Two AEW stars are set to perform at a concert in London during All In weekend.
On August 23, Chris Jericho’s band Fozzy will be playing the O2 Forum Kentish Town. It’s been announced that AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland and rapper Flash Garments will be special guests at the concert. It’s taking place on the Friday before All In.
The announcement noted that this will be Strickland and Flash Garments’ first concert as a rap duo in the United Kingdom:
FOZZY have announced their hugely anticipated return to the UK capital with a date at London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town. Promising an explosive Friday evening of rock and rap, the show kickstarts a weekend that culminates in the return of AEW to London’s Wembley Stadium on Sunday 25th August.
If it’s not enough for fans to have FOZZY, with their heavy melodic groove and fronted by 8 time World Champion Chris Jericho headlining the night, fans will go crazy knowing that direct support comes from current AEW World Champion: Swerve Strickland. Swerve Strickland & Flash Garments will be performing their first concert as a rap duo in the UK.
Music is one of Strickland’s outside-the-ring pursuits. He and Flash Garments also performed together at the Rolling Loud music festival in California this March.
Strickland’s “Big Pressure” theme music is by him and Flash Garments.
At AEW Dynasty last month, Strickland defeated Samoa Joe to win the AEW World Championship. Strickland has a title defense against Christian Cage at Double or Nothing this Sunday.
Jericho won the FTW title from Hook at Dynasty and will be defending against the winner of an FTW Contender Series at Double or Nothing.
Fozzy also played a concert in London prior to All In 2023. They were involved in the All In event itself as well, performing Jericho’s “Judas” entrance music live prior to his loss against Will Ospreay.
“All In All Night” is the name of the Fozzy concert. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday.
Before he wraps up his career as a full-time wrestler, Bryan Danielson wants to compete at London’s Wembley Stadium.
AEW is returning to Wembley for All In 2024 on Sunday, August 25. It’s the second straight year AEW has run the stadium. When AEW made its Wembley debut last summer, Danielson was out of action at the time and couldn’t wrestle at the show.
Danielson told Casual Conversations with The Classic this week that his AEW contract actually expires before All In 2024. Despite that, he really wants to wrestle at the show before ending his full-time run.
He responded when asked what milestones are left on his checklist:
The big one is Wembley. I want to make it to Wembley. My contract actually expires before Wembley. But I want to make it to Wembley. Because as a wrestling fan — one, last year’s All In was incredible. But then as a wrestling fan, that’s like a defining moment, when the British Bulldog beats Bret Hart. So you think of Wembley almost in these mythical terms.
AEW All In 2023 and WWF SummerSlam 1992 are the only wrestling shows Wembley Stadium has ever hosted.
Danielson mentioned that he’d like his last match as a full-time wrestler to take place at AEW’s WrestleDream pay-per-view this October, but he isn’t sure if he’ll make it that far before the end of his run:
But I really want to be able to do Wembley and just see what that’s like, see what that feels like. So, yeah, that’s a big one for me.
I’m not sure if I’ll make it, but one thing that would be a nice way to like kind of close everything out for me is to do my last match as a full-time wrestler at WrestleDream at the Tacoma Dome.
Washington is Danielson’s home state, and the Tacoma Dome is the venue where he saw his first wrestling show. It was a WWF event headlined by Ultimate Warrior vs. Rick Rude.
WrestleDream is being held on Saturday, October 12.
The Young Bucks will present backstage footage from All In purportedly showing an altercation between CM Punk & Jack Perry on tonight’s AEW Dynamite.
FTR & The Young Bucks are set to square off in the finals of a tournament to crown new AEW Tag Team Champions at Dynasty on April 21, and the footage will play into the storyline, according to Tony Khan.
A World title eliminator match is also set for tonight’s show, with World Champion Samoa Joe facing Dustin Rhodes.
Adam Copeland will defend the TNT Championship tonight against Penta El Zero Miedo.
Women’s World Champion Toni Storm will toast her Dynasty challenger Thunder Rosa on tonight’s episode in Charlestown, West Virginia.
Mariah May will go one-on-one with Anna Jay in a women’s division contest.
After returning to the company on Collision and aligning with Shane Taylor Promotions, Anthony Ogogo will team with Shane Taylor & Lee Moriarty against Chris Jericho, Hook & Katsuyori Shibata in a trios match tonight.
AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Tony Schiavone & Taz as we go to the entrances for the opening contest. AEW Champion Samoa Joe made his way out of the tunnel, but immediately attacked by Swerve Strickland. Joe quickly gained control and set up a table off to the side of the stage, but Strickland side stepped and tackled Joe through the table. Security and officials pulled Strickland away, as Joe is left to stumble backstage.
Excalibur said they had to pivot, so we see footage of Trent Beretta turning on Orange Cassidy last week. Kris Statlander confronted Beretta backstage and he whispered something to her before walking off. Renee Paquette was standing outside Orange Cassidy’s locker room and she was told Cassidy will be wrestling on Rampage Friday and will address the issues then.
Adam Copeland defeated Penta el Zero Miedo (w/Alex Abrahantes) to retain the TNT Title
(I thought this was excellent, as I’m really glad it went through multiple breaks and went right about 20 minutes. Penta put up one heck of a fight and controlled a lot of this, but Copeland hung tough and showed the Spear can put anyone away at any time. Post match, we almost saw Julia Hart mist Copeland, but Nightingale making the save was a good way to incorporate both PPV matches into this.)
Trash talk from Penta to start, as an early Spear connected for two. Penta followed with a top rope double stomp for another near fall. Copeland spun out of Fear Factor, but ran into a superkick and clothesline to the floor. Copeland dodged a dive, as the match reset back inside with Penta tattooing Copeland with chops that took things to commercial.
Copeland gained control briefly during break, but Penta was in the driver’s seat when things returned. Copeland delivered an old school flying head scissors, but Penta escaped with a pump fake kick to the head. A series of leapfrogs from Copeland, as each man traded tilt a whirl head scissors before colliding with three clotheslines in succession, causing the double down. Both slugged it out on their knees as a Countdown clock to The Young Bucks is shown in the corner with 19 minutes remaining. Penta connected on a Sling Blade to send Copeland to the floor, as a follow up somersault dive hit. Copeland beat the 10 count, as Penta set Copeland up on the edge of the apron and punted him in the neck, taking things to a second commercial break.
When things returned, Penta, who controlled the whole break, delivered a corner backstabber for two. Penta went for it again, only this time Copeland countered into an Electric Chair face buster. Copeland locked on the Edgecator, reverse Sharpshooter, transitioned into an Ankle Lock, but Penta escaped. Penta wanted the arm breaker, but Copeland reversed into a Crossface. Penta got the ropes, tried a springboard to the apron, but Copeland cut him off. Both tried home run moves on the apron, but it was ultimately Copeland delivering a pretty cool powerslam on the edge of the ring. Copeland wanted a Spear on the floor, but Abrahantes leapt in front of Penta and took the bullet, much to the delight of Taz.
Back inside, both fought to the ropes, as Penta hit an Avalanche Code Red for a very close two. Penta quickly snapped the arm back, but again, Copeland kicked out. Fear Factor attempt was spun out of, as Penta tried a springboard, but leapt back right into a Spear to give Copeland the win.
The lights went out as Julia Hart and Brody King were in the ring, as King attacked from behind and ran down Copeland in the corner. King choked out Copeland, as Hart was going to mist him when Willow Nightingale hit the ring and tackled Hart. King pulled Hart away, as Copeland sent King packing and retreating with Hart, while Nightingale checked on Copeland.
-Renee Paquette is backstage with Chris Jericho, HOOK & Katsuyori Shibata, as she talks about their six man tag tonight against Shane Taylor Promotions. Jericho said HOOK brought in Shibata on his own, which means he’s learning. Tonight, they both can sit under the learning tree of Jericho, who pretty much went over the entire match with them. Jericho said if they breathe the verified air of Jericho, they’ll be successful. Jericho walked off and Shibata said through his phone What’s His Deal? HOOK said don’t worry about it, before Shibata looked at Paquette and told her he liked her necklace.
Footage from the previous three meetings of The Young Bucks and FTR are shown, with The Bucks winning the first battle, while FTR have won the following two. Excalibur said up next, The Bucks will discuss and show their footage from All In London.
