Launched in 2019 as an alternative to more mainstream organizations, AEW has enjoyed a whirlwind rise to pro-wrestling prominence. Led by the likes of Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega, Britt Baker, and Jade Cargill, the promotion has solidified its place as the USA’s second-biggest wrestling company and, following its first show in Canada in October, continues to win fans around the world.
Outside the ring, AEW is also attracting attention. In October this year, the promotion was named among Fast Company’s “Brands That Matter” 2022 – an accolade that celebrates a firm’s “cultural impact, social engagement, and core mission.”
In particular, Fast Company was impressed with AEW’s open discussions around substance abuse, LGBTQ issues, inclusivity, and workers’ rights in an industry that has not always been so progressive. All this has been achieved while growing the company’s viewership and pay-per-view purchases.
“The distinction of being a brand that matters perfectly describes the rise of AEW in 2022,” said Tony Khan (CEO, GM and Head of Creative for AEW) upon receiving the award. “For the first time in more than 2 decades, professional wrestling fans have a legitimate, competitive alternative to mainstream wrestling, and we’re not only reviving the interest of lapsed fans, but also generating the fans of tomorrow with a world-class roster of incredible athletes and creative minds. This is an award earned by every wrestler on the roster, every producer and coach, everyone backstage making our shows run seamlessly, every fan in the arenas and every viewer watching around the world.”
AEW will now look to build on its recent success with a blockbuster month of events in November. Over the next few weeks, the promotion will bring its weekly Dynamite and Rampage shows to some of the biggest cities in the Northeast United States, including Baltimore, Boston, and Atlantic City. This will be followed by a visit to the Prudential Center in Newark for AEW’s most anticipated show of the month – Full Gear.
One of the promotion’s “Big 4” PPVs, Full Gear will be the first PPV AEW has held in the Tri-State area, and will be headlined by a titanic bout between AEW World Champion Jon Moxley and, arguably wrestling’s biggest up-and-coming star, MJF. Fans can secure a seat at AEW’s last PPV of 2022 for just $31.30.
When the dust settles on Full Gear, AEW will head to the Midwest to round off the month, stopping at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago on 23 November, before pitching up at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis on 30 November. Buoyed by its award-winning October, and with so much excitement surrounding the company's line-up of November shows, it’s possible that the 4 weeks ahead could be one of AEW’s best months yet.
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