AEW has officially scheduled a singles match featuring Eddie Kingston and Zack Gibson for the Zero Hour pre-show, which leads into the Worlds End event on December 27 at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. This announcement puts the spotlight on the ongoing Eddie Kingston vs Zack Gibson rivalry as part of a packed wrestling event for fans.
Background and Build-Up to Kingston vs Gibson
The tension between Eddie Kingston and the Grizzled Young Veterans, which includes Zack Gibson, began just after Kingston’s loss of the AEW World Championship to Samoa Joe during Dynamite Winter Is Coming on December 10. Their issues intensified the following week when Zack Gibson and James Drake, both from the Grizzled Young Veterans, supported Nathan Cruz during Cruz’s unsuccessful bout against Kingston on December 17.
Kingston faced the group again at the Ring of Honor Boxing Day Brawl, where he secured a win against James Drake in a match that had been taped earlier. After the match concluded, Zack Gibson attacked Kingston, setting the stage for their anticipated singles confrontation at Zero Hour.
Additional Matches Announced for Zero Hour
In addition to Kingston’s match with Gibson, the Zero Hour broadcast will also feature a tag team contest with Hyan and Maya World joining forces to challenge the Sisters of Sin. These pre-show encounters will be streamed live for fans around the world on YouTube, starting at 7 pm Eastern and 4 pm Pacific on December 27.
Main Card Overview for AEW Worlds End 2025
The main Worlds End 2025 event promises a diverse lineup of matches at the NOW Arena. The card features several high-profile contests:
• Kazuchika Okada vs. Konosuke Takeshita in a Continental Classic semifinal
• Jon Moxley vs. Kyle Fletcher in the second Continental Classic semifinal
• Continental Classic tournament final
• Darby Allin vs. Gabe Kidd
• The Death Riders meet The Conglomeration and Toni Storm in a Mixed Nuts Mayhem match
• FTR defends the AEW World Tag Team Championships in a Street Fight against the Bang Bang Gang
• Babes of Wrath challenge Mercedes Mone and Athena for the AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championships
• Samoa Joe, MJF, Adam Page, and Swerve Strickland compete for the AEW World Championship
• Kris Statlander faces Jamie Hayter with the AEW Women’s World Championship on the line
What to Expect as Worlds End Approaches
With Eddie Kingston vs Zack Gibson taking center stage during Zero Hour, AEW continues to build on recent rivalries and storylines involving key competitors such as Samoa Joe, Jon Moxley, Kris Statlander, and Jamie Hayter. The inclusion of both established stars and rising talent across the card is expected to attract a broad range of wrestling fans. As anticipation rises for this year-end show, AEW aims to conclude the calendar with significant moments at Worlds End, live from Illinois.