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-Renee Paquette is backstage with Mark Briscoe & Eddie Kingston, congratulating Briscoe on winning the ROH Title from Kingston this past weekend. Both are amped up for their match at Dynasty, as Adam Copeland walked into the shot with Willow Nightingale & Stokely Hathaway. Copeland said they’re all good for Dynasty, before Hathaway told Copeland to put the TNT Title on the line against Nightingale next week. Nightingale said that was ridiculous, but asked for a mixed tag next week with Copeland against Julia Hart & Brody King. Hathaway tried to apologize to Eddie Kingston for saying he smelled like Burger King & Newports last time they saw each other, Kingston rolled his eyes and walked away.
The Young Bucks Show Unaired Footage from All In London
Matthew & Nicholas Jackson were backstage and said the TV audience is ready to see the footage, but not before context. Nicholas said Dynasty is coming up and it’s FTR vs. The Young Bucks, which got them to think about the wounds from All In London, so this is a perfect time to talk about it. The biggest show in company history, as a lot of critics said whoever won that match would be the greatest team of the generation. Matthew said before their match, an incident occurred between Scapegoat, the loveable kid, Jack Perry, who reminded them a lot of them at his age. The other individual, tried to make it all about himself, someone who is good friends with FTR. Nicholas wondered if FTR were the masterminds of the entire situation, which Matthew said they couldn’t say, as that’s unprofessional. There was a cut and Matthew said that incident put the locker room in disarray, as they didn’t have time to prepare for the match, not even time to pray. If you asked anyone in the room, there should be an asterisk next to that FTR win. Matthew said the footage is short and it’s similar to a high school scrap. However, the ramifications were anything but, as it threatened to bring down the biggest show of all time.
They roll the tape with no audio and we see Jack Perry backstage, as CM Punk walks up and talks to him. Samoa Joe is getting ready for his match in the top corner of the shot, as after talking briefly, Punk shoves Perry first and puts him in a guillotine, as Joe stepped in, pulling Perry away. You could see Tony Khan trying to reach over the table to calm Punk, but Punk did seem to go after Khan, only to be pulled away by Chris Hero, Malakai Black and I believe Jerry Lynn, who ultimately ushered Punk away.
Matthew said that wasn’t the worst of it, the worst was filling a building for such a great wrestling show and losing on that night. Matthew said FTR had the balls to shake their hands, which they won’t do at Dynasty. Nicholas storms off, while Matthew shows he’s wearing a Scapegoat shirt.
FTR stormed the ring and asked what The Bucks hoped to accomplish showing that footage aside from having an excuse on why they lost at Wembley? Wheeler said he’s sick and tired of this, as everyone wants to move on. Instead of showing the talent doing their best work ever, we get footage from 8 months ago, thanks to Rod & Todd Flanders (which is fitting, since Wheeler is wearing a Simpsons shirt). Wheeler said he’s sick of The Bucks being petty bitches. Harwood said that’s the EVPs, who say without them, AEW wouldn’t exist and folks would be without jobs. Harwood said he kind of agrees, as without The Bucks, he might still be shaving Wheeler’s back. What makes The Bucks sick, is FTR has eclipsed them as the best team on this planet. At one time, The Bucks cared about AEW, but whether it’s greed, they lost that and they only care about themselves. Harwood said on the backs of every single man and woman who want to be there, they will build things on their backs, not just for them, but for the future of pro wrestling, so it gives people a decision on where fans decided to spend their money. If The Bucks don’t want to be part of that AEW, grab your ball, FTR has got this.
Harwood said this isn’t about Wembley or All In, this is about the AEW World Tag Team Championships at Dynasty. Two teams walk in, one walk out the first three time Tag Team Champions. The Bucks might’ve built the foundation, but FTR will build the roof and have no issue blowing it off, top guys, out.
This footage will be talked about by a lot of people as it did show Punk initiating contact with Perry, who didn’t get any shots off, then ultimately going after Tony Khan, but was held back. FTR’s frustrations this was even brought up all this time later probably echoes a lot of people’s thoughts, but it did show Punk getting physical first, so there’s that.
