Introduction: Everything’s Bigger in Texas – The High-Stakes Gamble of All In’s American Stadium Debut

The “All In” brand occupies a unique and foundational space in modern professional wrestling history. Its lineage began not as a corporate tentpole, but as a revolutionary act of defiance. The original All In in September 2018 was an independent pay-per-view event. It was produced by members of The Elite, a collective of wrestlers. They bet on themselves and their connection with a fervent fanbase. The event’s historic success was groundbreaking. It became the first non-WWE or WCW-promoted show in the United States to sell over 10,000 tickets since 1993. This achievement served as a definitive proof of concept. It showed there was a significant, underserved market. There was a demand for a major alternative to the established wrestling monolith. This realization directly catalyzed the formation of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in January 2019.

After its spiritual successor, All Out, became an AEW staple, the company revived the All In name in 2023. It transformed this into their flagship annual event. This event is considered an equivalent to WWE’s WrestleMania. The first installment under the AEW banner was held in London’s Wembley Stadium. It shattered records and established the brand on a global scale. The 2023 event drew a staggering paid attendance of 72,265. It generated over $10 million in revenue. It became the largest pro wrestling event ever held in Europe. The 2024 follow-up experienced a dip in attendance. However, the attendance was still impressive at 46,476. This solidified the event’s status as AEW’s biggest show of the year.

The 2025 edition marks a pivotal strategic shift. AEW had to move its marquee event to Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Wembley Stadium was booked by the band Coldplay. This decision represents a significant gamble. It is the first time AEW will host a pay-per-view in an American baseball stadium. It is also the first time the All In brand will be tested on home soil. This venue has an unprecedented magnitude. The move transforms the event’s identity. The original 2018 show was a symbol of independent rebellion, proving an alternative could exist. The Wembley shows were a statement of global ambition, proving that alternative could fill an international stadium. All In: Texas is the culmination of this evolution. It is a declaration that AEW is now competing for the domestic stadium audience. The success of this event will reveal if the “All In” magic was tied to its underdog spirit. It will show whether it was its UK novelty. Or, it will demonstrate if it has truly become a premier, location-agnostic wrestling spectacle.

The financial stakes are already immense. The event is on track to become AEW’s highest-grossing show in the United States. Ticket sales are projected to surpass $3 million. This marks a first for the company domestically. This success is amplified by the competitive landscape of the weekend. AEW has scheduled the main card for a special afternoon start time of 2:00 PM CT (3:00 PM ET). This is a strategic maneuver to avoid direct conflict with a major WWE broadcast. However, it will still be counter-programmed by an event from WWE’s NXT brand. This scheduling chess match highlights the high-stakes environment for All In: Texas. It represents a critical test of AEW’s drawing power. The brand strength in the American market is also being tested.


Part I: The Triple Main Event – Forging Legacies and Settling Scores

The top of the card for All In: Texas features three monumental encounters. Each has the potential to be the match of the night. Each carries distinct, legacy-defining stakes for its participants.

A Rivalry Forged in Blood: Jon Moxley vs. “Hangman” Adam Page in a Texas Death Match for the AEW World Championship

This main event is more than a championship contest. It is the violent and seemingly inevitable conclusion to one of AEW’s most personal and brutal rivalries. The history between Jon Moxley and “Hangman” Adam Page is written in blood. It involves legitimate injury as well. Most notably, a concussion Page suffered in a previous encounter added a layer of real-world gravity to their on-screen animosity. Their feud has consistently escalated in violence, culminating once before in a Texas Death Match at AEW Revolution in 2023. In that bout, Page emerged victorious, establishing the brutal stipulation as the only fitting arena to settle their score. On the 300th episode of AEW Dynamite, Page invoked their history. He challenged Moxley to revisit that specific hell. The champion ultimately accepted the challenge.

The rules of an AEW Texas Death Match are simple and savage: there are no disqualifications and no count-outs. A victory is achieved only when one competitor cannot answer a 10-count. This can happen either from being knocked out or forced into submission. This modern interpretation of a classic stipulation traces its lineage back to Texas wrestling legend Fritz Von Erich. It guarantees a level of brutality rarely seen on major pay-per-view. The no-rules environment also creates a volatile atmosphere ripe for outside interference. The presence of Moxley’s Death Riders faction is all but guaranteed. Page’s network is complicated. It involves allies and enemies, including his tag team partner for the night, Will Ospreay. His rival-turned-ally is Swerve Strickland. His estranged former friends are The Young Bucks. All could play a role. Furthermore, persistent rumors hint at a possible return for Darby Allin. There are also talks of a non-wrestling appearance by the Texas-based icon Sting. Each could dramatically alter the course of the match.

