AEW’s Continental Classic has hit another early snag for the second straight year, and once again it involves a major name. Darby Allin was officially removed from the Gold League lineup on this past Saturday’s AEW Collision after his opening-round match with Kevin Knight left him hospitalized. In his place, AEW slotted in longtime rival — and former TNT and Tag Team Champion — Jack Perry, marking Perry’s first run in the tournament.
The move came just one day after Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Allin had suffered a head injury during the match with Knight, with concussion concerns being the likely culprit. Meltzer expanded on the situation during Wrestling Observer Radio, offering a bit more clarity while reviewing Allin’s Collision promo.
According to Meltzer, Allin was backstage at Collision and able to travel, which is at least a positive sign. However, Allin revealed in his promo that his “leg stopped working” during or after the match — despite Meltzer reiterating his belief the root of the issue is a head injury. Allin also admitted he was legitimately scared by what happened and required a hospital visit, something no wrestler — especially one known for death-defying bumps — takes lightly.
At this point, AEW has not provided a timetable for Allin’s return, leaving fans and officials in wait-and-see mode. Remarkably, this is only the second time in his six-year AEW run that Allin has been sidelined due to an in-ring injury, an impressive track record considering the physical risks he regularly takes. Earlier this year Allin missed seven months while training for — and ultimately climbing — Mount Everest, but otherwise he’s been one of AEW’s most durable performers.
With the Continental Classic rolling on and Jack Perry stepping into the Gold League, the big question now is simply when Darby Allin will be healthy enough to return — and how AEW plans to reinsert him into the mix once he’s cleared.
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