AEW Continental Challenge Cup First Round: Claudio Castagnoli Defeats Ace Austin to Advance

Claudio Castagnoli advances in the first-ever AEW Continental Challenge Cup.
The inaugural edition of the Continental Challenge Cup kicked off on tonight’s episode of AEW Collision, with Claudio Castagnoli taking on Ace Austin of The Bang Bang Gang in a first-round match.

The final stretch of the match saw Castagnoli attempt his trademark Swing, before Austin countered it into a choke with his legs. Castagnoli showed off his immense strength as he wheelbarrowed Austin before pulling him up for a Powerbomb. He then sent Austin into the ropes and followed it up with a European Uppercut to secure the pinfall.

Clips from the match can be checked below [via AEW’s X]:

Time for the first match in the Continental Challenge Cup!@ClaudioCSRO faces @The_Ace_Austin in our opening contest!

Watch #AEWCollision LIVE on TNT & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/QWfR1a8ql1

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) August 9, 2026

Throw em up for @The_Ace_Austin! 👆👆

Watch #AEWCollision LIVE on TNT & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/gpchQhwIuZ

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) August 9, 2026

Don't sleep on the strength of @The_Ace_Austin!

Watch #AEWCollision LIVE on TNT & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/yphXIFJF7c

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) August 9, 2026

And then there's the power of @ClaudioCSRO!

Watch #AEWCollision LIVE on TNT & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/rSiB89V6fh

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) August 9, 2026

A quick uppercut from @ClaudioCSRO floors @The_Ace_Austin! pic.twitter.com/rgSvlu7XcO

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) August 9, 2026

"THAT'S power! OH MY GOD!" – @PaulWight

Watch #AEWCollision LIVE on TNT & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/gUEie2gaGr

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) August 9, 2026

You can check out our coverage of tonight’s Collision RIGHT HERE.