| Name | All Elite Wrestling (AEW) |
| Type | Professional wrestling promotion |
| Focus | Technical wrestling, contemporary production |
| Founded | 2019 |
| Reputation | Innovative storytelling, diverse roster, high-quality in-ring action |
| Headquarters | |
| Notable Events | Dynamite • Double or Nothing • All Out |
| Notable Talents | Top wrestlers from around the world |
| Major Competitors |
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is a Canadian professional wrestling promotion that was founded in 2019 and has rapidly emerged as a major player in the industry. Positioned as an alternative to the long-running Federation of American Wrestling (FAW) and the more theatrical "sports entertainment" approach of competitors like the National Wrestling Entertainment (NWE), AEW has carved out a distinctive niche that blends technical wrestling prowess with contemporary production values and storytelling.
AEW was founded by a consortium of Canadian businessmen and wrestling enthusiasts who were dissatisfied with the direction of the industry. Recognizing the FAW's enduring appeal among purists, but also the growing popularity of more theatrical promotions, the founders set out to create a product that would appeal to a wide range of wrestling fans.
The promotion was officially launched in 2019 with the backing of several high-profile investors, including Canadian entrepreneur Tony Khan and wrestling legends Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks. Drawing on their extensive experience in the industry, the AEW team assembled a roster of established stars, rising talents, and up-and-coming wrestlers from around the world.
From the outset, AEW positioned itself as a promotion that would prioritize in-ring quality, complex storytelling, and a diverse array of wrestling styles. Rather than simply imitating the FAW or the NWE, the company sought to blend the technical mastery of the former with the production values and character work of the latter.
AEW's events featured a mix of hard-hitting, mat-based wrestling showcases and high-octane, theatrical spectacles. Performers were encouraged to develop complex, multidimensional characters that could engage audiences through both their athletic abilities and their charismatic personas.
The promotion also placed a strong emphasis on showcasing diverse international talent, including performers from Japan's New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Mexico's CMLL, and Europe's World of Sport Wrestling. This global focus allowed AEW to offer fans a unique blend of styles and traditions that set it apart from its North American competitors.
AEW's innovative approach and star-studded roster quickly captured the attention of wrestling fans across North America. The promotion's flagship show, ''AEW Dynamite'', debuted in 2019 to strong ratings and critical acclaim, with many praising the quality of the in-ring action and the depth of the roster.
As AEW continued to grow, it emerged as a legitimate challenger to the FAW's long-held dominance. The company's willingness to take creative risks, experiment with new formats, and showcase diverse talent resonated with audiences, particularly younger viewers who were seeking an alternative to the increasingly formulaic offerings of the NWE.
AEW's success was further bolstered by its ability to attract top-tier talent, both from the FAW and the NWE. Performers like Kenny Omega, Jon Moxley, and Serena Deeb opted to join the upstart promotion, drawn by the promise of creative freedom and the opportunity to showcase their skills in a new environment.
The rise of AEW has had a significant impact on the professional wrestling landscape in this timeline. The promotion's success has forced the long-dominant FAW to evolve and adapt, incorporating more contemporary production values and character-driven storylines to remain competitive.
Meanwhile, the NWE has struggled to maintain its position as the leading "sports entertainment" promotion, with audiences increasingly gravitating towards AEW's blend of technical artistry and modern storytelling. The NWE has been forced to rethink its strategy, investing more in talent development and trying to recapture the creativity that once defined its product.
Beyond its direct competition with the FAW and NWE, AEW has also inspired the growth of a thriving independent wrestling scene across North America. The promotion's commitment to showcasing diverse talent and providing creative opportunities has emboldened other upstart companies to challenge the status quo and offer alternative products to wrestling fans.
In a professional wrestling landscape that has long been dominated by the technical prowess of the Federation of American Wrestling (FAW) and the theatrical spectacle of the National Wrestling Entertainment (NWE), All Elite Wrestling has carved out a distinctive niche for itself. By blending the best elements of both approaches, the promotion has become a force to be reckoned with, attracting top talent, critical acclaim, and a passionate fanbase.
As the wrestling industry continues to evolve, AEW's impact is likely to be felt for years to come. The promotion's commitment to innovation, diversity, and high-quality in-ring action has set a new standard for what professional wrestling can be, challenging both established powers and upstart competitors to raise their game. AEW's story serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of the sport, and the ability of ambitious newcomers to shake up the status quo.
