3) The Division Needs More Women and Tiers
The make-shift graphic for a Women’s Continental Classic was eye-catching but flawed. It featured four current champions: Kris Statlander, Willow Nightingale, Athena, and Mercedes Mone. When the newly crowned TNT Champion, Daniel Garcia, took part in the 2024 tournament, it undermined his title victory and reign. It creates issues with title parity and credibility. For example, booking tag champions instead of diverting their focus onto a singles prize was part of the catalyst for Mercedes Moné’s WWE walkout.
For equity, like the men’s, the entire women’s division cannot be involved in the tournament, but the tournament could still advance championship stories and set up future contenders without undermining the champions or their belts. Even if the AEW Women’s World Champion, TBS, and Tag Team champions had wheel-spinning filler feuds during the tournament, it would be a short-term measure.
AEW needs more competitors, perhaps both new signings and outside guest wrestlers, for two more reasons. First, the tournament may need alternates to be more than place fillers. Jack Perry or Kommander had key moments and/or character growth that elevated them. Think when Queen Aminata was injured before Blood and Guts; it allowed Mina Shirakawa to step up and facilitated a strong, meaningful, character-driven match finish.
Lastly, having more tiers allows for dynamism, unpredictability, and card elevation. Younger rookies eating defeat to more established women can long-term help add depth to the roster. Sooner rather than later, Skye Blue and Julia Hart need like Statlander and Nightingale to move on the division. A Women’s Continental Classic is the perfect vehicle for shaking up the status quo and advancing the future.
