together with the concept that Moxley, Christian, Web page, and White cannot be in it as a result of they’re going for the world title, you continue to have Takeshita, Pac, Adam Cole, MJF, Lashley, Strickland, Jericho, Jack Perry, Malakai Black, Cassidy, and Rush. The one actual query is that if Mortos was to be on this match, why did not he win the four-way? The humorous factor is that the gang actually favored Buddy Matthews who received, and if that is the case, why is he not in, whereas Mortos, who did not win, is?” questioned Meltzer
He additionally felt that AEW’s promoting for the Continental Basic has been poor, suggesting that Tony Khan possible has already booked all the match. However he believes AEW ought to’ve introduced extra matches prematurely for the approaching weeks. Meltzer used the latest episode of “AEW Dynamite” from Chicago for example, explaining that AEW did not promote any matches till the day earlier than their Thanksgiving eve-themed program.
In case you use any of the quotes on this article, please credit score “Wrestling Observer Radio” with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
