On December 28, 2024, AEW held its final pay-per-view of the year, Worlds End, at the Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, Florida. The event was packed with high-stakes matches, including the semifinals and finals of the Continental Classic Tournament, several title defenses, and the surprise returns of major wrestling figures. The night was not only about thrilling matches but also laid the groundwork for upcoming storylines as the company marches toward 2025.
The Continental Classic was the highlight of the evening, featuring two semifinals which set the stage for the grand finale. Will Ospreay faced Kyle Fletcher, showcasing their intense rivalry. Ospreay, deeply motivated and sporting a crimson mask from earlier encounters, delivered a nail-biting performance, culminating with him landing the Styles Clash for a hard-fought win after 16 minutes and 20 seconds. The match was rated highly by fans and critics alike, reflecting the chemistry these two have developed over time.
Meanwhile, Kazuchika Okada advanced by defeating Ricochet, who embraced his heel persona during the match. This rivalry has also become more pronounced, with Ricochet garnering significant crowd heat, exemplifying his shift from fan favorite to despised foe. The match concluded with Okada hitting his signature Rainmaker after 12 minutes and 55 seconds, setting up for his clash with Ospreay.
Following the Continental Classic, the AEW Women’s World Championship match featuring Mariah May and Thunder Rosa was wild and unpredictable. The Tijuana Street Fight saw Rosa bringing the fight right from the start, using props like pinatas and making the match as brutal as possible. May retained her championship with clever tactics, disposing of Rosa after throwing her through a table with the MayDay, maintaining her status as champion. Beyond the physical contest, the psychological warfare displayed by May—including targeting Rosa's father at ringside—added layers to the story, showcasing her cunning and tenacity.
MJF faced off against Adam Cole, concluding their long-standing feud. MJF, known for his underhanded tactics, captured another victory using his Dynamite Diamond Ring, solidifying his heel status. The match lacked the heat expected, as many fans seemed to have disengaged from the rivalry, leading to mixed reactions to the match’s outcome. Post-match, MJF attempted to inflict more damage on Cole, but interference from Roderick Strong and Kyle O'Reilly led to added chaos and drama, hinting at new alliances forming for both MJF and Cole.
Konosuke Takeshita successfully defended his AEW International Championship against Powerhouse Hobbs. This match was characterized by hard-hitting action as both competitors traded powerful strikes, showcasing their resilience. Takeshita’s victory after multiple near-falls solidified his status as champion and highlighted his enduring upward momentum within AEW.
Mercedes Moné's defense of her TBS Championship against Kris Statlander was similarly captivating. The two athletes put on another classic, pushing each other to their limits. Moné narrowly retained her title after executing the Statement Maker, inciting fans who are clearly eager for more matches between these two top competitors. The chemistry they've shown has led to calls for a third encounter, especially after the intensity of their last two contests.
The event’s grand finale featured the Continental Classic Championship match, pitting Ospreay against Okada. The tension was palpable as both men fought through their previous battles, delivering some of the best wrestling seen on AEW programming. Okada emerged victorious, securing the championship with another Rainmaker, but not before Ospreay showcased incredible resilience and skill, leading to speculation about rematches and future storylines.
AEW closed out the night on a sensational note with the unexpected returns of Kenny Omega and Adam Copeland. Omega handed the championship to Okada, stirring anticipation for what is next between him and Okada—signaling their storied rivalry is far from over. Copeland, aligning with FTR against the Death Riders, also generated excitement among fans who view this as the beginning of significant new developments.
The Worlds End event encapsulated AEW’s ambitions going forward, merging thrilling wrestling with rich storytelling. It’s clear the company is aiming for big things as it heads toward 2025, capitalizing on the performances at Worlds End to engage with fans and cultivate some of the hottest rivalries heading forward.
