From 'All In' to ALL OUT: The Evolution of AEW's Marquee Event
From 'All In' to ALL OUT: The Evolution of AEW's Marquee Event
Deets On AEW
From 'All In' to ALL OUT:
The Evolution of AEW's Marquee Event
All Elite Wrestling (AEW), founded in 2019, brought a fresh and innovative force to the world of professional wrestling. With its inception, AEW aimed to challenge the longstanding dominance of WWE, providing an alternative that focused on a more sports-centric, athletic style of wrestling. One of the key cornerstones of AEW’s success has been its marquee event, ALL OUT. Since its first iteration in 2019, ALL OUT has grown in stature, becoming a vital part of AEW's annual pay-per-view calendar and a showcase for memorable matches, significant debuts, and historical moments. This chapter delves into the origins, evolution, and key moments of AEW’s ALL OUT event, exploring its impact on both the promotion and the broader wrestling industry.
The Birth of ALL OUT: Origins in "All In"
Before AEW was formally established, there was "All In", an independently produced wrestling event held in September 2018. Spearheaded by Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson), "All In" was a historic moment for professional wrestling outside WWE. It was the first non-WWE wrestling event in the United States to sell over 10,000 tickets since WCW's heyday in 1999.
This event's success demonstrated a significant demand for an alternative wrestling product and laid the foundation for AEW's creation. "All In" not only highlighted the immense fan interest in non-WWE wrestling but also showcased the depth of talent available outside the traditional mainstream.
ALL OUT, AEW’s first major event, was a direct successor to "All In." It symbolized the birth of a new era in professional wrestling, with Tony Khan, an avid wrestling fan and billionaire businessman, co-founding AEW with The Young Bucks, Cody Rhodes, Kenny Omega, and Adam Page. AEW’s debut event, Double or Nothing in May 2019, officially introduced the promotion to the world, but it was ALL OUT that became AEW's defining event, honoring its independent roots while ushering in its future as a major wrestling company.
ALL OUT 2019: A Defining Moment
The inaugural ALL OUT event took place on August 31, 2019, at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois—a fitting location, as this was the same venue that hosted "All In." ALL OUT 2019 was a crucial event for AEW, setting the tone for the promotion's future pay-per-view spectacles. Featuring a stacked card and significant title implications, the event was a perfect blend of AEW’s vision for storytelling, athleticism, and wrestling artistry.
Main Event: Chris Jericho vs. Hangman Page for the AEW World Championship
The main event of ALL OUT 2019 was a monumental moment in AEW’s history, with Chris Jericho facing "Hangman" Adam Page to crown the first-ever AEW World Champion. This match symbolized the passing of the torch in many ways, with Jericho representing the established legend and Page embodying the young, hungry talent AEW aimed to elevate. In a hard-fought battle, Jericho emerged victorious, becoming the inaugural AEW World Champion. His win legitimized the title and gave AEW a recognizable mainstream face as its top champion.
Key Matches and Moments:
Jon Moxley’s absence and PAC’s surprise appearance: Initially scheduled to face Jon Moxley, Kenny Omega instead faced PAC after Moxley had to pull out due to injury. PAC’s surprise debut added to the excitement, with the former WWE star (formerly Neville) defeating Omega in a highly acclaimed match.
The Lucha Bros vs. The Young Bucks: Another standout match was the brutal and fast-paced ladder match between The Lucha Brothers (Pentagón Jr. and Rey Fénix) and The Young Bucks. The match, contested for the AAA World Tag Team Championship, became an instant classic, combining death-defying spots and high-flying action, elements that have come to define AEW’s tag team division.
The Women’s Casino Battle Royale: A showcase for AEW’s women’s division, this match introduced new faces like Nyla Rose, who emerged victorious and went on to challenge for the AEW Women’s Championship.
ALL OUT 2019 solidified AEW's identity. It was a critical success and demonstrated that AEW could create marquee events that rivaled WWE’s best offerings, focusing on storytelling, athleticism, and pure wrestling talent.
