AEW made a surprising decision this year by moving their All Out event off Labor Day weekend. This shift has raised some eyebrows, and now there appears to be a clear reason behind it. The event will now take place on September 7th in Hoffman Estates, IL, which is a Saturday night, rather than the traditional Sunday. This change was made to avoid competing with the NFL on Sunday.
For the first time in its history, All Out will not be held on Labor Day weekend. The decision to reschedule stems from a desire to create a more substantial gap between All Out and the preceding event, All In, which is scheduled for August 25th. This two-week interval is intended to provide AEW with ample time to build up to the show, rather than trying to do so in just one week. This strategic move aims to enhance the overall quality and promotion of the event.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported on the rationale behind this change. The general idea may be that even though two weeks might still feel like a short turnaround to generate a big audience, it is a better approach compared to just one week. Labor Day weekend traditionally makes it easier for fans to travel, but the new schedule might work out better in the long run. Tony Khan, AEW’s president, also pointed out that WWE is likely to run an event on Labor Day weekend, making it more strategic for AEW to hold All Out a week later.
Another key reason for choosing Saturday, September 7th, instead of Sunday, September 8th, is the NFL’s opening Sunday. By avoiding this conflict, AEW hopes to maximize viewership and attendance. However, this change has left questions about the scheduling of AEW’s other show, Collision, which typically airs on Saturday nights. Details on how Collision will be adjusted have not yet been disclosed.
Meanwhile, AEW’s All In event is set for August 25, 2024, at Wembley Stadium in London, England. This event is expected to be a major highlight of the wrestling calendar and will precede All Out by two weeks, setting the stage for an exciting period for AEW fans. As the company navigates these scheduling changes, it will be interesting to see how the new format impacts the overall success and reception of these marquee events.
