As previously reported, top AEW star Darby Allin was removed from the 2025 Continental Classic tournament after sustaining a legitimate head injury during his tournament match. The injury occurred during Allin's Gold League bout against Kevin Knight on the November 26 episode of Dynamite, where a hard fall left him unable to continue and ultimately led to his hospitalization. AEW doctors later ruled him out of the tournament, with no timeline provided for his medical clearance.
It was later announced on Collision that Jack Perry would replace Allin in the tournament. Allin appeared in a brief segment recorded from what appeared to be a hospital setting, wearing a neck brace. He explained that his legs had suddenly given out during the match.
According to Dave Meltzer on the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Allin's injury resulted from a single impact rather than the coast-to-coast dropkick that viewers initially suspected. Meltzer also noted that Allin was able to travel for the Collision segment, despite the unpredictable recovery timelines associated with head injuries.
This incident marks a rare setback for Allin, who has been with AEW for six years. His previous major absence occurred earlier in 2025 when he was sidelined for several months due to his climb of Mt. Everest.
