WWE Hall Of Famer JBL Gives Thoughts On AEW Grand Slam Australia Event
AEW’s Historic Debut in Australia Marks Major Success Despite Venue Change
All Elite Wrestling’s first-ever event in Australia proved to be a resounding success, despite early challenges in ticket sales. Initially set to take place at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, the event was relocated to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre due to lower-than-expected ticket demand. However, this did not stop AEW from achieving one of the highest-grossing gates in company history, ranking as the third-largest to date. The event was filled with memorable highlights, including Toni Storm’s record-setting achievement as the first-ever four-time AEW Women’s World Champion.
JBL Shares His Thoughts on AEW’s Australia Event
WWE Hall of Famer JBL recently shared his views on AEW’s Australian debut during an episode of the Something To Wrestle podcast. While he did not watch the event in its entirety, he followed updates through social media and was pleased with the company’s success.
“I caught the social media stuff of it. I rarely watch full pay-per-views, full shows, I catch a lot of social media clips and that’s why I keep up with it. It looked like it was a great show,” JBL said. “I know they’re disappointed because they went from a stadium down to an arena, but you’re still selling something out that’s pretty big and you’re still putting a lot of people in there with fewer matches, which I think is a key.”
JBL also pointed out that AEW may be adopting WWE’s strategy of featuring fewer matches on major shows, allowing performers more time to develop their stories in the ring. This approach has proven effective for WWE and could benefit AEW’s long-term event planning.
AEW Confirms Future Return to Australia
Following the overwhelming success of their debut, AEW President Tony Khan has confirmed that the company will return to Australia in 2026. While it remains uncertain whether AEW will host another Grand Slam event or opt for a major pay-per-view like All In London, the anticipation is already building. Reports indicate that AEW may consider holding its next Australian event in cities like Sydney or Perth, expanding its reach within the region.
AEW’s successful venture into Australia marks a significant step in its global expansion. With passionate wrestling fans across the country, the company’s return in 2026 is expected to draw even greater enthusiasm and attendance. Whether it’s a repeat of Grand Slam or a high-profile PPV, AEW’s presence in Australia is set to grow in the coming years.