AEW Grand Slam: Australia May Relocate Due to Low Ticket Sales

AEW’s ambitious plan to make a splash in Australia with Grand Slam: Australia is reportedly under review, with the event potentially moving to a smaller venue due to underwhelming ticket sales.

The event, initially scheduled for February 15, 2025, at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, was set to be a landmark moment for AEW, marking the promotion’s debut in the Southern Hemisphere. Suncorp Stadium, a massive venue with a capacity exceeding 50,000, would have hosted its first-ever wrestling event with the show. However, according to a report from Fightful Select, AEW is exploring alternative, smaller venues to better accommodate the event’s current demand.

Ticket Sales Struggle to Meet Expectations

While AEW has seen record-breaking success with its All In events at Wembley Stadium, drawing crowds of over 60,000, Grand Slam: Australia has not experienced similar enthusiasm. Reports in September suggested that ticket sales were falling far below expectations, with the event being described as performing “not good.” The lackluster sales prompted discussions of a venue change, and an official announcement regarding the potential move is expected soon.

What’s Next for AEW in Australia?

Despite the challenges, AEW’s foray into the Australian market remains significant. Moving to a smaller venue could create a more intimate and energized atmosphere while allowing the company to avoid the optics of empty seats in a massive stadium.

AEW’s decision to push into international markets has been a cornerstone of its growth strategy, as evidenced by the success of its UK shows. The company will likely look to adapt its approach in Australia to ensure the debut leaves a lasting impression, even if it means scaling down expectations for the first attempt.

The Bigger Picture

While the ticket sales may not be what AEW hoped for, this situation highlights the challenges of entering new markets. Australia has a passionate wrestling fanbase, but building momentum in a new region often requires more than just one big event. Whether AEW can regroup and capitalize on the Australian wrestling community remains to be seen.

Stay tuned for updates on the fate of Grand Slam: Australia.