AEW’s highly anticipated Grand Slam: Australia 2025 event is set to make history as the promotion’s first major show in Australia, but its U.S. broadcast plans have hit a scheduling snag. During this week’s Dynamite, AEW announced that Grand Slam: Australia would air on Saturday, February 15, at 8 PM ET on TNT and Max. However, that time slot directly conflicts with TNT’s coverage of the NBA All-Star Saturday Night, one of the league’s biggest annual events and a cornerstone of the network’s sports programming.
This overlap left fans scratching their heads about how AEW’s international showcase would fit into such a packed night of sports entertainment.
AEW’s Solution: A Post-NBA Airing
According to a report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, AEW has adjusted its broadcast strategy. Instead of competing directly with the NBA, Grand Slam: Australia will now air on TNT after the NBA coverage wraps up, giving the show a coveted lead-in from the massive All-Star audience.
While this plan offers significant exposure, it also means that Grand Slam: Australia will air at a very late time slot for U.S. viewers. The current plan would see the event begin at 2:30 AM Eastern time (technically early Sunday morning) and air on a tape delay, approximately 21 hours after it takes place in Melbourne. This unusual timing raises questions about how the show will perform in such a late-night spot.
Will Max Stream the Event Live?
One major question still unanswered is whether Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming platform, Max, will air Grand Slam: Australia live. The report doesn’t confirm whether Max will simulcast the event as it happens or follow TNT’s delayed broadcast schedule. If Max offers a live streaming option, it could provide a much-needed alternative for fans who want to watch the event in real time without staying up into the early morning hours.
The Challenge of NBA All-Star Weekend
AEW’s decision to shift the broadcast comes as no surprise, given the massive viewership and importance of NBA All-Star Saturday Night. The event, which features fan-favorite competitions like the Slam Dunk Contest and Three-Point Contest, is a marquee attraction for TNT. Competing head-to-head with such a high-profile broadcast would have been a risky move for AEW.
By airing after the NBA coverage, Grand Slam: Australia will benefit from a built-in audience that may stick around for the wrestling action. However, the late airtime presents its own challenges, especially for East Coast viewers who may not stay up to watch.
A Big Night for Wrestling
February 15 is shaping up to be a busy night not only for sports but for professional wrestling as well. WWE’s NXT Vengeance Day 2025 is also scheduled to air that evening, adding even more competition to the mix. Wrestling fans will have to choose between WWE’s event, the live NBA festivities, and AEW’s delayed broadcast—or simply try to catch them all.
AEW’s Growing Global Presence
Despite the scheduling hurdles, Grand Slam: Australia is a significant milestone for AEW. The event reflects the company’s continued push to expand its global reach and bring AEW to fans around the world. With a unique setting and a roster full of stars, the event promises to deliver memorable moments, even if the broadcast logistics are less than ideal for U.S. audiences.
What’s Next?
As the broadcast date approaches, fans will be keeping a close eye on how AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery handle the logistics. Whether Max offers a live stream or TNT’s late-night airing becomes the primary option, the event will be a key test of AEW’s ability to adapt and deliver on the global stage.
Stay tuned to Wrestling News Blog for updates on AEW Grand Slam: Australia 2025, as well as all the latest developments in the world of professional wrestling!
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