AEW Counter Show to WrestleMania 43?
Could Tony Khan and AEW Run a Counter Show to WrestleMania 43. In recent months, WWE has moved aggressively to counter AEW. The most recent example came when AEW scheduled its All Out pay-per-view for September 20th. Soon after, WWE announced its own brand-new event, WrestlePalooza, on the exact same date.
Tony Khan responded with a smart adjustment. He shifted All Out’s start time from 8 p.m. ET to 3 p.m. ET, avoiding a direct clash while still giving fans a full show. That decision protected AEW’s momentum and proved Khan’s flexibility in a crowded wrestling market.
WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia
The bigger storm centers on WrestleMania 43. WWE confirmed the event will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Fans erupted with criticism, arguing that WWE is chasing huge paychecks over loyalty to its American audience. Many feel WrestleMania should remain a U.S.-based tradition, not an overseas cash grab.
With WWE prioritizing Saudi Arabia, speculation has grown louder: could AEW run its own stadium show in the United States during the same weekend as WrestleMania?
Dave Meltzer on the Idea
Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer gave his perspective on the concept. He spoke candidly about both the excitement and the challenges of such a bold move.
“I have no idea what Tony Khan would think, but somebody suggested to me, why not run a stadium show the same weekend as WrestleMania? Make it a destination event, tie it in with all the indie shows, and create our own big wrestling weekend. At first, I thought it was pretty clever, and I would have encouraged it. But now I’m not so sure, because there’s a lot to weigh. You’re talking about 2027, and I think by late 2026, things will be a lot more clear about whether it’s viable. Remember, WrestleMania will still be on ESPN, and people are going to watch that no matter what.”
Could Tony Khan Pull the Trigger?
The idea of AEW going head-to-head with WrestleMania remains fascinating. It could elevate AEW’s image as the true alternative, creating an entire weekend for fans that rivals WWE’s. At the same time, it’s risky. Going against the world’s biggest wrestling spectacle requires careful planning, strong demand, and flawless execution.
For now, Tony Khan has proven that he can adapt and make shrewd business moves, like shifting All Out’s time slot. If WWE continues to push boundaries, AEW may eventually decide to fire back on the grandest stage possible.
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