Brian Cage Sets Sights on Continental Classic Entry and AEW World Title in 2026

Brian Cage has made no secret of his ambitions heading into the rest of 2026, revealing during an appearance on Insight with Chris Van Vliet that competing in this year’s Continental Classic is firmly on his radar — along with an eventual AEW World Championship run.

When asked about the possibility of a world title reign, Cage didn’t hesitate. “Oh, of course. I guess even then, well, we have so many titles there. I mean, I’ll take whatever I can get,” he said. But it was the Continental Classic that he singled out as a specific near-term goal. “What I do really want to be part of this year, for sure, is the Continental Classic. Obviously, that’s not until the end of the year, but that’s something I definitely want to. I would love to build up enough repertoire to have an awesome Continental Classic run by the end of the year.”

The 2026 edition of the tournament has yet to be formally announced. Last year’s Classic concluded at Worlds End on December 27, with Jon Moxley defeating Kazuchika Okada in the finals. Moxley has since retained the Continental Championship at Forbidden Door on June 28, turning back a challenge from Bandido.

For Cage, the timing of these goals follows a difficult stretch. He returned to AEW on the May 13 episode of Dynamite after missing significant time due to two surgeries, immediately stepping up to challenge Kevin Knight for the TNT Championship — a match he came up short in. The desire for gold clearly hasn’t dimmed.

Cage also addressed why he remained with AEW rather than exploring a move to WWE, citing the opportunities available to him under Tony Khan. Those opportunities may be closer than they appear. As a member of the Don Callis Family — a faction that counts current TNT Champion Kevin Knight and National Champion Mark Davis among its ranks — Cage is embedded in one of AEW’s most title-laden stables. The group has collectively held the Continental, International, World Trios, and Unified Championships at various points.

If Cage can build the momentum he’s looking for over the coming months, a Continental Classic berth could serve as the ideal launching pad for the championship run he’s been chasing.