This match represents the convergence of two powerful narrative arcs. Jon Moxley is in the midst of a record-setting fourth reign as AEW World Champion. This reign began in October 2024. It has been characterized by a reign of terror over the roster. He has successfully defended his title against top-tier challengers like Swerve Strickland and Cope. These defenses are often controversial. This has cemented him as a dominant and seemingly unbeatable final boss. The booking of his reign has been a point of discussion among fans.

Conversely, “Hangman” Adam Page’s path to this match is a story of redemption. His journey spans multiple years and serves as a foundational narrative for AEW. It chronicles his struggles with anxiety and his fractured friendships. It also details his ultimate rise and fall as champion. He earned this opportunity by winning the 2025 Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Cup Tournament. This victory was a surprise and a testament to his resilience. In an emotional post-match interview, Page described the tournament win as proof. He expressed that it is not too late for him. He believes he can be the person he once was and become the champion again. He framed this main event as a battle for his very soul. A victory for Page would be the ultimate payoff to AEW’s longest-running character arc. It would validate the company’s investment in its original, homegrown ace. A loss in such a definitive and brutal fashion could irrevocably alter his character. It could shatter his heroic persona. It might cement Moxley’s dark era as the company’s undisputed direction.

Hollywood vs. The CEO: “Timeless” Toni Storm vs. Mercedes Moné for the AEW Women’s World Championship

This championship clash features two of the most compelling figures in women’s wrestling. They will face each other in what is billed as a genuine dream match. The bout represents a fascinating crossroads for the AEW Women’s Division. It is a contest between a uniquely homegrown character phenomenon and an established global icon.

“Timeless” Toni Storm has become one of AEW’s most captivating success stories. After an unremarkable initial run, she lost her title. This led to a dramatic character transformation. She re-emerged as an eccentric, melodramatic starlet seemingly plucked from the Golden Age of Hollywood. This “Timeless” persona is a complex blend of Katherine Hepburn-esque mannerisms. It includes raunchy humor. She surprises with in-ring ferocity. This persona has connected with audiences on a massive scale. She has become one of the most popular and unique acts in the industry. Her success is undeniable, culminating in a record-setting fourth reign as AEW Women’s World Champion. Storm’s evolution is a testament to AEW’s creative freedom. It showcases the company’s ability to build a top-tier star. This star originates from a completely original concept.

“Timeless” Toni Storm at AEW Dynamite March 20, 2024. Photo take by myself ringside.

Her challenger, Mercedes Moné, represents a different, but equally valid, philosophy of star-building. Moné arrived in AEW in March 2024. She was arguably the most significant female free-agent signing in wrestling history. She is a globally recognized superstar with a championship pedigree in WWE and NJPW. Her debut at Dynamite: Big Business was a monumental event. She immediately declared her intention to elevate women’s wrestling on a global scale. Since then, she has been showcased as an unstoppable force. She captured the TBS Championship in her debut match. She remains undefeated.

I am at the March 20, 2024 edition of AEW Dynamite in Toronto. It’s at the Coca-Cola Coliseum. I am holding a D.M.D. > C.E.O. sign ringside.

The collision course was set. Moné won the 2025 Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Cup. She defeated the formidable Jamie Hayter in a critically acclaimed final at Double or Nothing. This victory earned her the title shot. The champion vs. champion dynamic has fueled an intense feud. It is built on heated confrontations. Moné boldly declared that Storm’s time is up. Her time is now. Interestingly, this blockbuster encounter was not the original plan. Creative initially considered a match against Storm’s former protégé Mariah May. They also thought about a longer program with ROH Women’s Champion Athena. AEW deliberately chose to pivot to Storm vs. Moné for the biggest women’s match in the company at the biggest show. This decision was a clear signal of the immense faith AEW has in both performers. They were expected to deliver on a stadium-sized stage. The outcome will not just crown a champion. It will anoint the undisputed face of the division. In doing so, it will validate one of two distinct and powerful approaches to building a championship legacy.

The Fifth Symphony: Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega in a Winner-Takes-All Unification Match

For the fifth time, two of the most acclaimed wrestlers of their generation will face each other. They will stand across the ring once again. This is the first time ever on American soil. The rivalry between Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada is the stuff of legend. Their four previous singles matches in New Japan Pro-Wrestling are widely considered to be among the greatest of all time. This series famously shattered traditional rating scales. It is credited with introducing a new wave of international fans to non-WWE wrestling. Their story was a classic epic. Omega is the supremely talented foreigner (“gaijin”) and leader of the Bullet Club. He is on a relentless quest to conquer Okada. Okada is the seemingly invincible “Ace” of NJPW and holder of its most prestigious title.

