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Professional wrestling is poised for a significant Saturday showdown, with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) presenting its highly anticipated All Out pay-per-view event concurrently with World Wrestling Entertainment’s (WWE) inaugural Wrestlepalooza. The simultaneous scheduling has ignited debate within the industry, with AEW talent Eddie Kingston emerging as a vocal critic of WWE’s timing, characterizing their approach as "bulls—" and indicative of a desire for monopolistic control. Kingston, set to make his return from a year-long injury layoff at All Out, articulated his concerns regarding the competitive tactics employed by the industry’s two largest promotions.
The calendar clash originates from AEW’s prior announcement of All Out, one of its four cornerstone pay-per-view events, as a key date for its programming. All Out traditionally draws substantial viewership and live attendance, serving as a platform for major storylines and championship contests. In contrast, WWE unveiled Wrestlepalooza just one month prior to the scheduled date, a move that immediately drew scrutiny due to its direct overlap with AEW’s established event. WWE’s announcement highlighted a card featuring prominent figures, including the much-anticipated return of Brock Lesnar, a rare appearance from former Divas Champion AJ Lee, and special segments involving global icons John Cena and CM Punk. This strategic stacking of Wrestlepalooza’s inaugural card was widely interpreted as a direct counterprogramming effort aimed at drawing attention away from AEW’s offering.
This particular instance of direct competition aligns with a discernible trend observed in recent years, where WWE, the long-standing industry leader, has occasionally scheduled significant events or special programming to coincide with AEW’s major shows. Such maneuvers are not unprecedented in professional wrestling history, recalling the infamous "Monday Night Wars" of the late 1990s between WWE (then WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW), a period of intense rivalry that ultimately reshaped the industry landscape.
In response to the perceived challenge, AEW founder and CEO Tony Khan implemented adjustments to All Out’s schedule, shifting the event to an earlier 3 p.m. ET start time. This alteration was specifically designed to create a buffer, preventing direct head-to-head competition with Wrestlepalooza, which was slated for a later slot. Furthermore, Khan’s booking strategy for All Out included securing the return of Eddie Kingston, a popular and intensely charismatic figure, to bolster the event’s drawing power. Kingston, known for his gritty, no-nonsense persona and impactful in-ring style, has cultivated a significant following since his AEW debut, and his return from a torn ACL was anticipated by many fans.
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Kingston, reflecting on his role in the revised All Out plans, acknowledged the flattering nature of being considered a significant draw but expressed reservations about the underlying competitive dynamics. "Humbly, it’s flattering that they think I matter that much and can help them," Kingston told CBS Sports. His statement underscored a personal philosophy rooted in humility. "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." This candid assessment highlights his view that the current competitive climate, particularly WWE’s actions, transcends healthy rivalry and borders on an attempt to dominate the market.
Kingston’s critique, however, maintained a degree of impartiality, acknowledging the inherent nature of power dynamics within large organizations. He refrained from labeling WWE as an outright villain, stating that "power corrupts" and conceding that AEW, were it in a similar position of market dominance, might exhibit comparable tendencies. This nuanced perspective suggests a pragmatic understanding of corporate behavior, where the pursuit of market share and influence is often a driving force. Despite this understanding, Kingston urged fans to resist adopting a partisan corporate mindset. He stressed that while supporting a preferred wrestling promotion or "team" is a valid and enjoyable aspect of fandom, the overarching benefit of robust, healthy competition ultimately accrues to both consumers and professional wrestling talent.
To illustrate his point, Kingston drew upon historical parallels from the wrestling industry, specifically referencing the Monday Night Wars. He recounted his personal experience as a fan during that era, highlighting how the intense rivalry between WCW and WWE spurred innovation and forced both companies to elevate their product, leading to a golden age for viewers. "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. He emphasized the richness of content that emerged from that competitive environment. "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?" This anecdote serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for fans to miss out on exceptional wrestling by limiting their consumption based on corporate allegiances rather than artistic merit.
Kingston’s philosophy extends beyond mere consumption; it encompasses a desire for the overall health and diversity of the professional wrestling ecosystem. "I don’t want any place to close," he affirmed, indicating a preference for a thriving industry with multiple successful promotions rather than a single dominant entity. He clarified that his occasional "trash talk" directed at WWE is a natural byproduct of professional competition, akin to rivalry in any team sport, rather than genuine animosity. "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." He further humanized his stance by acknowledging his friendships within WWE. "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." This statement underscores a professional respect for his peers, regardless of their current employer, and a broader concern for the livelihoods of those working across the industry.
The upcoming Saturday events represent a critical juncture in the ongoing competitive landscape of professional wrestling. AEW All Out, a marquee event for the younger promotion, is anticipated to feature a card reflective of its diverse talent roster and focus on in-ring action and compelling narratives. Kingston’s return, following his year-long absence, is expected to be met with significant fan enthusiasm. Before his injury, Kingston had been a consistent presence in high-profile feuds and championship pursuits, solidifying his position as a fan favorite and a key component of AEW’s programming. His comeback at All Out is positioned not only as a personal triumph but also as a strategic element in AEW’s efforts to present a robust alternative to the established order.
On the other side, WWE’s Wrestlepalooza, as an inaugural event, carries the weight of establishing a new brand while simultaneously serving as a direct counter to AEW. The inclusion of figures like Brock Lesnar, a multi-time world champion and one of wrestling’s most bankable attractions, and the highly anticipated return of AJ Lee, whose last WWE appearance was nearly a decade ago, signal a clear intent to maximize viewership and generate significant buzz. John Cena’s sporadic appearances consistently draw substantial audiences, and CM Punk’s recent re-engagement with WWE after his high-profile return to wrestling in AEW adds another layer of intrigue, leveraging his widespread recognition across fan bases. These strategic bookings reflect WWE’s formidable resources and its willingness to deploy its biggest stars to maintain its market position.
As professional wrestling fans prepare for a day rich with content, Kingston’s remarks serve as a poignant commentary on the state of competition. His call for a focus on healthy rivalry that benefits the consumer, rather than a drive towards market monopolization, resonates with many who believe that diverse promotions and a competitive environment ultimately lead to a more dynamic and entertaining product for all involved. The events of Saturday will not only showcase the athletic prowess and storytelling capabilities of both companies but will also offer a real-time illustration of the competitive forces shaping the future of professional wrestling.
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