The landscape of professional wrestling has recently seen a notable increase in live events broadcast across television and streaming services. On certain days, multiple wrestling shows from the same promotion, like NXT Stand and Deliver occurring alongside WrestleMania Night One, take place simultaneously. Additionally, different wrestling organizations often schedule major events on the same day, such as AEW’s All Out coinciding with WWE’s Wrestlepalooza. This rise in overlapping shows has prompted discussions regarding adjusting event start times.
Tony Khan Considers Earlier Start Times After Positive Feedback
AEW President Tony Khan has experimented with earlier pay-per-view (PPV) start times on several occasions this year, including All In Texas, Forbidden Door in London, and the recent All Out in Toronto. These events began earlier than usual compared to traditional PPV scheduling. During the All Out media scrum, Khan conveyed his openness to continuing this trend, noting the strong reaction from fans and viewers toward the afternoon kickoffs.
Khan’s Perspective on Scheduling PPVs in Different Time Zones
Speaking about the idea of afternoon PPVs, Khan highlighted how the scheduling benefits both domestic and international audiences. He explained that early start times have been particularly effective on Saturdays and could also be beneficial for Sundays. Khan cited examples such as the UK-friendly timing for Forbidden Door at London’s O2 Arena and the manageable afternoon kickoff for All In Texas, expressing that these adjustments have been well-received.
“It’s definitely something to think about, especially on Saturdays with the way the schedule works and what we’re doing. I do think there’s something to it, it’d be something to consider also on some of the Sundays. It’s been tremendous for three straight pay-per-views. I think the point you’re making is definitely something I’ve taken into consideration. All In Texas, that early start time and having that manageable start time in the UK. Then we were in London at the O2 for Forbidden Door and that did have that same kind of, domestic here in North America, that kind of afternoon start time like today’s show, tonight’s show,”
Tony Khan said. [H/T Wrestling Inc.]
Potential Impact of Early PPV Starts on Wrestling Fans and Industry
As wrestling viewership expands globally with diverse time zones, adapting PPV start times could enhance accessibility and convenience for fans worldwide. Khan’s openness to early start times may set a precedent for other promotions to reconsider traditional evening schedules, potentially increasing live viewership and fan engagement. The success of recent early kickoffs suggests this approach could become more prevalent in AEW’s future event planning.