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-A video package for Bryan Danielson & Will Ospreay was shown as Renee Paquette introduces Ospreay to the stage. Ospreay said Tony Khan told him he had 5 mintues to talk, as TV time is expensive. Ospreay said there’s a rumor going around he’s afraid of the grind. Ospreay said he travels from the UK every single week and delivers the best pro wrestling matches the world has seen. Normally he wouldn’t be baited by this, but since the one who said this is only in the position he’s in because he was grinding the bosses daughter. You don’t throw stones at an Assassin with a machine gun. The only way Bryan Danielson has any chance to beat him is by grounding the Arieal Assassin. Many have tried, but all have failed, except Danielson is a living legend, so Ospreay can’t call himself the greatest in the world until he pins him. This is AEW, where the best wrestle and it’s Ospreay’s time to show everyone what he’s about and what he brings to this table and why he’s the Ace of AEW. Danielson finds out at Dynasty why his name is Will Ospreay and why he’s on another level.
Thankfully this is what was needed following the previous segment, as Ospreay is the future of AEW and it’s time to focus on the future, not dwell on the past.
-A video package of Julia Hart telling Willow Nightingale the House Always Wins is shown ahead of their match at Dynasty.
Shane Taylor, Lee Moriarty & Anthony Ogogo defeated FTW Champion HOOK, Chris Jericho & Katsuyori Shibata
(The wheels have already started to fall off for LionHOOK. This was however, Moriarty’s biggest win to date, as hopefully this actually leads to something for Shane Taylor Promotions and not just a one and done win that happened out of sheer luck. I’ve really enjoyed Taylor & Moriarty as a duo. Ogogo barely got into this match, so the jury is still out on how he really is in the ring.)
This is the Wooo Energy Match of the Night, as Schiavone tells us this is Ogogo’s first match on Dynamite since 2021, as Moriarty was taken down by Jericho quickly, as Lionsault connected for two. Jericho hit a bad looking dropkick before dishing out a series of corner clotheslines and chops until a corner hurricanrana connected. Shibata made the tag and absolutely starched Moriarty with a chop until Taylor made the tag, as HOOK did as well. Ogogo got a cheap shot to allow Taylor to connect with a lariat to stay in control during commercial.
When things returned, HOOK delivered a massive overhead suplex on Taylor, as Shibata made the hot tag and ran wild with kicks, chops and forearms. Corner running dropkick from Shibata got a two count, but Jericho unintentionally took a stray shot from Shibata, dropping him to the floor. HOOK wanted to make a tag, but Jericho pulls him to the floor, talking about his learning tree. HOOK & Jericho argued, as Shibata sank in a choke on Moriarty, but Taylor came in and fired off a right hand, leading to Moriarty connecting on a suplex Flatliner to get the win.
HOOK checked on Shibata post-match, as Jericho was upset they lost, which is ridiculous if you think about it. HOOK told Jericho it didn’t have to be like this and told Jericho to get lost. Jericho walked up the ramp, as HOOK showed respect to Shibata.
-Renee Paquette is backstage with Dustin Rhodes and said Samoa Joe is medically cleared to compete tonight. Rhodes said this doesn’t change his strategy, as he still has nothing to lose, but everything to gain. The time for talking is over, grit, work ethic, passion and glory, it’s what Rhodes is all about and tonight is no different.
Okada no sold a few shots before clubbing Argento with shots before an Air Raid Crash connected. Okada almost looks bored, as he dared Argento to hit him, which resulted in more no sells and the picture-perfect dropkick. Rainmaker connected for the easy victory for Okada. Post match, Okada took the mic and said he accepts PAC’s challenge for Dynasty. PAC came out to the stage and applauded Okada before pacing back and forth. PAC was headed to the ring, but was attacked by The Young Bucks from behind. The crowd chanted for CM Punk, as The Bucks hit a superkick, as Okada lifted PAC for a Rainmaker, but FTR made the save and slugged it out with The Bucks. FTR wanted Shatter Machine, but Okada came back with chair shots to drop Harwood & Wheeler. The Bucks hit a double EVP Trigger to FTR, while Okada hit a chair shot to the side of the head of PAC to complete the beatdown.
-Footage of The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass attacking Bullet Club Gold at Supercard of Honor is shown before we go to Switchblade Jay White & The Gunns backstage tonight. They do a recap of crushing Darby Allin’s dream, successfully defending their ROH Six Man Titles last weekend and finally White putting the biggest beatdown on Billy Gunn last week. White said he’s ready to do it again on Rampage, but not against Billy (thankfully), against someone Austin & Colten line up.
