AEW’s Most Attended TV Specials Ranked Top 10

AEW’s Most Attended TV Specials Ranked Top 10. AEW’s growth since its inception in 2019 has been nothing short of revolutionary. With a mix of homegrown stars, global legends, and boundary-pushing wrestling action. AEW has carved out its own identity and fan base. While pay-per-views have been massive, AEW’s television specials have also brought in tens of thousands of fans. Creating historic moments in wrestling. This article will take a deep dive into the most attended AEW TV specials. Analyzing what made each show special, the stories behind them, and how they shaped AEW’s legacy.

Here are AEW’s most attended TV specials ranked from 10 to 1 based on official attendance numbers.

10. AEW Grand Slam 2024 – 8,834 Attendance

Location: Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York City
Date: September 18, 2024

AEW Grand Slam 2025 delivered one of the most unpredictable nights in recent memory. The show kicked off with the long-awaited return of Nigel McGuinness to in-ring action after over a decade, facing his former rival Bryan Danielson. This emotional opening bout came on the heels of Jon Moxley’s brutal heel turn on Bryan at All Out. In a stiff, storytelling-heavy match, Bryan picked up the win, giving fans a full-circle moment.

The night continued with major developments. FTW Champion Hook vacated his title in a heartfelt moment, officially retiring the championship he helped legitimize. Right after, former WWE star MVP made a surprise AEW debut. Interrupting a promo segment and teasing a future alliance or managerial role. The in-ring highlight of the undercard came when Will Ospreay and Kyle Fletcher took on The Young Bucks. In what many are calling the best tag match of the year — a fast-paced, high-stakes clash that had the crowd on their feet throughout.

In the explosive main event, Jon Moxley battled Darby Allin in a violent and emotional showdown. But just before that, Moxley had made his intentions clear by attacking Bryan earlier in the night. Demanding recognition as AEW’s most dangerous force. After a brutal contest filled with near falls and defiance, Moxley put Darby away — but instead of celebrating. He declared himself the uncrowned AEW World Champion. Though not a number-one contender match, his victory and actions made one thing clear: Jon Moxley was done waiting in line.

9. AEW Blood & Guts 2023 – 8,956 Attendance

Location: TD Garden, Boston
Date: July 19, 2023

In one of AEW’s most chaotic nights, tensions exploded at Blood and Guts. Jack Perry, after betraying his former friend Hook, stepped into the ring for a heated FTW Championship match. In a shocking result, Perry not only took the title but also handed Hook his very first loss in AEW, ending an impressive undefeated streak.

Elsewhere on the card, Adam Cole and MJF continued their unlikely partnership. Winning the tag team tournament and securing a future AEW World Tag Team Championship opportunity against FTR. Their teamwork and chemistry kept fans buzzing about whether their alliance was genuine or just another one of MJF’s schemes.

The night’s main event saw The Elite face off against Blackpool Combat Club in a brutal and unforgettable Blood and Guts match. The contest reached another level with the shocking debut of Kota Ibushi. Who joined forces with The Elite to secure victory. The match was a violent spectacle that cemented itself as one of the most memorable in AEW history.

8. AEW Big Business 2024 – 9,514 Attendance

Location: TD Garden, Boston
Date: March 13, 2024

AEW Big Business delivered on its name with a stacked card and a major debut. The night kicked off with the arrival of Mercedes Moné, who made her long-awaited AEW debut to a thunderous ovation. Her presence immediately shook the women’s division, setting the tone for a night full of surprises and high-stakes action.

In the AEW World Championship clash, Samoa Joe defended his title against the powerhouse Wardlow in a hard-hitting battle. Despite Wardlow’s size and strength advantage, Joe used his veteran instincts and ruthless offense to retain the championship. The crowd also witnessed a thrilling six-man tag team bout. As The Young Bucks and Kazuchika Okada teamed up to take on Eddie Kingston, PAC; and Penta El Zero Miedo, with nonstop action and dramatic near falls.

The main event saw Willow Nightingale face Riho in a competitive and fast-paced women’s match. After the bout, Julia Hart and Skye Blue launched a two-on-one assault on Willow. Only for Mercedes Moné to return and make the save. This unexpected rescue teased a surprising and unlikely alliance between Moné and Willow. Leaving fans buzzing about the future of AEW’s women’s division.

7. AEW Grand Slam Australia 2025 – 10,000 Attendance

Location: Sydney, Australia
Date: May 2025

AEW took the international stage to new heights with Grand Slam Australia. Delivering a card filled with dream matches and unforgettable moments. In a shocking show of unity, bitter rivals Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay put their bad blood aside. To face a common threat — the Don Callis Family. Teaming together against Kyle Fletcher and Konosuke Takeshita. The two megastars brought the house down, proving that sometimes enemies make the best partners when the stakes are high.