ALL OUT 2020: The COVID Era and Adapting to New Realities
By the time ALL OUT 2020 arrived, the wrestling world—and indeed the world at large—was reeling from the global COVID-19 pandemic. Live events had either been postponed or canceled, and promotions like WWE and AEW were forced to hold shows without live audiences. AEW, however, innovated by introducing limited audiences at its outdoor venue, Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida, creating a unique atmosphere during this difficult time.
Main Event: Jon Moxley vs. MJF for the AEW World Championship
In the main event, Jon Moxley defended the AEW World Championship against rising star MJF (Maxwell Jacob Friedman). MJF, with his sharp promo skills and old-school heel persona, represented the new generation of AEW talent. However, despite MJF’s best efforts, Moxley retained the championship, showcasing his dominance as AEW’s top star.
Key Matches and Moments:
The Mimosa Mayhem Match: One of the most unique matches in AEW history took place between Chris Jericho and Orange Cassidy, in which the objective was to throw your opponent into a vat of mimosa. Cassidy, with his laid-back persona and rising popularity, defeated Jericho, cementing his status as a breakout star.
The Broken Rules Match: Matt Hardy faced Sammy Guevara in a heated feud that ended controversially due to a botched spot where Hardy fell from a high platform, resulting in a severe head injury. The match was eventually stopped and resumed but became a significant talking point in terms of wrestler safety.
Despite the challenges of running a wrestling promotion during a pandemic, ALL OUT 2020 managed to deliver a memorable card. However, it wasn’t without its criticisms, as some fans felt that the pacing and production issues affected the overall quality.
ALL OUT 2021: The Return of Live Crowds and Iconic Debuts
ALL OUT 2021 is often regarded as one of the greatest pay-per-view events in modern wrestling history. Held on September 5, 2021, at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, it marked the return of live, full-capacity crowds, and AEW capitalized on this with a series of high-profile matches and the most significant debuts in AEW history.
Main Event: Kenny Omega vs. Christian Cage for the AEW World Championship
In the main event, Kenny Omega, widely considered one of the best wrestlers in the world, defended his AEW World Championship against Christian Cage, a seasoned veteran who had recently joined AEW. Although the match itself was solid, it was the aftermath that stole the spotlight.
Key Matches and Moments:
The Young Bucks vs. Lucha Bros (Steel Cage Match): In what many consider the match of the night—and perhaps the match of the year—the Lucha Bros and The Young Bucks delivered an unforgettable steel cage match for the AEW Tag Team Championships. This match was a combination of brutal spots, technical mastery, and high drama, culminating in the Lucha Bros winning the titles in an emotional moment.
CM Punk’s In-Ring Return: Perhaps the most anticipated moment of the event—and indeed the year—was the return of CM Punk to professional wrestling after a seven-year absence. Punk had debuted in AEW just a few weeks prior, cutting a legendary promo on an episode of Dynamite. His match against Darby Allin was a blend of veteran savvy and youthful exuberance, with Punk emerging victorious.
The Debuts of Adam Cole and Bryan Danielson: As if Punk’s return wasn’t enough, ALL OUT 2021 closed with two of the most shocking debuts in wrestling history. First, Adam Cole (formerly of WWE’s NXT) made his AEW debut, aligning himself with his old friends in The Elite. Moments later, Bryan Danielson (formerly Daniel Bryan in WWE) also made his debut, confronting The Elite and signaling his intent to challenge Kenny Omega. These back-to-back debuts sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, solidifying AEW as the destination for top-tier talent.
ALL OUT 2021 was universally praised, with fans and critics alike lauding it as one of the best wrestling events of all time. It showcased AEW’s ability to blend storytelling, match quality, and shocking moments, making it a true milestone in wrestling history.