This fifth encounter, however, takes place in a vastly different context. For Kenny Omega, this match is the culmination of a remarkable comeback story. He is returning from a year-long absence. He faced a life-threatening bout with diverticulitis. This battle adds a profound layer of real-world drama to his in-ring return. For Kazuchika Okada, the narrative is one of transformation. Since his blockbuster signing with AEW, he has abandoned his heroic “Rainmaker” persona. He has become a cocky, villainous member of The Elite. He has often appeared to be “coasting” on his reputation, a stark contrast to the focused champion who dominated Japan.

The stakes of this match are immense, as it will unify two of AEW’s singles championships. Okada’s AEW Continental Championship comes from the grueling, round-robin Continental Classic tournament. He initially won the title after defeating Eddie Kingston on the March 20, 2024 AEW Dynamite. It will be merged with Omega’s AEW International Championship. This is a title designed to be defended across the globe. The winner will be crowned the inaugural AEW Unified Champion, creating a new, prestigious prize in the company’s hierarchy. The match became official on the July 2nd episode of Dynamite. A returning Omega confronted Okada after his match with Kota Ibushi. This confrontation reignited their historic rivalry with the highest stakes imaginable.

Kazuchika Okada after defeating Eddie Kingston for the AEW Continental Championship March 20, 2024. Photo taken by myself ringside.

This match is not just about continuing their NJPW saga. It is more about defining a new, AEW-specific legacy for both men. The unification of the titles serves as a powerful booking device, an act of “prestige alchemy.” The new Unified Championship will derive its immediate value not from its own short history. Instead, it stems from the legendary status of the two men who will contest it first. For Omega, a victory would be the ultimate validation of his recovery, proving he is still the “Best Bout Machine.” For Okada, a win would force him to shed his lazy heel persona. He would unleash the true “Rainmaker” in an AEW ring. This would justify his massive contract and solidify his place at the top of the company. The match is a marquee attraction. It solves a booking challenge. The match consolidates two mid-card titles into a new championship. This is a definitively top-tier championship forged in the fire of an iconic feud.


Part II: The Undercard with Main Event Implications

While the triple main event provides the spectacle, the undercard of All In: Texas is stacked with high-stakes matches. These matches are designed to significantly impact the company’s creative landscape.

Power, Pride, and a One-Year Ban: The Young Bucks vs. Swerve Strickland & Will Ospreay

This tag team encounter is built on a simple yet powerful story: the abuse of power. The Young Bucks, Matthew and Nicholas Jackson, have been using their real-life positions to their advantage. As Executive Vice Presidents, they have been antagonizing the roster. Specifically, they are targeting the wildly popular duo of Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay. The feud escalated on the June 25th episode of Dynamite. Ospreay and Strickland issued a challenge for All In. They demanded the Bucks put their EVP titles on the line. On July 2nd, the Bucks accepted. However, they included a crucial counter-stipulation. If Ospreay and Strickland lose the match, they will be banned from the AEW World Championship. They cannot challenge for it for one full year.

Swerve Strickland and Prince Nana AEW Dynamite March 20, 2024. Photo take by myself ringside.

This creates a fascinating dynamic with multiple potential outcomes. A victory for Swerve and Ospreay would strip the Bucks of their on-screen power, a cathartic moment for the fans. However, if the Bucks win, it would cleverly remove two top contenders from an already crowded World Title picture. This would clear the path for champion Jon Moxley and challenger “Hangman” Page. Such a loss could create dissension between the confident Ospreay and the reluctant Strickland. This could potentially spark a new rivalry between two of the company’s biggest stars.

Will Ospreay AEW Dynamite March 20, 2024. Photo take by myself ringside.

The Future is Now: Adam Cole vs. Kyle Fletcher for the AEW TNT Championship

This match pits a rising star against an established veteran at a career crossroads. Kyle Fletcher has been meticulously built as a breakout singles competitor. He earned this championship opportunity by defeating Daniel Garcia in a number one contender’s match. His aggressive, high-impact in-ring style has drawn praise for its intensity. There is also concern for its perceived danger. This concern was particularly evident after a controversial spot in a previous match with Cole.

Meanwhile, fans have criticized Adam Cole’s reign as TNT Champion for infrequent defenses. There is also a general lack of narrative direction since his high-profile program with MJF concluded. Their last encounter ended in a disqualification, leaving their issue unresolved and setting the stage for this high-stakes rematch. This bout serves as a critical moment for both men. It is a chance for Cole to re-energize his championship reign and reassert his dominance. Alternatively, it may be the moment that Kyle Fletcher ascends to the next level with a career-defining victory.

