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Professional wrestling is set for a busy Saturday with two major events, All Elite Wrestling’s (AEW) All Out and World Wrestling Entertainment’s (WWE) inaugural Wrestlepalooza, scheduled to take place concurrently. However, the simultaneous staging of these prominent shows has drawn sharp criticism from AEW star Eddie Kingston, who has publicly labeled WWE’s timing as "bullshit," asserting that it represents an attempt to monopolize the market. Kingston, set to make his highly anticipated return from a year-long injury layoff at All Out, expressed his views in an interview, highlighting the underlying tensions in the competitive landscape of professional wrestling.
The controversy centers on WWE’s announcement of Wrestlepalooza, a new pay-per-view event, just one month prior to its scheduled date. This declaration came well after AEW had already finalized and promoted its All Out pay-per-view. WWE’s inaugural Wrestlepalooza card was notably stacked, featuring the return of Brock Lesnar and AJ Lee, alongside special appearances by high-profile talents such as John Cena and CM Punk. This strategic move by WWE has been interpreted by many within the industry as a deliberate act of counterprogramming, a tactic frequently employed in the ongoing rivalry between the two promotions.
AEW, a younger but rapidly expanding entity in the wrestling world, has consistently sought to establish its own foothold against the long-dominant WWE. In response to the direct competition posed by Wrestlepalooza, AEW founder and CEO Tony Khan made a strategic adjustment, moving the start time of All Out to an earlier 3 p.m. ET to create some separation from WWE’s event. Additionally, Khan leveraged Kingston’s return from injury, positioning him as a significant draw to bolster All Out’s appeal. Kingston, while honored by the faith placed in him by AEW, conveyed a sense of disillusionment regarding the external circumstances that necessitated such strategic maneuvering.
"Humbly, it’s flattering that they think I matter that much and can help them," Kingston told CBS Sports. "I don’t think too highly of myself. It’s not a beat yourself up thing. I was taught that the meek shall inherit the Earth. So I’m very humbled that they believe I can help in whatever bullshit war or bullshit that’s going on. ‘Cause all it is, is bullshit. It’s competition, and it’s one place wanting to monopolize."
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Kingston’s comments underscore a broader industry sentiment regarding the escalating competition between AEW and WWE. The two companies have been engaged in a direct rivalry since AEW’s inception in 2019, initially manifesting as the "Wednesday Night Wars" where AEW Dynamite directly competed with WWE’s NXT program. While NXT eventually moved to Tuesdays, the competitive spirit has persisted, with both promotions consistently vying for viewership, talent, and market share. AEW All Out, for instance, is one of AEW’s four major annual pay-per-views, historically drawing significant buy rates and attendance. The event is a cornerstone of AEW’s programming calendar, known for delivering high-stakes matches and pivotal storyline developments. Kingston’s return, following a substantial period of absence due to injury, was highly anticipated by AEW fans, given his reputation for intense, character-driven performances and his strong connection with the audience. His inclusion was intended to provide a significant boost to the card’s drawing power, a testament to his perceived value as a performer.
WWE’s decision to launch Wrestlepalooza on the same day, featuring a line-up of returning legends and current stars, represents a clear statement of intent. Brock Lesnar, a multi-time world champion and one of WWE’s most bankable attractions, returning to competition is a major draw. Similarly, AJ Lee, a former Divas Champion and a beloved figure during her active tenure, brings a nostalgic appeal that could attract a significant segment of the audience. The involvement of John Cena, a global icon, and CM Punk, a controversial yet immensely popular figure whose presence alone generates buzz, further amplifies Wrestlepalooza’s potential impact. The timing and the star power assembled suggest a deliberate strategy to divert attention and potential viewership from AEW’s flagship event.
Kingston, however, stopped short of labeling WWE as an outright antagonist. He acknowledged the inherent nature of power dynamics within corporations, stating, "power corrupts," and conceded that he could not definitively say AEW would act differently if it were in a position of similar dominance. While accepting the operational realities of corporate entities, Kingston urged fans to resist adopting a partisan mindset. He emphasized that while supporting a preferred promotion is natural, fostering healthy competition ultimately benefits both consumers and the wrestling industry as a whole.
Drawing on historical precedent, Kingston referenced the "Monday Night Wars" of the late 1990s, a period when WWE (then WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW) were locked in a fierce head-to-head battle for television ratings. This era is often cited as a golden age for professional wrestling, largely due to the intense competition driving innovation and compelling storylines.
"WCW came with Nitro, and they had the cruiserweights. I remember them putting Brian Pillman and Jushin Thunder Liger on. I was stuck watching it," Kingston recalled. "Imagine if I had said, ‘No! They’re WCW. I’m not watching it. I hate them!’ I would have missed Rey Mysterio, Psichosis, Dean Malenko and Eddie Guerrero. Imagine if I never saw the NWO or Hulk Hogan turning heel because I cut myself off?"
Kingston’s anecdote serves as a poignant reminder of the potential missed opportunities for fans who limit their engagement to a single promotion. The WCW cruiserweight division, featuring high-flying, innovative athletes like Rey Mysterio Jr., Psichosis, and Eddie Guerrero, captivated audiences and pushed the boundaries of in-ring performance. Similarly, the formation of the New World Order (nWo) and Hulk Hogan’s transformative heel turn were pivotal moments that reshaped the industry and continue to be iconic. These historical examples reinforce Kingston’s argument that competition, when embraced by fans, leads to a richer and more diverse product.
"I don’t want any place to close," Kingston continued, reiterating his stance against monopolization. He acknowledged the tribalism that often permeates professional wrestling fandom but clarified his own perspective. "Am I going to talk shit about WWE? Yes! Why? ‘Cause I’m not there and I’m with the other team right now. That’s it. There’s no hatred. I have friends there, and I don’t have a lot of friends. But the people I do consider friends, some of them are there. Do you think I want them to be out of a job? Hell no."
Kingston’s remarks highlight a crucial distinction between professional rivalry and personal animosity. Despite his strong condemnation of WWE’s strategic moves, his underlying message advocates for a wrestling ecosystem where multiple promotions can thrive, offering diverse entertainment options to a global fanbase. His concern for his friends employed by WWE further illustrates that the competition, while fierce, does not necessarily equate to a desire for the downfall of rival companies.
As Saturday approaches, the wrestling world will keenly observe the outcomes of both AEW All Out and WWE Wrestlepalooza. The events represent not just individual shows, but significant chapters in the ongoing narrative of professional wrestling’s competitive landscape. Kingston’s outspoken comments serve as a powerful voice in this discourse, urging fans and industry participants alike to consider the broader implications of market competition and its ultimate impact on the quality and accessibility of professional wrestling entertainment.
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