Eddie Kingston Spreading Christmas Cheer Through Continental Classic
Eddie Kingston brings a unique background into the Continental Classic.
The round-robin tournament is AEW’s homemade version of the G1 Climax, the vaunted summertime New Japan Pro-Wrestling tourney. Kingston wrestled in the G1 this past July and August, a rare first for the 21-year seasoned pro.
Courtesy AEW
Kingston’s first-ever G1 match took place at the Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. In other words, a long way away from home in New York. Debuting in style, he defeated former IWGP world heavyweight champion Shingo Takagi.
Unbeknownst to those watching, the match was nearly delayed. In the moments leading up to its start, Kingston was in the bathroom vomiting.
“I threw up before my match against Shingo,” said Kingston. “I always get nervous before matches, but I’ve never been that nervous. So I got to the ring, talked to myself and said, ‘Yup, I’m in the G1.’ That helped. Then Shingo hit me really hard with the first forearm, and I knew I was ready.”
Watching Kingston wrestle in Japan is similar to witnessing a pious man attend church. It was fun for the viewer, and extremely captivating for the man in the ring.
“Walking through the curtain at Sumo Hall, and I’ve seen so many great matches there, like the first G1 Finals between Keiji Mutoh and Masahira Chono, I couldn’t believe I was there,” said Kingston. “There’s a picture of me with my mouth open, looking around in astonishment, at Sumo Hall. That summed it up, right?
“I had a lot of good guys around me in Japan. The New Japan locker room is the best locker room I’ve ever been part of. They showed me around, and I tried everything. I don’t like fish, but I did in Japan. I loved it there.”
Courtesy AEW
Kingston delivered a solid showing in his G1 debut, finishing just one win shy of advancing to the block finals. He is now thrust into the thick of the Continental Classic, where he wrestles Andrade later tonight on Collision.
“The G1 is already established,” said Kingston. “Every year, you know it’s going to be great. It’s the greatest tournament in professional wrestling. We’re just starting the Continental Classic. We’re setting the tone and building it. Then, next year, we’ll need to be even better.”
There is one similarity, Kingston shared, between the G1 and Continental Classic.
“Your body hurts after both,” said Kingston. “No difference there.”
Courtesy AEW
A victory for Kingston tonight ensures he will advance to the semi-finals. If that is the case, he should receive an opportunity to avenge a loss from early in the tournament suffered against Bryan Danielson.
“I’d love another match against Bryan,” said Kingston. “I don’t like the guy. I’d love to break his other eye socket.”
Courtesy AEW
The Continental Classic has infused a lot of energy into AEW. Similar to the G1, the stories are told in the ring. Another highlight have been the post-match interviews, where, to no one’s surprise, Kingston has shined.
“I heard someone call them promos,” said Kingston. “I didn’t like that. To me, promos are the fake stuff. I’m a reactionary and emotional fighter, and I say what’s on my mind. I love that they grab us right after the match. That’s when the adrenaline is pumping. Emotion is what this sport is all about.”
Kingston has never wrestled Andrade in a singles match. That changes tonight, as the two meet in the ring with real stakes–advancing in the tournament–on the line.
“We don’t have a lot in common, except for our love of professional wrestling,” said Kingston. “I make up things in my head so I hate my opponent and be more vicious when I’m in the ring. I can’t say it now because I don’t want to get too amped, but I’m getting an edge any way I can. I’ve got my motivation, and it’s a must-win.
“If you love hard-hitting wrestling, you’re going to watch. We’re going out on our shields and fighting for the sport we love.”
Courtesy AEW
After the match, Kingston will refocus his priorities. The reigning Ring of Honor and New Japan Strong Openweight champion will relax and enjoy Christmas with family. He is anticipating a great day, one where he has the majority of it already mapped out.
“I’m going to chill out with my family, watch the Knicks game, and eat a lot of good food my mom cooks up,” said Kingston. “I’ll watch Home Alone, Die Hard, and Christmas Vacation. I can’t wait.”