The night also featured a special homecoming moment as Australian fan-favorite Harley Cameron challenged Mercedes Moné for the AEW TBS Championship. The crowd was electric in support of Cameron, but Moné’s veteran instincts and big-match experience carried her to victory, crushing the hopes of the hometown faithful. It was a showcase of skill, charisma, and determination from both women.

The main event scene was equally intense with Jon Moxley, Adam Copeland, and Jay White battling in a chaotic Triple Threat Match for the AEW World Championship. Every competitor had moments of control, but the brutality and pace kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final bell. To close the night, Toni Storm capped off her resurgence by defeating Mariah May to reclaim the AEW Women’s World Championship, ending the show with an emotional and triumphant celebration.

6. AEW Grand Slam 2023 – 11,263 Attendance

Location: Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York City
Date: September 20, 2023

At AEW Grand Slam 2023, fans witnessed a night packed with drama, surprises, and high-stakes battles. The event kicked off with a Champion vs. Champion clash as ROH World Champion Claudio Castagnoli defended his title against NJPW Strong Openweight Champion Eddie Kingston. In a hard-fought contest filled with emotion and personal rivalry, Kingston finally overcame Claudio to capture the ROH World Championship. The night also featured a “Friendly Fire” bout between Chris Jericho and Sammy Guevara, where personal pride outweighed partnership, adding another layer to their ongoing story.

The action intensified when Rey Fenix challenged Jon Moxley for the AEW International Championship. In what became the worst-case scenario for Moxley, the match saw him suffer an unfortunate injury, allowing Fenix to secure the victory and walk away with the gold. Another “Friendly Fire” match took place in the women’s division, as Toni Storm faced off against AEW Women’s Champion Saraya. Despite their shared history, Saraya managed to retain her title after a competitive and tense bout.

The main event brought the intensity to its peak as MJF defended the AEW World Championship against Samoa Joe. In a gripping contest, MJF managed to pull off the win, but it came at a heavy cost—Adam Cole suffered an injury while helping MJF secure his victory. The night closed on a bittersweet note, with fans celebrating Kingston’s long-awaited triumph but also left concerned over the injuries to two of AEW’s biggest stars.

5. AEW Blood & Guts 2022 – 11,500 Attendance

Location: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
Date: June 29, 2022

Blood & Guts 2022 kicked off with a lighthearted yet competitive opening match between Ethan Page and Orange Cassidy. Cassidy, with his signature laid-back style and bursts of intensity, managed to outwit Page and secure the victory, setting an exciting tone for the night.

The action heated up with one of the best six-man tag team bouts, as Max Caster and The Gunns faced the hard-hitting team of FTR and Danhausen. The match delivered a mix of comedy, teamwork, and high-impact moves, keeping the crowd invested from start to finish.

The TBS Championship was on the line next, as Jade Cargill issued an open challenge and faced Laily Gray. Cargill’s dominance continued as she retained the title with ease. The night closed with the brutal and chaotic Blood & Guts match between the Jericho Appreciation Society and the Blackpool Combat Club. In a violent spectacle filled with carnage, the BCC emerged victorious, marking another unforgettable chapter in AEW’s history.

4. AEW Grand Slam 2022 – 13,800 Attendance

Location: Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York City
Date: September 21, 2022

AEW Grand Slam 2022 was a night full of unforgettable moments and major title changes. The show kicked off in spectacular fashion with the ROH World Championship match, as Claudio Castagnoli defended his title against “The Wizard” Chris Jericho. In a shocking turn of events, Jericho managed to defeat Claudio, becoming the new ROH World Champion and adding another accolade to his legendary career. The momentum continued with the AEW World Tag Team Championship match, where Swerve In Our Glory—Swerve Strickland and Keith Lee—defended their titles against The Acclaimed. In what was a highly emotional and hard-fought contest, The Acclaimed finally captured the long-awaited AEW Tag Team Titles, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

The action kept rolling with PAC defending the AEW All-Atlantic (now International) Championship against Orange Cassidy. While Cassidy put up his signature mix of comedy and sharp offense, PAC proved too strong and walked away with the victory to retain his title. The Interim AEW Women’s World Championship was also on the line in a four-way battle between Toni Storm, Serena Deeb, Athena, and Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. Storm retained her title, but the real chaos came after the match—Saraya made her shocking AEW debut, sending shockwaves through the entire women’s division.

The main event brought high drama and tension as two Blackpool Combat Club brothers-in-arms, Jon Moxley and Bryan Danielson, battled for the vacant AEW World Championship. The fight was brutal and full of respect, but in the end, Moxley emerged victorious, becoming AEW World Champion once again. Grand Slam 2022 cemented itself as one of the most important nights in AEW history, combining championship glory, shocking debuts, and emotional payoffs that fans will never forget.

3. AEW Grand Slam Mexico 2025 – 14,000 Attendance

Location: Mexico City
Date: April 2025

This special AEW x CMLL crossover event blended top stars from both promotions in a night of dream matches, international flavor, and championship stakes. From a fiery Spanish-language promo by “Hangman” Adam Page to shocking title changes, questionable tactics, and massive multi-man wars, the card delivered a unique mix of athleticism and chaos.

