Kyle Fletcher AEW Worlds End journey ended in frustration for a second straight year, as he was once again eliminated in the semifinals of the Continental Classic, this time at the hands of Jon Moxley. The match took place on Saturday and left Fletcher grappling with both the outcome and the circumstances around a missing screwdriver that he believes played a crucial role in his loss.
The Role of the Missing Screwdriver in Fletcher’s Defeat
During his highly anticipated bout, Fletcher searched for a screwdriver hidden in the turnbuckle—a tool that had earlier helped Kazuchika Okada secure victory against Konosuke Takeshita. By the time Fletcher looked for it, the object was gone, leading to disappointment and introspection about how the turn of events may have influenced the semifinals’ result. In his post-match comments, Fletcher signaled that the absence of the screwdriver would force some tough discussions moving forward.
Fletcher’s Reflections After the Match
Immediately after his elimination, Kyle Fletcher delivered emotionally charged remarks, highlighting the sting of repeating last year’s experience. He noted his journey through both the Blue League and the Gold League in consecutive years, only to be stopped short in the semifinals each time—last year by Will Ospreay, this year by Jon Moxley. Despite the stature of his opponents—Moxley being a former AEW World Champion and IWGP World Heavyweight Champion—Fletcher’s frustration was evident.
“I really didn’t think that I would end up here again. One year later, Worlds End, same place, same tournament, same result. Last year, I won the Blue League, this year I won the Gold League and lost in the semis. And losing to a former four-time AEW World Champion, former International Champion, former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, he’s one of the literal best of all time. But I don’t care.”
– Kyle Fletcher, Wrestler
“I keep saying that I’m going to go down as the greatest wrestler of all time but if I can’t get the job done when it matters, who cares?”
– Kyle Fletcher, Wrestler
“That’s not even mentioning the screwdriver. Where was the screwdriver? That’s a lot of hard conversations I’m going to have to have.”
– Kyle Fletcher, Wrestler
“And now 2025 ends exactly where 2024 did. I am aimless. No championship, what’s next? What’s next for the Protostar Kyle Fletcher? I sincerely, truly do not know.”
– Kyle Fletcher, Wrestler
Another Strong Tournament Run, Different Year, Same Result
Fletcher’s Continental Classic performance saw him top the Gold League standings this year with a 3-2 record, narrowly edging Kazuchika Okada through a tiebreaker. In 2024, he led the Blue League with an impressive 4-1 record, only to fall short against Will Ospreay in the semifinals. Despite his consistency in the group stages and wins against top contenders, Fletcher’s championship ambitions remain unfulfilled, leaving him to question his path forward.
Reactions from Wrestling Experts on Fletcher vs. Moxley
Industry experts and commentators have taken note of the quality displayed during Fletcher’s match with Moxley at AEW Worlds End. On the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer offered high praise for both competitors, with particular attention to Moxley’s performance.
“I thought the performance by Jon Moxley in that match with Kyle Fletcher was incredible. One of the best performances I’ve ever seen from him.”
– Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer
What Lies Ahead for Kyle Fletcher?
As 2025 begins, Kyle Fletcher finds himself wrestling with uncertainty and searching for direction, much like the end of 2024. Having twice advanced deep into AEW’s Continental Classic only to be turned away in the semifinals, Fletcher faces a crossroads. His intense disappointment and focus on the missing screwdriver signal an athlete driven by both skill and a desire for resolution. With fans and industry insiders watching closely, Fletcher’s next steps will determine whether he can break his cycle and capture the elusive championship gold.
"One year later. Worlds End. Same place, same tournament, same result."
EXCLUSIVE: A dejected @kylefletcherpro reflects on this year's Continental Classic. pic.twitter.com/aEh8glJbKC
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) December 28, 2025
"I thought the performance by Jon Moxley in that match with Kyle Fletcher was incredible. One of the best performances I've ever seen from him."
– Dave Meltzerhttps://t.co/xev9rndkxR pic.twitter.com/5dB6Ic5vk9
— Wrestling Observer (@WONF4W) December 28, 2025