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Timeless Toni Storm’s Charleston Championship Champagne Toast to Thunder Rosa
Renee Paquette introduces Thunder Rosa to the stage, who was followed by Timeless Toni Storm & Luther. Storm’s side of the shot is in black and white, while Paquette & Rosa are in color. Everyone has champagne, as Paquette gives Storm the floor, but she immediately tosses the drink in Rosa’s face and clocks her with Luther’s tray. Storm wipes the face paint off Rosa, as Deonna Purrazzo runs out, with Luther standing between the two. Purrazzo helps out Rosa, who shoves off the assistance, which Purrazzo said screw it and left. Commentary said Rosa must’ve not have known it was Purrazzo who helped, even though she was looking right at her. Referees checked on Rosa, as Mariah May came out for her match, with Storm giving her a kiss and it seemed to Hulk up May.
Mariah May defeated Anna Jay
(The big story here is the debut of Mina Shirakawa on AEW TV, as it looks like May’s mentor from Stardom is here to help her as well. I like this, as it could start planting seeds of not just May breaking away from Storm, forcing May to choose between the two, but perhaps May winning the Women’s Title down the line.)
Both ladies took turns firing off chops, with May’s echoing a lot louder, so Jay turned to forearms to take control briefly until May hit a sliding trip. Jay side stepped a shotgun dropkick and delivered a flipping neckbreaker and almost a ripcord forearm. May backed Jay to the corner, licked her hand and hit a double chop before a hand stand head scissors sent Jay flying to the mat. Jay regained control with a neckbreaker through the ropes, but May responded quickly with a hard forearm that sent Jay to the outside during commercial.
Back from break, Jay hit her running corner spin kick and Iconoclasm for a near fall. May side stepped a corner charge and hit a high kick before a top rope dropkick connected. Sweet Cheek Music hit, but Jay kicked out. Jay floated over and hit a thrust kick, followed it up with a Flatliner for another near fall. Jay wanted her Gory Bomb, but May rolled through into a flash pin. Post match, a frustrated Jay choked out May with the Queenslayer until Mina Shirakawa made the save, with Jay bailing. Excalibur talked about May & Shirakawa reuniting at Ring of Honor last weekend, as they are former tag team partners and stablemates in Club Venus in Stardom. Shirakawa asked for two glasses of champagne and helped May drink before planting a kiss on her.
-Alex Marvez is backstage somewhere with Mercedes Mone and talked about deciding to make history at Double or Nothing, where she’ll have her debut. Mone was asked about the TBS Title match at Dynasty and Mone said they are the very best, as Julia Hart is unpredictable and has Willow Nightingale’s number for sure. Nightingale is a force to be reckoned with for sure, she’s dangerous. Marvez asks her to elaborate and Mone brought up her match with Nightingale getting injured and losing the chance to be the first ever NJPW Women’s Champion. Mone said she’s now on a mission, to be TBS Champion at Double or Nothing and was about to answer who she wants to face on that show when the lights went out and we hear Mone getting beat up. A very non panicked Marvez asked for the lights to turn on and when they did, Mone was down and Marvez just asked folks for help. This segment was fine, but Marvez’s non acting made this hilarious when it wasn’t meant to be.
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Samoa Joe defeated Dustin Rhodes in an AEW World Title Eliminator
(I was entertained quite a bit by this main event, as despite having an uphill battle to pull out a win, the crowd bit at Rhodes near falls. The one thing Dustin should’ve learned from Cody this past weekend, it takes more than one Cross Rhodes to defeat a World Champion. Joe stealing the win here was fine, as it made the heel sneak out a win, only for Strickland to ultimately get his comeuppance from last week’s beating he suffered. I thought this was a good chapter in this feud before the go home Dynasty Dynamite next week.)
Joe, with Swerve Strickland’s chain, limped to the ring, as Rhodes attacked right at the bell with corner strikes. Joe tossed Rhodes to the outside and drove him into the barricade, but Rhodes battled back. Joe was right back in control, posting Rhodes, who bled as things went to commercial.
