All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is an American professional wrestling promotion founded on January 1, 2019, by Tony Khan. His father, Shahid Khan, provided financial backing. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, AEW quickly positioned itself as a major alternative to WWE.
Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson), and Kenny Omega played key roles in establishing AEW’s identity. They also served as executive vice presidents, shaping the company’s creative direction. As a result, AEW attracted a dedicated fanbase from its early days.
On May 25, 2019, AEW held its first major event, Double or Nothing, in Las Vegas. The show received widespread praise and signaled AEW’s arrival on the national stage. Shortly after, AEW signed a television deal with TNT, launching AEW Dynamite in October 2019.
Unlike many competitors, AEW emphasized athletic matches, long-term storytelling, and creative freedom for wrestlers. Moreover, it introduced new concepts, such as the TNT Championship and the Trios Championships, to differentiate itself.
Throughout its growth, AEW signed top names like Chris Jericho, Jon Moxley, and CM Punk, boosting its credibility. It also formed partnerships with NJPW, Impact Wrestling, and AAA, allowing cross-promotional matches and appearances.
Despite facing competition and challenges, AEW expanded rapidly. It launched additional programs like Rampage, Collision, and ROH-branded events. Furthermore, AEW consistently sold out major venues and drew strong television ratings.
Today, AEW stands as the second-largest wrestling promotion in the United States. It continues to challenge industry norms and push professional wrestling into a new era.
Wrestling veteran Konnan argues AEW's Don Callis Family has too many members, comparing the stable's roster to WCW's oversized Dungeon of Doom and the later, expanded version of the NWO on his podcast.
The move, announced by AEW President Tony Khan, begins this Wednesday. It solidifies a new non-wrestling role for Danielson, who has been sidelined with significant neck injuries for nearly a year.
During his final match on WWE SmackDown against Sami Zayn, John Cena used the signature moves of several iconic rivals, later confirming a Spear was a direct tribute to Edge with a social media post.
During John Cena's United States Championship match against Sami Zayn in Chicago, commentator Michael Cole referenced Cena's first title win against Big Show, who is currently signed with AEW.
Following John Cena's use of CM Punk's 'Go to Sleep' finisher during his final SmackDown appearance, AEW wrestler Danhausen took to social media to humorously claim that Cena now owes him money.
During his farewell tour match in Chicago, John Cena honored long-time rival and current AEW star Adam Copeland, using his signature taunt and spear in a direct nod to their shared history.
A new report, citing sources inside WWE, claims the company will continue its aggressive counterprogramming tactics after AEW changed the start time for its All Out pay-per-view in response to a direct scheduling conflict.
Responding to speculation fueled by his expiring AEW contract, Chris Jericho stated he is not opposed to a WWE return but confirmed he is staying with AEW for now, emphasizing the value of having two major promotions.
The AEW World Trios Champion revealed that a planned three-way program involving himself, Moxley, and Darby Allin was canceled years ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving a critical storyline unresolved.
In a new interview, Bryan Danielson explains his mindset about his career ending. He reveals the intense pain of his final months made him "ready to be done" with wrestling.
Bully Ray criticized AEW's direction and Tony Khan's booking ability on social media. Top star MJF swiftly responded, dismissing Ray's opinion by comparing him to a failed professional athlete.
A new report confirms AEW's Will Ospreay is scheduled for neck surgery 'in a few weeks' to repair herniated discs. He is expected to miss a considerable amount of time for his recovery.
The former AEW World Champion used social media to correct reports about his hiatus. He stated the absence is for pre-planned "specialized hospital visits and work," not a simple vacation or break from wrestling.
Following a brutal post-match assault on Hangman Page and Kenny Omega, TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher and Don Callis will speak on the upcoming September 6 episode of AEW Collision to address their actions.
A Fightful Select report confirms former AEW Women's Champion Britt Baker is physically prepared for a comeback. Her time away is viewed as beneficial, with over a year left on her contract.
AEW commentator and WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross voiced strong support for AJ Lee's reported return, highlighting her established star power and athletic ability on his recent podcast amid ongoing developments.
Responding to Ronda Rousey's critique of a 2018 feud, Maxwell Jacob Friedman posted on X that professional wrestling functions as a business, a reality he framed as an obvious aspect of the industry.
Kenny Omega's stretcher angle on the September 3 AEW Dynamite was a planned write-off. According to sources, he is taking pre-scheduled time off for a trip to Japan and will not be at All Out.
Following the main event of AEW Dynamite, a visibly shaken and angered AEW President Tony Khan became part of the action, reacting to the brutal ringside attack on Kenny Omega by The Young Bucks and The Don Callis Family.
Three new matches have been announced for this Saturday's AEW Collision, including Mark Briscoe vs. Konosuke Takeshita and an FTR bout, finalizing the card for the event in Philadelphia's 2300 Arena.