ALL OUT 2022: Shifting Dynamics and Behind-the-Scenes Drama
By 2022, AEW had firmly established itself as a top wrestling promotion, but it was also beginning to face internal challenges. ALL OUT 2022, held on September 4, 2022, in the same familiar territory of Chicago, would become memorable not just for its matches but for the behind-the-scenes drama that followed.
Main Event: CM Punk vs. Jon Moxley for the AEW World Championship
In a highly anticipated rematch, CM Punk faced Jon Moxley for the AEW World Championship in Punk’s hometown of Chicago. After Moxley had squashed Punk in a shocking match just weeks earlier on an episode of Dynamite, this rematch at ALL OUT 2022 was Punk’s opportunity for redemption. In a hard-hitting and emotional main event, CM Punk emerged victorious, regaining the AEW World Championship to a thunderous hometown ovation.
However, it was what transpired after the event that would dominate headlines.
Key Matches and Moments:
The Elite vs. Hangman Page & Dark Order: One of the key matches in the 2022 iteration of ALL OUT was the AEW Trios Championship finals, where The Elite (Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks) faced Hangman Page and Dark Order (John Silver and Alex Reynolds). In a thrilling contest full of intricate teamwork and high-octane action, The Elite triumphed, becoming the first-ever AEW Trios Champions. This victory further cemented their status as foundational figures in AEW.
Swerve in Our Glory vs. The Acclaimed: In a tag team championship match between Swerve in Our Glory (Keith Lee and Swerve Strickland) and the fan-favorite team of The Acclaimed, fans were treated to an unexpectedly heated and emotional contest. Although Swerve in Our Glory retained their titles, the chemistry and crowd reaction during this match laid the groundwork for The Acclaimed’s eventual rise to the top of AEW's tag team division.
Toni Storm wins the Interim AEW Women's World Championship: In a fatal four-way match for the Interim AEW Women’s Championship, Toni Storm defeated Dr. Britt Baker, Jamie Hayter, and Hikaru Shida. With Thunder Rosa sidelined due to injury, Storm’s victory added credibility to the women’s division, positioning her as a top star moving forward.
The Post-Show Controversy: "Brawl Out"
Despite the success of the in-ring product at ALL OUT 2022, it was the infamous "Brawl Out" incident that overshadowed the event. During the post-show media scrum, CM Punk unleashed a scathing tirade against several AEW talent, including The Young Bucks, Kenny Omega, and Hangman Page. His comments led to a backstage altercation involving Punk, The Elite, and Ace Steel (Punk’s associate). This confrontation resulted in suspensions for all parties involved, as well as a significant shake-up in AEW’s locker room dynamics.
The aftermath of the "Brawl Out" incident left AEW in turmoil, with Punk vacating the AEW World Championship and The Elite relinquishing the AEW Trios Championship due to their suspensions. While the company moved quickly to address the situation, the scandalous nature of the backstage fight had a lasting impact on AEW, raising questions about the management of talent relations and the handling of top stars.
ALL OUT 2023: A Follow-Up to ALL IN and a Return to Chicago
ALL OUT 2023 took place on September 3, 2023, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, just one week after the historic ALL IN 2023 event at Wembley Stadium in London. Despite the close proximity of these two major events, AEW made an effort to differentiate ALL OUT by presenting a card packed with its own unique storylines, matches, and surprises. ALL OUT 2023 showcased AEW’s commitment to delivering back-to-back premium wrestling experiences while honoring the rich wrestling culture of Chicago, a city integral to AEW's identity.
Main Event: Jon Moxley vs. Orange Cassidy for the AEW International Championship
In an unexpected but highly emotional main event, Jon Moxley challenged Orange Cassidy for the AEW International Championship. Cassidy had established himself as one of AEW's most resilient champions, defending the title against a wide variety of opponents and becoming one of the most popular wrestlers in the company. Moxley, known for his gritty, violent style, represented a stark contrast to Cassidy's laid-back persona.
