All Elite Wrestling (AEW) will begin its All Out event earlier than usual this year, starting at 3 PM ET instead of the traditional 7 PM ET. Tony Khan, AEW’s president, explained the reasoning behind this change as a strategic move to avoid conflicts with WWE programming that has recently aimed to counterprogram AEW shows. This adjustment reflects Khan’s intention to deliver the best possible viewing experience for AEW fans while maximizing the event’s reach.
Avoiding Clash with WWE’s WrestlePalooza
In recent months, WWE has scheduled several events opposite AEW programming, escalating a rivalry that has impacted both companies. WWE’s lineup includes Saturday Night’s Main Event, NXT Great American Bash, and Evolution staged against AEW’s All In 2025. Additionally, WWE set NXT Heatwave against AEW’s Forbidden Door 2025. The most recent attempt to undercut AEW came when WWE announced WrestlePalooza on September 20, the same day as AEW’s All Out event.
To handle this unexpected scheduling conflict, AEW shifted All Out’s start time to early afternoon, moving it away from directly competing with WWE’s WrestlePalooza. This strategy ensures that fans who follow both promotions can watch both events without overlap, potentially improving viewership numbers for AEW.
Tony Khan’s Perspective on the Earlier Start
During an All Out media call, Tony Khan expressed enthusiasm about the decision to hold the event earlier in the day. Khan emphasized that the choice aims to benefit AEW’s audience and build on previous successes with similar scheduling.
“I am very excited for the opportunity to have this show this Saturday afternoon. I thought it was the best decision for our fans. We’ve had great success with the last few AEW pay-per-views with the early start time. Forbidden Door did very well, and we did some of our best numbers ever with All In, which set great business milestones for us. I think we can make it three great shows and three very successful shows in a row.” – Tony Khan, AEW President
Khan also highlighted the importance of adapting to the evolving wrestling landscape and audience metrics. He believes that the early time slot provides the best chance for AEW to achieve strong business results while maintaining high-quality entertainment for its viewers.
“I can already tell you this show is going to be a very successful business venture, and I think it’s going to be a great wrestling show and keep this run of great pay-per-views going. It was the right decision for the fans to put the time here and for us, being in the pay-per-view business, to continue this run of great shows.” – Tony Khan, AEW President
By carefully analyzing prior pay-per-view performances and adjusting based on competition and audience habits, Khan is confident this approach will pay off for AEW and its fans alike.
AEW’s Future Plans Amidst Industry Rivalry
In addition to discussing the All Out start time, Tony Khan touched on AEW’s ambitions for key events in the coming years, particularly related to WWE’s WrestleMania 43, which will take place in Saudi Arabia in 2027. Khan revealed that AEW has significant plans to stage a major event around that time, signaling confidence in the company’s growth and continued competition with WWE.
“I have a lot of interest in it and I can promise we’re gonna run a huge event in the spring of 2027. I think spring 2027 is gonna be a great time for AEW. We’re still gonna be in the peak of this massive media deal that we’ve done with Warner Bros. Discovery. We’re gonna be delivering great shows… There’s gonna be a huge pay-per-view for sure, and one pay-per-view I can tell you is gonna be huge in spring of 2027 that has done huge things for us in AEW and I think some really historic things in pro-wrestling is AEW Revolution.” – Tony Khan, AEW President
Khan described the upcoming AEW Revolution pay-per-view as a centerpiece of their 2027 plans, underlining his belief that this event can mark a historic moment in professional wrestling. While AEW remains focused on immediate challenges in 2025, Khan’s outlook extends to maintaining momentum and delivering significant shows well into the future.
The Strategic Importance of Scheduling and Growth
Tony Khan’s decision to move All Out to an earlier kickoff illustrates the importance of adaptability in a competitive wrestling environment. WWE’s increased counterprogramming has forced AEW to reconsider how best to retain its fan base and expand viewership. By shifting the event time, AEW makes it easier for fans to watch multiple wrestling promotions on the same day without conflicts, potentially enhancing loyalty and market share.
Additionally, Khan’s clear vision for AEW’s long-term trajectory, backed by the strong Warner Bros. Discovery media partnership, shows confidence in sustaining growth despite the competitive pressures between wrestling companies. This demonstrates a proactive approach that values both live-event success and broader business strategy.
In other developments within wrestling news, Raja Jackson has recently been arrested, marking a separate storyline unfolding within the industry.
