AEW stars to make their Continental Classic debut this year: Which names will compete in the tournament for the first time?

Following AEW Full Gear 2026, the company will be full steam ahead for the Continental Classic tournament.

The premier tournament in All Elite Wrestling has been recognized for the stellar in-ring work on display and the stories they have told across the first three years since its introduction.

With the 2026 edition set to begin next month, there could be a number of new names making their debut in the C2 this year.

Here are five AEW stars to potentially make their Continental Classic debut this year.

Myron Reed

Since signing with All Elite Wrestling in early 2026, The Rascalz have been standouts from the recent free agent signings.

Myron Reed has been the breakout star of The Rascalz, being heavily featured as a singles star.

Whether it be against Swerve Strickland, Kazuchika Okada or Darby Allin, Reed has displayed his in-ring prowess and his awe-inspiring high flying arsenal.

With the Continental Classic being the ultimate showcase for in-ring competitors, Myron Reed could get a major spotlight with these kind of performances in the tournament.

Mark Davis

Another standout from the AEW roster throughout 2026 has been Mark Davis of the Don Callis Family.

In 2026, Davis has scored pinfall victories in singles, tag team and trios competition over a who’s who of AEW talent.

From Will Ospreay and Jon Moxley to The Young Bucks, Davis has become an unstoppable force that is a threat to anyone on the roster.

Competing in the Continental Classic would be the next step for “Dunkzilla” to be highlighted in a significant way.

Gabe Kidd

Gabe Kidd first appeared in All Elite Wrestling as a guest from the NJPW roster.

After joining forces with The Death Riders in 2025, Kidd signed with AEW alongside David Finlay and Clark Connors of The Dogs in 2026.

Since then, Kidd has shown his allegiance to The Death Riders and could become the representative of the faction in the Continental Classic tournament.

“The Mad Man” could bring an unhinged feel to every match he has in the 2026 C2 to distinguish himself from everyone else in the tournament.

Tommaso Ciampa

In January 2026, Tommaso Ciampa signed with AEW and won the TNT Championship in his first match.

After losing the title following an 11-day reign, Ciampa has been on the hunt for more championship gold.

While he is in pursuit of the AEW National Championship, “The Psycho Killer” would make for an ideal addition to the Continental Classic field.

Being in contention for the AEW Continental Championship, Ciampa has all the makings of a potential MVP of this year’s Continental Classic tournament.

Ilja Dragunov

Ever since signing with AEW, Ilja Dragunov has been someone that many fans immediately pointed to for the Continental Classic.

Competing in the premier tournament, “The Mad Dragon” could put himself up against the elite from the AEW roster.

Showing off his intense style, Dragunov would immediately become a favorite to win the C2 this year.

Whether it be against Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher or Jon Moxley, Dragunov could elevate the level of in-ring work on his own in the Continental Classic 2026 tournament.

To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!