The Untold Story Behind AEW’s Name: How “Ultimate Elite Wrestling” Almost Became Reality

AEW has rapidly become one of the most talked-about wrestling promotions in the world, captivating fans with its high-caliber matches, compelling storylines, and elite talent. However, before All Elite Wrestling launched and began taking over the wrestling scene, there was a time when its founders considered a different name—one that could have set the company on an entirely different path.

In the latest AEW book, All Elite, the story of the promotion’s origins is laid out in fascinating detail. One of the most surprising revelations is that AEW wasn’t always meant to be called “All Elite Wrestling.” In fact, the promotion almost bore the name “Ultimate Elite Wrestling”, a title that would have significantly changed the company’s identity and possibly its future.

AEW’s Origins: A Vision of Wrestling’s Future

Before All Elite Wrestling ever held its first show, All In in 2018, the foundation for the company was already being laid. According to Chris Harrington, a prominent wrestling business reporter and All Elite Wrestling’s first senior vice president, the vision behind AEW was clear from the start: a wrestling promotion centered around pro wrestling, not just “sports entertainment.”

Tony Khan, All Elite Wrestling’s founder, had an unwavering commitment to create a wrestling company that respected the sport’s history while building a modern product for today’s fans. The conversations about what All Elite Wrestling could be centered on providing an alternative to WWE, one that prioritized in-ring competition and high-level storytelling, all while respecting the professional wrestling format.

The Quest for the Perfect Name

As All Elite Wrestling began to take shape, one of the most important decisions was choosing a name for the promotion. The name needed to capture the essence of the company—its commitment to elite wrestling talent, its ambition to be a true alternative, and most importantly, the respect it had for the sport of professional wrestling itself.

Harrington explained that there was never any doubt that The Elite, the faction consisting of Kenny Omega, Cody Rhodes, and The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson), would be at the heart of All Elite Wrestling. “We knew The Elite were going to be the backbone of the promotion,” Harrington recalled. The challenge, however, was in finding a name that reflected the high standards and talent pool All Elite Wrestling sought to represent.

The word “Elite” was a clear choice—it not only tied into the core of All Elite Wrestling but also symbolized the level of talent All Elite Wrestling was bringing together. The goal was to establish a promotion that felt like the best place for wrestlers to be, a place for elite competitors to showcase their skills.

The Name That Almost Was: Ultimate Elite Wrestling

During early brainstorming sessions, the name “Ultimate Elite Wrestling” emerged as one of the strongest contenders. According to Harrington, “Ultimate Elite Wrestling” had a powerful ring to it. The word “Ultimate” suggested that this was the top destination for wrestling talent—where the best of the best came to compete. It evoked a sense of finality and prestige, a name that said, “this is where the elite truly belong.”

However, after much deliberation, the team felt that the name still didn’t quite capture the essence they were going for. As Harrington put it, “It wasn’t as accessible and direct as we wanted it to be.”

While “Ultimate Elite Wrestling” sounded impressive on paper, it didn’t feel like the right fit for the message All Elite Wrestling wanted to send to the world. It was too long, too formal, and didn’t feel as inclusive or approachable as the company needed. So, the name was shelved, and the search for the perfect name continued.

The Birth of “All Elite Wrestling”

After much thought, the team ultimately decided on All Elite Wrestling. According to Harrington, All Elite Wrestling was a name that was “inclusive” and “direct,” aligning with All Elite Wrestling’s mission. The word “All” conveyed the idea that All Elite Wrestling was not just about a select few—it was a company for everyone who wanted to be a part of something elite. Whether it was the wrestlers themselves or the fans who supported them, All Elite Wrestling was going to be a place for all of them to experience the best in professional wrestling.

The word “Elite” still carried the weight of All Elite Wrestling’s foundation, representing the incredible talent that would shape the promotion’s identity. But All Elite Wrestling felt more open and exciting. It was concise, powerful, and easy to remember, with a message that said All Elite Wrestling was more than just another wrestling company—it was a place where the elite came to perform, but also a place where everyone could feel a part of the action.

All Elite Wrestling Today: A Global Wrestling Phenomenon

Since its debut in 2019, AEW has grown into a major force in the wrestling world. With a roster that includes top-tier talent like Jon Moxley, Chris Jericho, Darby Allin, Hangman Adam Page, and many others, All Elite Wrestling has solidified its position as an alternative to WWE and a fresh, exciting brand in the world of pro wrestling.

By committing to elite-level wrestling and building a product that’s focused on athletic competition, compelling storylines, and fan engagement, All Elite Wrestling has quickly carved out its own niche. It’s a promotion that prides itself on listening to its audience and providing a space where wrestling is truly appreciated and celebrated.

Today, All Elite Wrestling continues to grow and evolve. The company has expanded its reach with weekly TV shows, pay-per-views, and global distribution, bringing AEW’s unique brand of wrestling to fans around the world.

Conclusion: All Elite Wrestling’s Name and Legacy

The name All Elite Wrestling perfectly embodies the spirit of the company—a place for the elite, where wrestling is treated with the respect it deserves. While “Ultimate Elite Wrestling” almost became the face of AEW, the final choice was the one that best reflected the company’s ethos: an inclusive, exciting brand that is proud to put wrestling first.

For All Elite Wrestling, the name is more than just a label—it’s a statement of intent. From its inception, AEW has set out to provide wrestling fans with an alternative to the traditional, focusing on elite talent, great wrestling, and unparalleled storytelling.

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