Kazuchika Okada stands just one step away from cementing another major milestone in his wrestling career, as AEW Worlds End draws near. With the final pay-per-view event of the year rapidly approaching, Okada finds himself in a pivotal semifinal match against Konosuke Takeshita, where his place in wrestling history could be redefined.
The ongoing Continental Classic is set to close at this event, with Okada carrying the AEW Unified Championship into this crucial bout. His journey does not end there: should Okada be successful and continue through the tournament, he has an opportunity to break an impressive record for the most tournament victories by a living professional wrestler, a mark currently held by a revered New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) legend.
Chasing Masahiro Chono’s Tournament Win Record
Masahiro Chono, known for his 26-year legacy with NJPW and notable achievements like his five G1 Climax victories and an IWGP World Heavyweight Championship reign, currently stands as the most accomplished tournament winner in wrestling history. As a top heel and leader of NJPW’s faction linked to WCW’s New World Order, Chono led a Japanese branch during the 1990s, maintaining prominence until the group’s dissolution in the United States in 2000.
Throughout his prime, Chono’s dominance in major tournaments became a hallmark of his career. However, wrestling analyst Dave Meltzer has highlighted that Kazuchika Okada could surpass Chono’s historic record if he claims the Continental Classic in 2025, marking a significant generational shift in the sport’s landscape.
“#AEWWorldsEndHBO Max8ET/5PT TOMORROW!Continental Classic Semifinal@RainmakerXOkada vs @takesoupThe match the world wants to see!C2 Semifinal:2024 C2 winner + Unified Champion Kazuchika Okada vs 2025 G1 Winner + IWGP World Champion Konosuke TakeshitaTOMORROW! pic.twitter.com/I5767FmWZn”
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) December 26, 2025
History in the Making for Okada and AEW
Currently, Okada already boasts four G1 Climax wins and secured victory in the 2024 Continental Classic. This year, not only could he defend his Unified Championship, but he also has a chance to establish himself as the leading tournament wrestler alive. If Okada falters, however, a new Continental Champion will emerge while he continues to hold the International title.
The tournament’s other semifinal features Kyle Fletcher squaring off against Jon Moxley, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion at the pay-per-view. Regardless of the match outcome, the expectation is that Okada and Takeshita will deliver a standout performance, given their reputations for delivering high-caliber bouts during significant wrestling events like AEW Worlds End.
Potential Legacy Impact and the Road Ahead
Kazuchika Okada’s pursuit of the tournament record not only highlights his place among wrestling’s elite, but also tests the boundaries of what modern athletes can achieve. A win at AEW Worlds End would not just surpass Masahiro Chono’s milestone, but could also inspire a new standard for future generations competing in top-tier tournaments across the industry.
Attention now turns to the final showdowns of the Continental Classic, as eyes from across the world await the results. Whether Okada writes his name above Chono’s record or the championship landscape sees a fresh face, the outcome is poised to resonate through AEW and professional wrestling globally.
#AEWWorldsEnd
HBO Max
8ET/5PT TOMORROW!Continental Classic Semifinal@RainmakerXOkada vs @takesoup
The match the world wants to see!
C2 Semifinal:
2024 C2 winner + Unified Champion Kazuchika Okada vs 2025 G1 Winner + IWGP World Champion Konosuke Takeshita
TOMORROW! pic.twitter.com/I5767FmWZn— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) December 26, 2025