The match delivered an intense, hard-hitting battle, with Moxley eventually defeating Cassidy to win the AEW International Championship. Cassidy’s impressive run as champion came to an end, but his performance against a former AEW World Champion like Moxley solidified his status as a top star in AEW.
Key Matches and Moments:
Kenny Omega vs. Konosuke Takeshita: One of the most anticipated matches of ALL OUT 2023 was the clash between Kenny Omega and Konosuke Takeshita, a rising star and protege of Don Callis. The match showcased Takeshita’s athleticism and power, and after an incredible display of skill from both competitors, Takeshita defeated Omega, marking one of the biggest victories of his career. This match further elevated Takeshita as a future main-event player in AEW.
Bryan Danielson vs. Ricky Starks (Strap Match): Bryan Danielson made his in-ring return at ALL OUT 2023 in a brutal strap match against Ricky Starks. With Starks proving to be a tough, rising heel in AEW, Danielson’s return was highly anticipated. The match was violent and intense, with both men using the strap to inflict serious punishment. In the end, Danielson won, but both competitors earned high praise for their performances. This match was a significant moment for Starks, as he continued to establish himself as a legitimate threat in AEW.
FTR and The Young Bucks vs. Bullet Club Gold: 8-Man Tag Team Match
At ALL OUT 2023, FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) and The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) put their differences aside to team up against Bullet Club Gold (Jay White, Juice Robinson, and the Gunns) in an 8-man tag team match. This match was highly anticipated as it brought together two of AEW's most iconic tag teams, FTR and The Young Bucks, who had a storied rivalry, to battle a common enemy.
The match was fast-paced, full of high-energy spots, and showcased the incredible chemistry between all four teams. The Bucks and FTR worked together surprisingly well, executing high-flying moves and hard-hitting tandem offense to counter Bullet Club Gold's ruthless tactics. Despite the tension between the Young Bucks and FTR, they focused on their common goal and put on an impressive display of teamwork.
The bout was a highlight of the night, with Bullet Club Gold proving to be formidable adversaries. Ultimately, Bullet Club Gold emerged victorious, further solidifying their status as one of AEW's most dangerous factions. This outcome reignited tensions between FTR and the Young Bucks, setting the stage for potential future clashes between the two teams.
Miro vs. Powerhouse Hobbs: In a clash of two powerful wrestlers, Miro faced Powerhouse Hobbs in a physically intense match. The two exchanged heavy blows, with Miro ultimately coming out on top. However, post-match antics, including a confrontation involving Miro’s wife, CJ Perry (formerly Lana in WWE), teased further developments in Miro's story moving forward.
Kris Statlander vs. Ruby Soho for the TBS Championship: ALL OUT 2023
At ALL OUT 2023, one of the marquee matches from AEW’s women’s division was Kris Statlander defending her TBS Championship against Ruby Soho. Statlander, having dethroned the dominant Jade Cargill earlier in the year, was solidifying her reign as one of the top women’s champions in AEW. Ruby Soho, a key member of The Outcasts faction, entered the match with a reputation for aggression and unpredictability.
The match was competitive and intense, with Statlander’s power and athleticism clashing with Soho’s experience and cunning. Throughout the bout, Ruby attempted to use underhanded tactics, leaning into her heel persona, but Statlander’s resilience and strength were too much to overcome. After a hard-fought contest, Kris Statlander retained her TBS Championship, continuing her impressive reign and adding another victory to her title defenses.
This victory further elevated Statlander as a force in AEW’s women’s division, while also deepening the storyline involving Ruby Soho and The Outcasts, setting up future encounters.
CM Punk's Absence and Controversy
ALL OUT 2023 was also notable for the absence of CM Punk, a wrestler who had been synonymous with the event since its inception in 2019. Punk, who had main-evented the 2022 edition of ALL OUT and had been a key figure in AEW's growth, was involved in backstage altercations at ALL IN 2023, leading to his suspension and eventual termination from AEW. His departure cast a shadow over the event, as many fans in his hometown of Chicago had expected him to feature prominently.