The night began with Hangman Page surprising fans by cutting his opening promo entirely in Spanish, setting the tone for AEW’s cultural showcase. The first match was a wild 14-Man Tag Team spectacle, featuring Dax Harwood, Volador Jr., and The Don Callis Family (Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher, Lance Archer, Josh Alexander, and Hechicero) against AEW TNT Champion Adam Cole, Brody King, ROH World Champion Bandido, Daniel Garcia, Atlantis, Atlantis Jr., and Templario. The clash of styles kept the crowd roaring, and it was the team of Adam Cole, Brody King, Bandido, Daniel Garcia, Atlantis Jr., Atlantis, and Templario who emerged victorious.

AEW GRAND SLAM MEXICO

Kazuchika Okada, the AEW Continental Champion, faced Mark Briscoe in a singles showcase. Briscoe fought with heart, but Okada’s signature Rainmaker lariat sealed the win. The drama escalated in MJF’s match against CMLL megastar Mistico. Mistico stunned the audience by kicking out of big moves, but MJF’s frustration boiled over. In an act of pure desperation, he hit a blatant low blow in full view of the referee, causing a disqualification and infuriating the crowd. The CMLL Women’s World Championship was then contested as Mercedes Moné faced Zeuxis. In a highlight-reel moment, Moné countered a top-rope powerslam attempt into a crushing variation of her own, scoring the three-count to win the title.

The main event was a chaotic 10-Man Tag Match, pitting AEW World Champion Jon Moxley, Wheeler Yuta, The Beast Mortos, and The Young Bucks against Will Ospreay, Swerve Strickland, and AEW World Trios Champions The Opps. The bout was filled with big spots, shifting momentum, and relentless energy. In the end, Moxley rolled up Swerve while grabbing a handful of tights, earning a controversial victory for his team and closing the night with as much drama as it began.

2. AEW The First Dance 2021 – 15,316 Attendance

Location: United Center, Chicago
Date: August 20, 2021

On August 20, 2021, AEW Rampage hosted one of the most unforgettable moments in wrestling history. Fans had been buzzing for weeks about the possibility of CM Punk returning to the ring after a seven-year absence, and AEW leaned into the suspense without ever officially confirming it. The result was nothing short of electric—United Center in Chicago sold out purely on the strength of speculation. The atmosphere was unlike anything AEW had seen before, with chants of “CM Punk” echoing through the arena even before the show began.

When the moment finally arrived, the noise was deafening. CM Punk stepped onto the AEW stage for the first time, soaking in the roar of his hometown crowd. It wasn’t just a wrestling entrance—it was a cultural moment, a reunion between a performer and his passionate fanbase. Punk’s emotional reaction and genuine connection with the audience made the return even more special, showing that his bond with the fans had only grown stronger over time.

This return didn’t just set the tone for Rampage—it sent shockwaves across the wrestling world. Social media exploded, ticket sales skyrocketed for future AEW events, and CM Punk instantly became the talk of the industry. The fact that AEW was able to sell out one of the largest arenas in the country on rumors alone spoke volumes about Punk’s star power. It was a reminder that sometimes, in wrestling, the anticipation can be just as powerful as the moment itself.

1. AEW Grand Slam 2021 – 20,300 Attendance

Location: Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York City
Date: September 22, 2021

AEW Dynamite Grand Slam 2021 was a monumental night in wrestling history, delivering one of the most anticipated matches of all time — Bryan Danielson vs. Kenny Omega. From the moment Bryan debuted in AEW, fans had been dreaming of this clash, and when it was finally announced, the hype reached astronomical levels. The energy inside Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York was electric, with over 20,000 fans roaring in anticipation of a dream match years in the making. No titles were on the line — this was purely about pride, skill, and proving who was truly the best wrestler in the world.

When the bell rang, Danielson and Omega put on a wrestling clinic. The two masters of their craft showcased incredible technical sequences, brutal strikes, and unmatched storytelling inside the ring. The match went to a 30-minute time limit draw, but instead of feeling like a disappointment, it left the crowd in awe. Every near-fall, every submission attempt, and every counter had the audience on the edge of their seats, proving why this was one of the greatest matches AEW had ever hosted. The chants of “This is wrestling” echoed through the stadium, solidifying this as an instant classic.

Bryan Danielson Vs Kenny Omega

Bryan Danielson vs. Kenny Omega wasn’t just a match — it was a statement. It showed that AEW could deliver dream encounters that fans thought might never happen. It was a perfect blend of athleticism, psychology, and passion, leaving fans desperate for a rematch. This battle at Grand Slam 2021 will forever be remembered as a turning point for AEW, cementing its place as a company capable of creating unforgettable moments that define an era.

AEW TalkDown has extensively covered each of these specials. The evolution of AEW’s television products showcases the promotion’s commitment to growth, storytelling, and delivering unforgettable experiences to fans worldwide.

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