WWE is preparing to respond strategically after AEW’s Tony Khan recently shifted the start time of the All Out pay-per-view (PPV) scheduled for September 20th in Toronto. This change comes in direct response to WWE’s announcement that it will hold the Wrestlepalooza Premium Live Event (PLE) in Indianapolis on the same date, marking the first WWE PLE broadcast on the ESPN streaming platform as part of a $1.6 billion five-year deal.
Originally, AEW planned for All Out to begin at 8 p.m. ET, consistent with its traditional Saturday night scheduling, but Khan moved the event earlier to 3 p.m. ET, aiming to avoid a direct clash with Wrestlepalooza. This scheduling adjustment, confirmed on September 3rd, also saw AEW offering the event to HBO Max subscribers at a special $39.99 price point. Although the AEW press release did not acknowledge WWE’s concurrent event, industry insiders and wrestling fans recognize the timing shift as a strategic move aimed at minimizing competition.
Insights into WWE’s Response and Future Counterprogramming Tactics
AEW’s decision to adjust All Out’s start time signals to WWE that Tony Khan is willing to alter plans under pressure. Wrestling Observer’s Bryan Alvarez reported on Wrestling Observer Live that this development is expected to prompt WWE to employ more aggressive tactics to counter AEW’s programming going forward.
“I’ve pretty much been told this from people in WWE – it’s like, that’s it, they’re gonna go after them and they’re gonna keep it up. The day is gonna come where WWE counterprograms, AEW moves a show, and then WWE moves their show. It’s gonna happen at some point. They’re gonna screw with the guy (Tony Khan) because now they know this guy’s gonna blink, he’s gonna move his show.” —Bryan Alvarez, Wrestling Observer Live
This exchange reflects a brewing battle for viewership dominance, with WWE viewing AEW’s willingness to shift airing times as a vulnerability to exploit. The ongoing counterprogramming battle could escalate into a continuous cycle where each promotion adjusts its schedule to undercut the other’s audience.
Key Matches Highlighting the September 20th PPVs
Wrestlepalooza’s card boasts several high-profile bouts, including a potentially final encounter between Brock Lesnar and John Cena. Another highlighted match features AJ Lee returning to team alongside her husband CM Punk against Becky Lynch and her spouse, World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins. This nationally televised event from Indianapolis will debut on ESPN’s streaming service, intensifying WWE’s presence in the market.
AEW’s all-Toronto fan-favorite card includes a heated grudge match where hometown stars Adam Copeland and Christian Cage join forces against the tag team FTR, generating significant local interest despite the absence of a confirmed World Title match announcement.
Potential Implications for Wrestling Fans and the Industry
The competitive tug-of-war between WWE and AEW highlights the growing intensity of the wrestling industry showdown, especially in terms of broadcast strategies and fan engagement. WWE’s expansive deal with ESPN signals a major shift towards streaming platforms and broadening their digital footprint, challenging AEW’s market hold.
AEW’s readiness to shift showtimes signifies caution but also reveals vulnerability that WWE appears keen to exploit. Fans can expect more scheduling maneuvers and programming clashes as both companies jockey for ratings supremacy, increasing uncertainty and anticipation about future match announcements and event outcomes.
Additional Developments Within WWE’s Roster and Storylines
Amid the programming conflict, WWE storylines continue to evolve with several notable updates. CM Punk and AJ Lee are confirmed to team up at Wrestlepalooza against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch, though there is speculation Triple H may alter this pairing. Meanwhile, the status of a major Cody Rhodes match remains uncertain, adding further intrigue.
Backstage dynamics are also in the spotlight, with a former WWE Champion revealing tensions involving Shawn Michaels. A current WWE star recently sent a direct and intense message to Triple H, stressing their eagerness to secure more bookings. Additionally, an ex-WWE star harshly criticized Vince McMahon, branding him a “pervert,” underscoring ongoing backstage unrest.
Fans have reacted strongly to AJ Lee’s unexpected return, with WWE personalities including Naomi, Alexa Bliss, and Roxanne expressing their excitement. Meanwhile, Brock Lesnar’s return on WWE SmackDown has created further buzz, especially after his involvement in disrupting John Cena’s title match. In entertainment crossover news, a popular musician has publicly expressed interest in facing Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 42, reflecting the intersection of wrestling and mainstream media.