Punk’s absence created a sense of uncertainty, but AEW’s ability to deliver an engaging and successful ALL OUT 2023 despite this controversy underscored the promotion’s depth of talent and storytelling capabilities. The event served as a testament to AEW’s resilience and its focus on moving forward amid internal challenges.
ALL OUT 2023: A Resounding Success
Despite the turmoil surrounding CM Punk's departure and the high expectations following the historic ALL IN event, ALL OUT 2023 was considered a resounding success. The card delivered memorable matches, unexpected outcomes, and continued AEW’s tradition of providing high-quality wrestling events. From Moxley's championship victory to Danielson's return, the event proved that AEW could deliver back-to-back major pay-per-views with distinct identities and thrilling in-ring action.
ALL OUT 2023 not only built on the momentum from ALL IN but also set the stage for future storylines and rivalries in AEW. By returning to its Chicago roots and focusing on showcasing its top talent, AEW reaffirmed its commitment to providing fans with a diverse and exciting wrestling product, even in the face of adversity.
ALL OUT 2024: AEW's Brutal Return to Chicago
On September 7, 2024, AEW delivered another unforgettable ALL OUT event at the NOW Arena in Chicago, Illinois. Coming off the huge success of ALL IN 2024, the promotion maintained momentum with a card featuring brutal matches, unexpected twists, and critical moments for AEW’s top stars.
Main Event: Lights Out Steel Cage Match - Hangman Adam Page vs. Swerve Strickland
The main event was a violent and personal Lights Out Steel Cage Match between “Hangman” Adam Page and Swerve Strickland. Their feud had become deeply personal, with Strickland coming out in gear symbolizing his burning house—a reference to storyline tension between the two. The match was unsanctioned, with AEW absolving itself of responsibility for the carnage that unfolded. The use of weapons, including staple guns and barbed wire, added to the intensity, with both competitors pushing each other to the limit.
AEW World Championship: Bryan Danielson vs. Jack Perry
The AEW World Championship match between Bryan Danielson and Jack Perry was another marquee bout of the night. Bryan Danielson, one of AEW's most seasoned competitors, faced the arrogant and brash Jack Perry, who was eager to prove himself on the big stage. While Perry put up a valiant fight, Danielson’s experience and technical prowess secured him the victory. However, the drama didn’t end there—after the match, members of the Blackpool Combat Club turned on Danielson, with Jon Moxley leading a vicious assault, including suffocating Danielson with a plastic bag, a move that left the audience in stunned silence and set up future tensions within AEW’s most prominent faction.
MJF vs. Daniel Garcia
Though MJF and Daniel Garcia had a high-stakes bout, this match was not for the AEW World Championship. Despite that, the contest was fiercely competitive, with Garcia pushing MJF to his limits. MJF, always the crafty heel, managed to secure the victory, though Garcia’s performance left the door open for a potential rematch in the future.
AEW International Championship: Will Ospreay vs. PAC
Will Ospreay continued his dominant reign as AEW International Champion, successfully defending his title against PAC in a match filled with high-flying maneuvers and technical wrestling mastery. Both wrestlers are known for their agility and aerial attacks, and this match delivered the exciting, fast-paced action that fans have come to expect from both men. Ospreay’s victory added to his growing legacy as one of AEW’s most consistent champions.
AEW World Tag Team Championship: The Young Bucks vs. Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta
In the tag team division, the Young Bucks defended their AEW World Tag Team Championships against Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta of the Blackpool Combat Club. The Young Bucks, known for their high-speed offense and creative double-team moves, retained their titles after an intense battle. This match further developed the ongoing feud between the Blackpool Combat Club and the rest of AEW’s top talents, teasing future showdowns.