It was all Joe during break, as Rhodes tried to battle back, but being busted open really messed with his equilibrium. Joe kept pouring down shots until Rhodes fired off a snap powerslam. Rhodes fired up with the Flip, Flop and Fly punches before a perfect Code Red connected for two. Joe dodged a Bulldog and clobbered Rhodes with a lariat that sent him outside. Joe tried to post Rhodes again, this time Rhodes turned the tables and sent Joe into the post before tossing the AEW World Title into the ring. The ref pleaded not to do it, as Rhodes put the title down and booted Joe before hitting Cross Rhodes for a close two. Joe went to the corner and suckered Rhodes in to charge and hit a STO. Joe grabbed the chain and the ref took it away, allowing Joe to deck Rhodes with the AEW Title. Joe made the cover and stole the win.
Post match, Joe sank in the Coquina Clutch before Swerve Strickland appeared out of nowhere with a House Call kick. Strickland grabbed the chain and leveled Joe with a punch. Strickland tried to whip Joe, but he bailed, as security and wrestlers had to keep them separated. Prince Nana presented the AEW World Title to Strickland, who held the title in the air and stared down a pissed off Joe to end the show.
AEW Rampage 4/12/24
· Orange Cassidy vs. Alex Reynolds
· Switchblade Jay White vs. Matt Sydal
· Julia Hart defends the TBS Title against Leyla Hirsch
· Cool Hand Ang vs. Zak Knight
AEW Collision & Battle of the Belts X 4/13/24
· Roderick Strong vs. Rocky Romero in an International Title Eliminator
AEW Dynamite 4/17/24
Adam Copeland & Willow Nightingale vs. Brody King & Julia Hart
Nick Aldis admits he felt “a little betrayed” following 2018’s All In.
Aldis was involved in one of the feature matches on the show when he lost the NWA World Heavyweight title to Cody Rhodes. However, he recently told Inside the Ropes that his feeling of betrayal stems from learning Tony Khan and members of The Elite were all familiar and had been working on a project that would eventually become AEW.
Aldis said:
I felt a little bit betrayed when I found out that they were all familiar, they were all aware of Tony Khan and they had been sort of plotting this thing. And so then as we progressed a couple of months forward it’s sort of like, ‘Oh, that’s already happening, that’s sort of a done deal.’ In that respect, I guess I felt that I could have been informed of that sooner.
But I just looked at it from the perspective of, well, that piece of business, meaning Cody and I at All In, that did nothing but good things for everyone involved. It wasn’t like people looked and went, ‘Oh, he’s finished.’
He continued:
Look, I landed a six-figure contract off the back of that also. Cody obviously had a pipeline to a billionaire, so it was different. I only had a millionaire, he had a billionaire, but whatever.
Aldis regained the NWA World title from Cody the following month at NWA 70. He wouldn’t lose it again until dropping the belt to Trevor Murdoch at NWA 73 in 2022. He left the promotion at the end of the year, briefly returned to Impact Wrestling, and eventually signed with WWE as a producer in August 2023.
Later in the interview, Aldis discussed what led to his signing with WWE.
He said:
I gave my notice to the NWA last year in November. I made it clear to WWE, I reached out to Paul Levesque and Bruce Prichard and said that I was going to be a free agent as of January the 1st and I would love to explore any opportunities with WWE.
We had some positive conversations and it was implied a the time things were a little unpredictable on the corporate side which obviously as we later discovered the impending sale and the sort of shift of management and responsibilities.
It was sort of suggested to me, ‘Hey go and stay busy for a bit and let’s circle back in a few months when things are a bit more clear. So, I did. I went and did some stuff, had my little run with Impact, which I thought went really well and then during that time, Bruce called me and said, ‘How do you feel about being a producer?’ He said, ‘Look, I know it’s probably not what you had in mind but it’s something that we can do right away. We can get you in sooner as a producer.
Aldis was announced as the new on-screen GM of SmackDown in October 2023.
Tony Khan has announced the on-sale date for AEW All In 2024 tickets.
Appearing on Wednesday’s Dynamite episode, the owner, president, CEO, GM, and head of creative for AEW announced an on-sale date of Friday, December 1 for All In 2024 tickets. The event is set for Sunday, August 25, 2024 at Wembley Stadium in London.
