AEW is preparing for its upcoming pay-per-view event, All Out 2025, scheduled for September 20 at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena. As one of Tony Khan AEW All Out’s flagship shows and the promotion’s second-ever event in Canada, this show carries significant weight for AEW’s continued expansion and presence in the international wrestling scene.
Meanwhile, WWE announced its own event, Wrestlepalooza, set for the same date, signaling a rare direct competition between two major wrestling companies. This overlapping scheduling initially posed a challenge, but Tony Khan’s decision to adjust the start time of AEW All Out minimized the conflict, avoiding a direct head-to-head battle with WWE’s debut broadcast on ESPN that night.
Smart Timing Strategy Helps AEW Avoid Direct Competition
Bill Apter, a Hall of Fame wrestling journalist, praised Tony Khan’s strategic move on The Wrestling Time Machine podcast. By altering the kickoff time, AEW ensured only a brief overlap with WWE’s Wrestlepalooza, protecting AEW from losing viewership to WWE during a critical time slot. Apter emphasized that going head-to-head would have severely hurt AEW’s ratings given WWE’s ESPN platform debut, but this scheduling change reflects a savvy business decision.
“Absolutely a smart move. Not, you know, going head to head with WWE for their first show on ESPN. Head-to-head, AEW would go right down the tubes. Luckily, you can record everything, but Tony Khan made a very smart business move. And just part of it is going to, I think, run into the WWE Wrestlepalooza. But yes, smart move.” Apter said.
AEW All Out 2025 Promises High-Stakes Championship Battles
All Out 2025 is stacked with high-profile matches set to thrill fans. Hangman Adam Page will put his AEW World Championship on the line against the TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher, creating one of the event’s most anticipated clashes. Additionally, Timeless Toni Storm will defend her AEW Women’s World Title in a competitive four-way matchup that includes Jamie Hayter, Kris Statlander, and Thekla, adding depth and excitement to the women’s division spotlight.
The event also features the in-ring return of Eddie Kingston, who will face off with Big Bill. This matchup highlights AEW’s ability to blend storytelling with intense in-ring action, contributing further to the event’s appeal and overall significance in AEW’s calendar.
Broader Implications for AEW and Wrestling Fans
Tony Khan’s scheduling decision underscores the competitive nature of professional wrestling in 2025 and AEW’s growing influence. By carefully navigating the clash with WWE’s Wrestlepalooza, AEW maintains its momentum without risking major audience loss. This approach could set a tone for how AEW handles future event conflicts, supporting longer-term growth.
AEW’s willingness to book marquee matches and welcome back fan favorites like Eddie Kingston reflects the promotion’s commitment to delivering compelling wrestling content consistently. With the event’s location in Toronto, AEW is also expanding its reach into Canada, a market that has shown enthusiasm for top-tier wrestling.
As fans prepare for All Out 2025, Tony Khan’s strategic insight and the promotion’s robust lineup position the show to be a key highlight of the wrestling year.
