AEW Grand Slam: Australia – A Success Despite Controversies – AEW Grand Slam: Australia aired as a pre-taped special from Brisbane, Australia, on Saturday, February 17, 2024, overcoming numerous hurdles before proving to be a financial success. The event, initially planned for the 52,000-seat Suncorp Stadium, was relocated to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, reportedly due to slow ticket sales. AEW CEO Tony Khan, however, insisted that it was always intended to be a television special rather than a stadium event.
Beyond the venue change, the show faced further scheduling complications. AEW struggled to secure a definitive airing slot, ultimately deciding to broadcast Grand Slam: Australia without a set time, instead airing it after an NBA special on TNT. This unpredictability only added to growing concerns about AEW’s scheduling and promotional decisions, which have been a point of contention among fans and industry analysts alike.
Despite these logistical issues, the event proved to be a financial success. Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer reported that Grand Slam: Australia was AEW’s third-highest live gate in company history, generating at least $1.3 million in revenue. He also noted that if AEW returns to Australia in 2026, cities like Melbourne or Sydney could yield even higher attendance figures, possibly reaching 15,000 fans in a venue like Rod Laver Arena. While the show fell short of stadium-level success, it still delivered a strong turnout in Brisbane, likely the largest wrestling crowd in the city in years.
Another major takeaway from the event was AEW’s strong merchandise sales. Fans quickly bought out everything available, with many disappointed by the lack of stock. Meltzer noted that AEW should have anticipated higher demand, referencing their All In: London event, where merchandise sales averaged $17 per attendee. Reports indicated that Grand Slam: Australia had only one merchandise stand, which was completely sold out before the first match even began.
Ultimately, while Grand Slam: Australia did not live up to AEW’s original stadium ambitions, it still marked a successful debut in the Australian market. The financial success, combined with lessons learned in logistics and marketing, could set the stage for a larger, better-planned return in 2026.
AEW Grand Slam: Australia – A Success Despite Controversies
