AEW commentator Tony Schiavone has admitted that he initially had concerns about the company’s experimental Clockwork Carnage showdown at WrestleDream 2026, revealing that even those working behind the scenes were unsure how the concept would unfold.
The eight-man featured contest took place at the October 17 pay-per-view and featured AEW World Defending champion Will Ospreay defending his championship against Samoa Joe, Adam Copeland, Ricochet, Kazuchika Okada, Darby Allin, Konosuke Takeshita, and Mike Bailey.
The battle introduced an elimination and points-based format, with Ospreay ultimately retaining the AEW World Gold.
Speaking on a recent airing of his What Happened When podcast, Schiavone clarified that the unusual stipulation created uncertainty in the back despite meetings being held to explain the rules. Nobody did, nobody.. Meanwhile, “I didn’t know what to expect [from the match]. Notably, we’re in the back, we’ve had meetings, we’ve been told what’s going to go on…still we still didn’t know what to expect —. I’m thinking ‘this could really not turn out too good.’”
Although Schiavone entered the battle with reservations, his opinion changed after watching the action unfold.
The veteran commentator heaped praise on the execution of the concept and highlighted the dramatic moments that developed during the closing stages. “But I thought the situation was impressive. And I thought there was a terrific deal of drama.”, i thought it was extremely good.
Schiavone explained that while he appreciates impressive athletic performances and technical wrestling — he places just as much importance on the emotional investment and storytelling that make a match compelling. “I love matches where guys do numerous impressive spots and can work and sell — and all the things that go in to make a good match, though I love the drama. I thought we had a lot of drama as %s came to a close that match, and I thought that (Clockwork Carnage) was incredibly, very good.”
Schiavone acknowledged that he had not followed the online reaction to the clash. Was unaware of how enthusiasts had responded to the lately introduced went on to say stipulation, despite his positive assessment. “So I enjoyed it, I don’t know how things were received online, because I don’t look.”
While Schiavone initially questioned whether the Clockwork Carnage concept would translate successfully to a pay-per-view main spectacular, he ultimately came away impressed by the drama and execution.
His comments offer a behind-the-scenes perspective on AEW’s decision to introduce the brand-new encounter format, particularly the uncertainty surrounding how it would play out in front of a live audience.