AEW ALL IN HISTORY
AEW ALL IN is one of the most significant events in professional wrestling, both for its impact on the industry and its symbolic meaning. The event was first held in 2018, a year before the official founding of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), and it marked a turning point for independent wrestling, paving the way for the creation of AEW. From its origins to its growth as a tentpole event in AEW's calendar, ALL IN has become synonymous with bold, independent wrestling and a platform for the promotion’s biggest matches and moments.
This essay will explore the history of ALL IN, its roots in the independent wrestling scene, the evolution of the event since AEW's formation, and a preview of what the future may hold for this marquee show.
The Origins of ALL IN
Pre-AEW Independent Wrestling Landscape
Before the launch of AEW, the wrestling world was largely dominated by WWE, with few major alternatives for talent or fans seeking something different from the mainstream. However, in the mid-2010s, independent wrestling promotions such as Ring of Honor (ROH), New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), and smaller U.S. and international indies began gaining traction. A new wave of talent such as Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, Cody Rhodes, and others built strong fan followings by showcasing high-energy matches, innovative storytelling, and strong characters.
These wrestlers became icons of independent wrestling, and their merchandise and social media presence (through platforms like YouTube’s Being The Elite) allowed them to build a fanbase that transcended the confines of smaller promotions. Cody Rhodes, who had left WWE in 2016 to pursue a career on the independent circuit, was at the forefront of this movement. He soon teamed up with The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson), Kenny Omega, and other prominent figures from the independent scene.
The Bet That Changed Wrestling
ALL IN began with a tweet from wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer. A fan asked Meltzer if Ring of Honor could sell out a 10,000-seat arena in the United States, to which Meltzer responded, "Not any time soon." Cody Rhodes responded by saying he would take that bet. With the help of The Young Bucks and other key independent wrestlers, they set out to prove that non-WWE professional wrestling could fill a large venue in the U.S.
With no corporate backing or large promotion behind them, Cody and The Young Bucks spearheaded the organization of ALL IN. They announced that the show would take place on September 1, 2018, at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, a venue with a capacity of over 10,000. Within 30 minutes of tickets going on sale, ALL IN was sold out—a clear sign of the demand for an alternative to WWE.
ALL IN 2018: The Event That Sparked a Revolution
ALL IN 2018 was more than just a wrestling show; it was a celebration of independent wrestling and a statement to the larger wrestling world. The event featured talent from various promotions, including ROH, NJPW, NWA, Lucha Libre AAA, and Impact Wrestling. Its card was stacked with marquee matches and dream bouts that highlighted the diverse talent in wrestling outside of WWE.
Notable Matches from ALL IN 2018
Cody Rhodes vs. Nick Aldis (NWA World Heavyweight Championship): One of the most emotional and historically significant matches of the night saw Cody Rhodes challenge Nick Aldis for the prestigious NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Cody’s victory not only continued his father Dusty Rhodes' legacy, but it also revitalized interest in the NWA and its storied title.
Kenny Omega vs. Penta El Zero M: This highly anticipated match between two of the world’s best wrestlers at the time delivered a hard-hitting contest that thrilled fans. Omega’s victory solidified his position as one of the best in the world.
The Young Bucks & Kota Ibushi vs. Rey Mysterio, Fénix, & Bandido: The main event of the show was a fast-paced, high-flying spectacle. The Young Bucks, along with Kota Ibushi, took on a team of lucha libre legends. The match encapsulated the spirit of the event, showcasing athleticism, creativity, and entertainment.
Impact of ALL IN 2018
ALL IN was a massive success, both financially and critically. The event garnered rave reviews, with many citing its significance as a game-changer for the industry. It proved that there was a market for wrestling outside WWE and that independent talent could draw large crowds and deliver high-quality entertainment on a grand stage. This success planted the seeds for the creation of AEW.
The Formation of AEW and the Birth of ALL IN as a Brand
Shortly after ALL IN 2018, Tony Khan, a lifelong wrestling fan and businessman, reached out to Cody, The Young Bucks, and Kenny Omega with the idea of creating a new wrestling promotion. With Khan’s financial backing, AEW was officially founded in January 2019, and the core group of wrestlers from ALL IN became its executive vice presidents.
While ALL IN 2018 was a standalone event, it became clear that it was the spiritual precursor to what would become AEW’s biggest events. AEW launched its first official pay-per-view, Double or Nothing, in May 2019, followed by other major shows such as ALL OUT, Full Gear, and Revolution.
ALL IN's Return in 2023: A New Era
After a five-year absence, ALL IN made its triumphant return in 2023, this time under the AEW banner. The event took place at Wembley Stadium in London, England, marking AEW's biggest international show to date. This iteration of ALL IN was a statement of AEW's global ambitions and solidified the company's position as a major player in the wrestling world.
ALL IN 2023 Highlights
CM Punk vs. Samoa Joe (Real World Championship): This match between two longtime rivals was one of the headline attractions. CM Punk's victory over Samoa Joe brought their storied rivalry full circle.
MJF vs. Adam Cole (AEW World Championship): The main event of the show saw MJF defend his AEW World Championship against his best friend Adam Cole. The buildup to this match was filled with tension, drama, and questions about the true nature of their friendship.
Other Notable Matches: ALL IN 2023 featured several high-profile matches, including The Elite vs. Bullet Club Gold, FTR defending the AEW World Tag Team Championships, and Chris Jericho taking on Will Ospreay. The card showcased the depth of AEW’s roster and its ability to deliver on a global stage.