Khan promised “an important announcement” for Dynamite, then revealed the tickets on-sale date in a segment with commentator Nigel McGuinness on the show. Khan pushed the idea of All In tickets for holiday gifts with the Christmas season approaching, and trumpeted the success of All In 2023 with its 81,000-plus tickets sold.
A follow-up press release from AEW announced talent for the 2024 edition of All In:
All In 2023 was headlined by MJF defending the AEW World Championship against Adam Cole. The return date for next year was revealed during this year’s show.
During an interview with the New York Post, Samoa Joe addressed CM Punk and Jack Perry’s backstage incident from All In.
The altercation took place right before Joe and Punk’s match at Wembley Stadium. Though Punk threatened to quit following the incident, Joe reportedly talked him into still doing the match. It ended up being the final time that Punk would wrestle for AEW. The promotion announced on September 2 that Punk’s AEW contract had been terminated with cause.
For the most part, I haven’t read what’s been portrayed. There’s been so much said. I’m not the one to go out there and try to debunk everything. I know we had the initial incident. Everybody rallied. Everybody got together. Got their heads together and lined up and got ready to do the show and we went out there and we did the show.
That really was the focus at that point in time. We got a massive show to do and we got fans out there rabid to see that happen. So it’s important that we step up and do it and it’s important that we did and I was proud to be a part of that.
Joe was also asked if the altercation was as intense as it sounded. In response, Joe said he “wasn’t really affected” by the moment and was more focused on getting the show back on track:
That’s up to whoever perceived it. I’m used to that environment. Those things don’t seem very intense to me, but it could be something crazy intense to someone else. I wasn’t really affected by the moment. I was more focused on getting the show back on track and getting us going because it was bell time.
Joe and Punk had two singles matches against each other in AEW. Joe told the New York Post that it meant a “tremendous amount” to him to be able to revisit his in-ring rivalry with Punk.
On Dynamite Grand Slam this Wednesday, Joe is challenging MJF for the AEW World Championship. Joe earned the title shot by winning AEW’s Grand Slam eliminator tournament. He defeated Roderick Strong in the finals last week.
Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including PPV numbers for All In, the card for All Out and WWE’s Payback show on Saturday, ratings, update on the Seattle Antonio Inoki tribute PPV, Dynamite and NXT TV reports and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!
Timestamps:
Start: Catching up, WWE SmackDown thoughts & rating
5:16: AEW All In early numbers
8:18: Ratings notes
11:56: All Out card rundown
21:49: The AEW All In attendance number
29:37: WWE Payback card rundown, more on AEW WrestleDream
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back with tons to talk about including Bryan’s return from London and the scourge he contracted, honestly everything you ever wanted to know about CM Punk vs. Jack Perry with as much detail from multiple witnesses as possible, All In attendance, and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!
Wrestling at Wembley Stadium was a life-changing experience for Will Ospreay.
After competing at AEW All In, Ospreay sent out a message on social media reflecting on the moment. Ospreay thanked the fans for all of the support they’ve ever given him. He wrote that it was an honor to represent NJPW, his family, and British wrestling at Wembley.
The gratitude I have for you all that have followed my career throughout this crazy journey is genuinely overwhelming. Last night you & AEW truly changed my life. Honoured not only to represent my family, NJPW but represent British wrestling at Wembley Stadium. Thank you so much for everything.
Ospreay defeated Chris Jericho at All In. In his social media post, Ospreay revealed that his gear for the match featured a list of the British wrestling promotions he’s worked for. Ospreay’s gear included a tribute to his late friend and tag team partner Ryan Smile as well.
Earlier this month, Ospreay announced that the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship was now the IWGP United Kingdom Championship. Ospreay defending the title against Zack Sabre Jr. has been set up for NJPW Royal Quest III in London this October.
Ospreay has also been announced for October’s Impact Wrestling Bound for Glory pay-per-view.
On today’s media call, Tony Khan spoke of a change in the card that he wouldn’t go into likely because it would involve a storyline.
Multiple sources have noted that Rey Fenix is trying to establish residency in the United States and for that reason, has not left the country of late. It was noted to us that the reason he didn’t go to Triplemania and drop the Latin American title is for that reason, and he was instead stripped of both that title and the AAA cruiserweight title.
It’s not clear when the promotion found out that Fenix wouldn’t be able to go. Obviously when they put the show together the belief was he would be available.
