Why AEW Should Take WrestleMania Over

WhatCulture Wrestling13mApril 23, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this final episode of the WrestleMania weekend, host Simon Meadow from WhatCulture Wrestling makes a passionate case for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) to take over the WrestleMania slot in April, particularly by hosting a major event in London or another international destination. He argues that the post-WrestleMania void creates a unique opportunity for AEW to step in, leveraging the existing community energy, fan travel habits, and the vibrant ecosystem of independent wrestling shows that typically surround WrestleMania. Meadow highlights AEW's proven ability to draw large crowds—citing past events like All In in London (70,000 attendees) and the growing success of their pay-per-view model—as evidence they’re capable of pulling off such a feat. He emphasizes the cultural and emotional value of the wrestling community experience, where fans reconnect, form friendships, and rekindle their love for the sport, which he believes transcends WWE’s dominance. While acknowledging the financial risks, he frames the move as a bold, potentially transformative risk that aligns with AEW’s history of innovation under Tony Khan.

Key Takeaways
1

AEW should consider hosting a major April event to fill the post-WrestleMania void and capture fan energy.

2

The wrestling community thrives on destination events—fan travel, networking, and independent shows—creating a unique ecosystem around big weekends.

3

AEW has already proven it can sell out large venues (e.g., 70,000 at All In London), making a stadium-sized April show feasible.

4

Even a 20,000-35,000 attendance would be a success and a strong signal of AEW’s growing influence.

5

The real value isn’t just revenue—it’s preserving the communal, familial spirit of wrestling fandom.

Chapters
0:00
10 min

The Post-WrestleMania Void and AEW’s Opportunity

I think it would be a shame if we don't get to do this because from a personal level... get to meet people, get to say hello.

Highlight
10:00
10 min

The Power of the Wrestling Community and Fan Experience

The internet wrestling community... has now become a slang term for the most negative people on the internet. Where really the wrestling community I find is very nice people who are awesome to meet.

Highlight
20:00
5 min

Why AEW Is the Right Company to Take the Risk

The host makes the case that AEW, under Tony Khan, has consistently taken bold risks—like booking Wembley Stadium—and has a proven track record of growing attendance. He argues that even a modest turnout would validate the event’s importance and test AEW’s ambition.

High-Impact Quotes
The internet wrestling community... has now become a slang term for the most negative people on the internet. Where really the wrestling community I find is very nice people who are awesome to meet.
Simon Meadow20:48
Viral: 90.0
I think it would be a shame if we don't get to do this because from a personal level... get to meet people, get to say hello.
Simon Meadow3:41
Viral: 85.0
Even if it absolutely bombed and nobody came, listen, they're going to take shots for doing it. But I would much rather somebody took a risk.
Simon Meadow13:39
Viral: 80.0
Speakers

Host

Simon Meadow
Topics Discussed
wrestlemania weekend95%aew pay-per-view strategy90%wrestling community culture85%destination wrestling events80%independent wrestling shows75%tony khan leadership70%fan travel and tourism65%risk-taking in wrestling promotion60%
People & Brands

Simon Meadow

person

15xNeutral

All Elite Wrestling

organization

12xPositive

WrestleMania

other

10xNeutral

All In

other

7xPositive

Tony Khan

person

6xPositive

Sean Moss Sapp

person

4xPositive

Brian Alvarez

person

4xPositive

GCW

organization

3xPositive

Will Ospreay

person

3xPositive

Dave Meltzer

person

3xPositive

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