January30th 2025: All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is a professional wrestling promotion that has quickly become a significant player in the industry since its inception. Here’s an overview of its history:
Founding (2018-2019)
- Origins: AEW was founded by Tony Khan, with financial backing from his father, Shahid Khan, a billionaire businessman and owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL) and Fulham F.C. (EPL).
- The Spark: The idea for AEW began gaining traction after the success of the independently produced wrestling event, All In, in September 2018. Organized by wrestlers Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson), and Kenny Omega, the event demonstrated that a non-WWE promotion could sell out a major arena and garner widespread attention.
- Official Launch: AEW was officially announced on January 1, 2019, with Tony Khan serving as President and CEO. Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks, and Kenny Omega joined as Executive Vice Presidents, while Brandi Rhodes became the Chief Brand Officer.
Initial Growth and Debut
- Double or Nothing: AEW’s first pay-per-view (PPV) event, Double or Nothing, took place on May 25, 2019, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The event was a critical and commercial success, featuring matches like Cody Rhodes vs. Dustin Rhodes and Chris Jericho vs. Kenny Omega.
- Television Deal: AEW secured a major TV deal with Turner Broadcasting, bringing wrestling back to the TNT network for the first time since WCW’s demise in 2001. Their weekly show, AEW Dynamite, debuted on October 2, 2019.
Key Milestones
- Chris Jericho as First Champion:
- Jericho became the inaugural AEW World Champion at the All Out PPV in August 2019, bringing star power and legitimacy to the promotion.
- Introduction of Titles:
- AEW introduced several championships, including the AEW World Championship, AEW Women’s World Championship, AEW Tag Team Championship, and later, the TNT and TBS Championships.
- Expanding Roster:
- AEW quickly built a diverse and talented roster, featuring a mix of established stars (Jon Moxley, Chris Jericho) and rising talents (MJF, Darby Allin, Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D.).
- Collaboration with Other Promotions:
- AEW established partnerships with promotions like New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), Impact Wrestling, and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), fostering a more interconnected wrestling world.
Impact and Achievements
- Competition with WWE:
- AEW positioned itself as an alternative to WWE, appealing to hardcore wrestling fans with its emphasis on athleticism, long-term storytelling, and creative freedom.
- AEW Dynamite frequently competed in ratings with WWE NXT during the “Wednesday Night Wars” (2019-2021).
- Major Signings:
- Over the years, AEW signed several high-profile wrestlers, including CM Punk, Bryan Danielson (formerly Daniel Bryan), Adam Cole, and Sting, among others.
- New Shows:
- In addition to Dynamite, AEW launched AEW Rampage in August 2021, airing weekly on TNT.
Key Events and Developments
- The Forbidden Door:
- AEW held events like Forbidden Door, co-promoted with NJPW, featuring matches that thrilled fans of both promotions.
- First Stadium Show:
- In 2023, AEW held All In at Wembley Stadium in London, drawing one of the largest crowds in wrestling history.
Current Position (2024)
AEW continues to thrive, offering a mix of classic wrestling storytelling and modern production values. It remains a formidable competitor to WWE and a hub for passionate wrestling fans.
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