Fenix is wrestling Jon Moxley tomorrow night on Dynamite in Duluth, Georgia. One would expect something storyline related to come out of this match unless somehow his not being available was able to be fixed at the last minute, but multiple sources did say as of earlier this week he was off the show.
In checking on potential replacements, Bandido was touch-and-go but badly wanted to be on this show. He just got the pin removed from his broken wrist yesterday so it would be early, but not impossible.
El Hijo del Vikingo pulled out of his GCW dates this past weekend because he’s banged up but also would be available for a show at this level.
Fenix was scheduled to team with Eddie Kingston, Penta El Zero Miedo, Orange Cassidy, Trent Beretta & Chuck Taylor against Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, and three mystery partners in a Stadium Stampede match at Sunday’s pay-per-view in London.
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Filthy Tom Lawlor is back today and the boys TRIUMPHANTLY COMPLETE AN ENTIRE SHOW WITHOUT AN ISSUE. Tony Khan talks All Out and changes to the show, AEW Collision, Rampage and Smackdown ratings for the week, the world famous RAW report and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!
In addition to wrestling at AEW All In, Chris Jericho will also be doing a live musical performance.
Chris Jericho revealed on Tuesday that he and the rest of Fozzy will be performing his “Judas” theme music live at All In. The show is taking place at Wembley Stadium in London this Sunday (August 27).
“For the first time ever, I’m going to sing myself to the ring with Fozzy playing live,” Jericho said. “We are going to be playing ‘Judas’ live for you in Wembley Stadium at All In.”
Fozzy are also playing at O2 Forum Kentish Town in London on Friday night. Jericho said these are Fozzy’s two biggest shows ever.
“So it’s going to be a huge weekend,” Jericho said. “Not just for AEW, not just for Chris Jericho, but for Fozzy as well. Our two biggest shows ever.”
Jericho is facing Will Ospreay in a singles match at All In. The match was announced after Ospreay attacked Jericho on last week’s episode of Dynamite.
AEW’s All In show is officially one of the more historical pro wrestling events of all time.
Dave Meltzer and Garrett Gonzales discussed AEW surpassing WrestleMania 32’s tickets sold, officially breaking the all-time pro wrestling record.
“That was the goal,” Meltzer said. “They hit the last goal.”
Meltzer did point out that there is a number for tickets sold, and the number of people who end up in the building the night of the event. But it’s clear that AEW’s show is ultra successful, and for those that think it may be a papered event, that isn’t the case.
“If there were a ton of freebies out there, they would know,” Meltzer said. “Not only do they have so many enemies they want it out, you know, word gets out.”
All In has managed to surpass everyone’s estimates for how well a show like this could do, prompting questions if AEW could try the formula elsewhere, such as Australia or Japan.
“Most people were between 30 to 50, and many under 20…everyone’s blown away. The show’s an unbelievable success,” Meltzer said.
During an appearance on the Battleground podcast, Tony Khan spoke about AEW presenting its All In and All Out pay-per-views so close together.
The two PPVs are taking place just one week apart from each other. After holding All In at Wembley Stadium in London on August 27, AEW will be at Chicago’s United Center for All Out on September 3.
The Battleground podcast asked Khan about the challenges of holding two major shows on two separate continents on back-to-back Sundays. Khan replied:
Well, we’re going to find out. It’s exciting to do it and it’s going to be the first time anybody has tried anything like this. AEW’s got our biggest show of all time coming up very soon, August 27 at Wembley Stadium. It’s going to be a massive, massive event. I’m so excited for the show. And in particular I have to say, right now, the ticket sales are unprecedented. This is the biggest pro wrestling event in the history of Europe. No show ever in Europe has sold more tickets or had a bigger gross than this. So it’s pretty special. And it’s one of the biggest wrestling events in the history of the world now. It’s taking place later this month, August 27. The show’s going to be on early. It starts at noon Central time. It’s NFL timing. So a couple weeks before NFL football kicks off, we’re going to be in that spot.
And then All Out the next week, Labor Day weekend, we’ll be back in our classic pay-per-view spot on Sunday night. So it’s going to be just about a week apart, two huge events.
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back with tons to talk about including fallout from SummerSlam 2023, Collision and All In, where things could be going following these big shows and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!