ALL OUT’s Legacy: A Defining Event for AEW
Since its inception in 2019, ALL OUT has grown into one of AEW's premier pay-per-view events, holding a distinct place in wrestling history. While ALL IN is often seen as AEW’s tribute to independent wrestling and grand-scale events, ALL OUT stands out as AEW’s own legacy-defining show. Year after year, ALL OUT has produced unforgettable matches, elevated talent, and shaped AEW’s evolving identity.
Origins: Setting a New Standard for Wrestling
The first ALL OUT in 2019 was designed as the follow-up to the ALL IN event that helped launch AEW. However, ALL OUT became more than just a sequel—it laid the groundwork for AEW’s core identity. The event featured high-profile matches like Chris Jericho vs. "Hangman" Adam Page for the inaugural AEW World Championship, solidifying AEW’s vision of blending athleticism with long-term storytelling.
This distinction was crucial in giving ALL OUT a unique place in AEW's pay-per-view lineup. Each year, it has carried the reputation of being where key storylines culminate, and where both established and rising stars are given opportunities to shine.
The Evolution of ALL OUT: 2019-2023
Across its history, ALL OUT has consistently delivered moments that defined AEW’s biggest stars. Jon Moxley’s debut in 2019 was an unforgettable highlight, while Kenny Omega and PAC waged wars in several matchups that set a new bar for in-ring performance. In 2021, CM Punk’s return to wrestling at ALL OUT was another iconic moment, marking a historic moment not just for AEW, but for the industry as a whole.
Over the years, the event has also served as a springboard for future stars. ALL OUT has frequently featured talent that would go on to dominate AEW’s title picture or become fixtures in high-profile storylines. The event has showcased MJF, Darby Allin, Britt Baker, and many others, showing the range and depth of AEW’s roster.
2024: ALL OUT Continues to Deliver
By 2024, ALL OUT continued its tradition of elevating rivalries to their highest levels. This year's edition saw the brutal Lights Out Steel Cage match between Hangman Adam Page and Swerve Strickland, embodying AEW’s mix of athleticism and violence. Meanwhile, the AEW World Championship match between Bryan Danielson and Jack Perry delivered a technical showcase, setting the stage for Danielson’s reign.
Other notable moments of the night included MJF facing Daniel Garcia in a non-title match, Will Ospreay defending his AEW International Championship against PAC, and the Young Bucks continuing their reign as AEW World Tag Team Champions against members of the Blackpool Combat Club. These bouts showcased the diversity of AEW’s storytelling—from personal grudges to title-driven drama, the event delivered across the board.
The Future of ALL OUT
As AEW continues to grow, ALL OUT remains a symbol of the company’s evolution and potential. It has already solidified its legacy as a defining show, and its future promises even more memorable moments. Given its history of delivering iconic matches and surprises, ALL OUT will likely continue being a critical event for AEW in the years to come.
Whether it’s delivering high-stakes rivalries or giving emerging stars a platform, ALL OUT embodies the best of AEW’s offerings to the professional wrestling world.
Conclusion
ALL OUT has firmly established itself as one of AEW’s most defining events, building on its rich history of unforgettable matches, high-profile debuts, and intense rivalries. Each year, it pushes the boundaries of storytelling and in-ring action, elevating both rising stars and seasoned veterans. In 2024, the event exemplified AEW’s dedication to providing fans with spectacular moments, from the vicious Lights Out match between "Hangman" Adam Page and Swerve Strickland to Bryan Danielson’s World Championship defense against Jack Perry.
As AEW continues to grow and evolve, ALL OUT remains a crucial part of the company’s identity, embodying its vision of combining athletic prowess with compelling narratives. Its consistent success in delivering top-tier entertainment ensures it will continue to be a focal point in AEW’s annual calendar, offering fans a pay-per-view that defines both the past and future of professional wrestling. ALL OUT’s legacy is cemented as a cornerstone event that continues to set new standards for AEW, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what the next edition will bring.