The event was a resounding success, breaking attendance records and generating significant buzz within the wrestling community. It was a testament to how far AEW had come since the original ALL IN in 2018.
BRAWL IN: AEW's Controversial Locker Room Incident
Following the ALL IN 2023 event at Wembley Stadium, an incident involving CM Punk and Jack Perry became a major talking point, overshadowing what was otherwise a monumental show for AEW. The altercation, which took place backstage, occurred after Jack Perry made a comment during his match referencing a prior disagreement between the two. Perry's remark about using real glass—allegedly a jab at CM Punk—escalated tensions.
According to reports, the confrontation quickly turned physical when CM Punk, upset by Perry's on-air comments, confronted him backstage. The situation escalated into a physical altercation, with both men involved in a brief but intense scuffle. Eyewitnesses claimed that Punk initiated the fight by lunging at Perry, leading to a brief exchange of blows before the two were separated by AEW personnel.
The incident was significant not only because of Punk's status as one of AEW's top stars but also due to the growing perception of backstage tensions involving Punk. This wasn’t the first time Punk had been involved in a locker room altercation, with previous issues dating back to Brawl Out in 2022, where Punk clashed with The Elite (Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks). In the aftermath of the BRAWL IN incident, Tony Khan and AEW management were left with the difficult task of addressing the situation.
Both CM Punk and Jack Perry were suspended from AEW following the brawl, as AEW conducted an internal investigation into the matter. The suspension further fueled speculation about Punk’s future in the company, with many fans questioning whether he would remain with AEW long-term. While the incident caused significant drama, AEW's leadership worked quickly to contain the fallout and prevent further disruptions to their programming.
The BRAWL IN controversy highlighted the ongoing challenges of managing backstage dynamics in a company that features strong personalities and high levels of creative freedom. For CM Punk, the altercation added another chapter to his tumultuous relationship with AEW, while for Jack Perry, it marked a significant moment in his young career, thrusting him into the center of one of AEW's biggest controversies.
The Evolution of ALL IN: 2024 and Beyond
AEW ALL IN 2024, held on August 25, 2024, at London's Wembley Stadium, was another monumental event for the company, further cementing its international presence. Here are the key matches and results from the event:
AEW World Championship Match: MJF successfully defended his title against Will Ospreay in a highly anticipated contest. Ospreay, a UK native, received a massive hometown reception, but MJF's cunning and perseverance led him to retain the championship.
AEW Women's Championship: Mariah May defeated Toni Storm to become the new AEW Women's Champion. The match was highly emotional and hard-fought, with May finally capturing the title after a brutal back-and-forth, leaving both competitors bloodied and battered.
FTW Championship Match: HOOK regained the FTW Championship from Chris Jericho. In a chaotic match that saw interference and weapons galore, HOOK overcame the odds, reclaiming the title and continuing his rise as one of AEW's breakout stars.
AEW World Trios Championship: PAC and the Blackpool Combat Club (Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta) won the AEW World Trios Championship in a dramatic ladder match, defeating a strong field of competitors.
These matches, alongside others on the card, showcased AEW's ability to deliver high-caliber wrestling and storytelling on a global stage.
AEW ALL IN 2025 Preview
AEW has officially announced that ALL IN 2025 will take place at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, July 12, 2025. This will mark the first time that AEW hosts a pay-per-view event in an American baseball stadium, as well as the first professional wrestling event held at Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers.
This new chapter in the ALL IN series brings AEW back to the United States after two successful years at Wembley Stadium in London, further expanding its reach across international and domestic markets. AEW's decision to hold the event in Texas highlights the company's ambition to push boundaries and host wrestling events in massive, unconventional venues.
The storylines leading into ALL IN 2025 are expected to build off of key moments from the 2024 event. Will Ospreay, the reigning International Champion, also looks to play a major role, especially with his rising popularity in both the U.S. and UK markets.
With AEW's growing roster of international stars and the increasing popularity of events like Dynamite and Collision, ALL IN 2025 promises to deliver another groundbreaking card filled with high-stakes title matches, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments. Fans can expect surprises and the continuation of long-running feuds, as AEW uses its flagship events to create defining moments for its stars.
In the coming months, more details will be revealed about the card, including which wrestlers will challenge for the top titles and how the company's evolving storylines will lead into the grand spectacle at Globe Life Field.
Conclusion: AEW ALL IN's Legacy and Future
Since its inception in 2018, AEW ALL IN has become a cornerstone of AEW's brand, representing not only a celebration of professional wrestling but also a testament to AEW’s evolution from an indie phenomenon into a global powerhouse. The inaugural event set the stage for what AEW would become—a promotion willing to take risks and innovate within the wrestling industry. Each successive ALL IN has further cemented AEW's identity, blending high-stakes matches, international stars, and memorable moments that resonate with fans worldwide.
The 2023 and 2024 editions at Wembley Stadium were landmarks, proving AEW's ability to draw massive crowds and deliver events that rival any in the industry. As AEW continues to push the boundaries, ALL IN 2025 at Globe Life Field in Texas promises to add another chapter to this storied event, showcasing the company’s ability to adapt, grow, and entertain.
Looking ahead, AEW's future with ALL IN remains bright, as the event continues to evolve. The shift to new locations and the consistent growth of the talent roster ensure that ALL IN will remain a pivotal event on the wrestling calendar, drawing global attention and setting the standard for future wrestling extravaganzas. With AEW’s commitment to innovation and fan engagement, ALL IN is poised to continue shaping the future of professional wrestling, setting a high bar for other promotions to follow.