Man, what a weekend for wrestling fans! Two of the biggest promotions AEW and WWE threw down massive cards in All Out: Toronto and Wrestlepalooza: Indianapolis. Reviews are in, and both shows brought their A-game, surprises, and moments you won’t forget. I’ve broken down the highs, the lows, and what each show really meant for its brand.
What Went Down: Match Cards & Big Moments
Let’s lay the foundation. Comparing both events side by side helps highlight where each succeeded and where expectations played a role.
| Event | Stand-Out Matches / Moments | Surprises & Returns |
|---|---|---|
| AEW All Out | “Hangman” Adam Page vs. Kyle Fletcher for the AEW World Championship; Women’s World Championship 4-way (Statlander, Storm, Hayter, Thekla); Coffin Match: Moxley vs. Darby Allin | Debut of Beth Copeland; returns of Eddie Kingston, PAC, Jack Perry |
| WWE Wrestlepalooza | John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar; Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship; top tag matches & women’s title bouts | New champions crowned; big crowd moments; crossover media buzz thanks to ESPN debuting as WWE’s platform |
AEW All Out: Triumphs and Talk-Triggers
AEW showed its strength: excellent pacing, crowd energy, and multiple match styles. Hangman Page defended the AEW World Title valiantly against Kyle Fletcher tight storytelling in the ring. The women’s four-way match not only showcased athleticism but elevated the depth of the roster. Meanwhile, the returns and debuts (Beth Copeland, PAC, Jack Perry, Eddie Kingston) weren’t just hype they added real stakes and refreshed narratives.
Also worth noting: AEW shifted All Out to a special time (3 pm ET), partially to avoid clashing directly with WWE’s Wrestlepalooza. That showed strategy acknowledging competition but not backing down.
WWE Wrestlepalooza: Strengths & Struggles
Wrestlepalooza had its blockbuster moments. Cena vs. Lesnar always draws attention. Cody Rhodes defending the Undisputed WWE Championship vs. Drew McIntyre was expected to be a main event barnburner and it was. WWE leaned into big names and legacy, using star power to anchor their show. Transitioning to ESPN brought renewed visibility.
But it’s not without critiques. Some matches lacked novelty; in places, fans wanted more than name recognition. And because expectations are sky-high for WWE PPVs, anything less than perfect gets magnified. Also, the competitive timing with AEW added pressure; every promo, every spot was compared.
Why This Week Matters: Wrestling’s Big Picture
This is more than just two shows. It’s about brand identity, fan allegiance, and the wrestling business evolving. AEW continues to push innovation new platforms (like HBO Max), unexpected returns, mixing match styles. WWE, on the other hand, is leaning on its established superstars, media deals, and marquee matches to maintain dominance. Fans win either way, but the stakes are higher.
Also, in a world of streaming wars, timing matters. The fact AEW moved All Out to avoid going head-to-head with WWE gives insight into how promotions are thinking strategically about viewership, media dollars, and brand distinction.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, both AEW All Out and WWE Wrestlepalooza delivered what their audiences looked for. AEW leaned into surprise, freshness, and pushing boundaries. WWE rode its strengths star power, heritage, big moments. They’re different flavors, but both satisfying. If you were a wrestling fan this weekend, you got your money’s worth.