Darby Allin Reacts to WWE Counterprogramming AEW

AEW and WWE/AAA will run competing shows in Chicago on the same weekend at the end of September. AEW will present All Out at the NOW Arena, while WWE/AAA will hold Worlds Collide at the Allstate Arena. In an interview with Adrian Hernandez, Darby Allin shared his thoughts on WWE counterprogramming AEW.

Allin said he enjoys situations where pressure increases, noting that performers often rise to the occasion when expectations tighten. He added that wrestling is only one part of his life, and that his many interests sometimes make him laugh at how seriously the industry treats competitive weekends.

Even so, Allin expects the head‑to‑head weekend to be enjoyable and believes it will push everyone involved. He described the scenario as fun rather than stressful.

“I love it. I honestly feel like that’s when you do your best work. It’s no secret that everybody does their best work when their back is against the wall. I think it’s fun. My life doesn’t begin and end with wrestling, I have so much outside interests and hobbies and passions, sometimes I just laugh at all this wrestling stuff cause I’m like, there’s a whole world out there. It’s just like, alright man, whatever. But honestly, I feel like it’s going to be fun.”

During the same interview, Allin also discussed his near‑drowning experience while filming a Shark Week stunt.