Will Ospreay, one of AEW’s premier talents, has taken aim at WWE ahead of their Wrestlepalooza 2025 event, as the wrestling world braces for a major clash between the rival promotions. While recovering from neck surgery, Ospreay used social media to deliver pointed commentary on WWE’s upcoming pay-per-view, drawing attention to the ongoing competition between AEW and WWE.
Recently, Ospreay played a key role in AEW’s victory over The Death Riders and The Young Bucks in a Lights Out Steel Cage Match at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, but his triumph was overshadowed by a brutal post-match assault. Claudio Castagnoli and Jon Moxley targeted Ospreay with a steel-chair stomp to his neck, an angle clearly designed to write him off AEW television due to his neck surgery. His procedure was confirmed as successful, and while Ospreay recovers, his AEW colleagues prepare for All Out: Toronto, scheduled on the same day as WWE’s Wrestlepalooza.
As the promotions plan to compete directly on September 20, Ospreay ignited further tension by mocking WWE’s event name on Instagram. Posting a picture of a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream container labeled “Scoop-apalooza,” he captioned it with disdain for the resemblance to WWE’s Wrestlepalooza branding.
“What a s**t name,” Ospreay wrote in the caption.
The contrast between AEW’s All Out and WWE’s Wrestlepalooza adds a layer of rivalry, with both companies vying for fan attention on the same night. Ospreay’s Instagram post reflects the ongoing competitive atmosphere and highlights his frustration with WWE’s promotional choices.
CM Punk Labels Wrestlepalooza as “Ridiculous” During Media Tour
Ospreay is not alone in criticizing WWE’s Wrestlepalooza branding. CM Punk, a former AEW World Champion now signed to WWE, recently voiced his dissatisfaction with the event’s name. Punk is scheduled to team with his wife, AJ Lee, in her first match in over ten years, facing Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch in a mixed tag team match at Wrestlepalooza 2025.
During an appearance on the podcast Pardon My Take, Punk expressed frustration while discussing the extensive media work promoting WWE’s pay-per-view events. He admitted to avoiding the use of the word “Wrestlepalooza” because he finds it absurd, despite having to mention it on the show.
“We’re doing media. We’re trying to get everybody aware that you [have] got to get the ESPN [platforms] to see all our PLEs. And I’ve been doing my best to not say the word ‘Wrestlepalooza’ the entire time. That might actually be the first time I’ve said it. It’s a ridiculous name. […] Well, La Palooza. And you add ‘wrestle’ to it, and you kind of understand what you’re getting. You know, like it’s pretty self-explanatory,” Punk said.
Punk’s remarks underscore a broader skepticism within wrestling circles about WWE’s naming strategy for their latest event, adding to the pre-show buzz and fan debate leading up to the dual pay-per-view night.
Upcoming Shows Highlight Intense Promotion Battle Between AEW and WWE
All Out: Toronto, led by AEW under Tony Khan’s leadership, and WWE’s Wrestlepalooza 2025 represent two major shows competing for the same date, September 20. AEW’s star-studded lineup, including Will Ospreay’s recent recovery and return anticipation, contrasts with WWE’s surprise mixed tag team featuring CM Punk and AJ Lee. Both companies aim to draw viewers during an increasingly intense rivalry between the promotions.
The aftermath of Ospreay’s injury angle has left fans eager to see his comeback, while WWE’s promotional efforts continue to face criticism even from within their talent roster. The public exchanges and social media activity highlight the anxiety and stress professionals experience amid fierce competition for wrestling supremacy.
As the date approaches, the significance of these events goes beyond the ring; it reflects the power struggle between AEW and WWE to control the wrestling market and fan engagement. The reactions from Will Ospreay, CM Punk, and others set the tone for what promises to be a heated night in professional wrestling history.