A Collision of Styles: The Hurt Syndicate vs. JetSpeed vs. The Patriarchy for the AEW World Tag Team Championship

The AEW World Tag Team Championship will be defended in a chaotic three-way match. This match showcases the depth of the division. It also highlights the stylistic diversity present. The reigning champions, The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin), are a dominant force. They are a throwback powerhouse team that has bulldozed through competition. They face two starkly different challenging teams. JetSpeed features the duo of Kevin Knight and “Speedball” Mike Bailey. They are a thrilling, high-flying babyface team. They are also known for their incredible athleticism. In contrast, The Patriarchy features the devious father-son pairing of Christian Cage and Nick Wayne. They are quintessential villains. They rely on cunning and rule-breaking to achieve victory.

The addition of The Patriarchy changes what was shaping up to be a standard two-on-two feud. It elevates the match into a more unpredictable affair. This three-way format is a classic booking strategy that serves multiple purposes. It allows AEW to feature three prominent teams on a major pay-per-view. Critically, it creates a scenario where the dominant Hurt Syndicate can lose their championships without being pinned. This approach protects their credibility. A rising team like JetSpeed could win the title by defeating The Patriarchy. This scenario advances multiple storylines simultaneously.


Part III: The Wild Cards – The Casino Gauntlet Matches

Two Casino Gauntlet matches add an element of unpredictability to the card. One match is for the men, and another is for the women. The winner of each will earn a future shot at their respective World Championship. This match format is a multi-person, timed-interval battle royale. Eliminations occur via pinfall or submission. It serves as a highly efficient vehicle for advancing multiple storylines. It also showcases a large portion of the roster on a single pay-per-view.

The Men’s Gauntlet: A Grudge Match to Start

The Men’s Casino Gauntlet is already guaranteed to start with explosive action. Through qualifying matches on AEW Dynamite, Mark Briscoe has been determined to enter at #1. His bitter rival, MJF, will enter at #2. This ensures an immediate, focused confrontation between the two before any other competitors join the fray. Their heated promo exchanges have added a deeply personal layer to the opening moments of the match. Briscoe challenged MJF to face him without his Hurt Syndicate allies. The announced participation of international lucha libre legend Místico adds another marquee name to the contest. Other participants will be revealed during the match itself.

The Women’s Gauntlet: An Open Field

The Women’s Casino Gauntlet presents a wide-open opportunity for a competitor to break through to the main event scene. Kris Statlander is the only confirmed #1 entrant. The rest of the field remains a mystery. A recent eight-woman tag team match on AEW Collision served as a preview of the potential field. It showcased brewing tensions and alliances among wrestlers like Athena, Megan Bayne, Thunder Rosa, and Julia Hart. Each of them could be potential participants. The format allows for surprise entrants. It is a prime spot for a potential debut or the return of an absent star. This adds a layer of suspense to the proceedings. These gauntlet matches are more than just title eliminators. They strategically provide over a dozen wrestlers with significant PPV spotlight. They help start or advance multiple mid-card feuds through targeted eliminations and confrontations. They also gauge crowd reactions to potential future stars in a single, action-packed segment.

Julia Hart and Skye Blue March 20, 2024 AEW Dynamite. These two could be participants in the Women’s Gauntlet. Photo taken by myself from ringside.

Part IV: The All In Experience – A Fan’s Guide to the Biggest Wrestling Week in Texas

AEW All In: Texas is more than a single pay-per-view. It is the centerpiece of a week-long celebration of professional wrestling. This event takes over the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. For fans attending live or watching from home, here is a comprehensive guide to the festivities.

Broadcast and Venue Information

  • How to Watch: The main All In: Texas pay-per-view broadcast begins at a special start time. It starts at 2:00 PM CT / 3:00 PM ET. This occurs on Saturday, July 12. The festivities kick off earlier with the “Zero Hour” pre-show at 12:00 PM CT / 1:00 PM ET. In the United States and Canada, the event can be purchased on pay-per-view through Prime Video, PPV.com, YouTube, and traditional cable and satellite providers. For international viewers, the show will be available on TrillerTV (not in USA or Canada), PPV.com, and YouTube. Additionally, fans have the option to watch with a crowd. They can do this at participating Dave & Buster’s and Tom’s Watch Bar locations across the United States.
  • Attending Live at Globe Life Field: For those making the pilgrimage to Arlington, parking lots open at 11:00 AM. Venue doors open at 11:30 AM. The Globe Life Field roof will be closed for the event, ensuring a climate-controlled environment. The venue has specific policies regarding bags, signs, and costumes. Signs must not exceed standard poster board size and are prohibited from containing profanity, graphic imagery, political messages, or self-promotion. Costumes are permitted but cannot be offensive, and masks must be removed during security screening. Exclusive VIP packages, offering premium seating and meet-and-greet opportunities, are also available.

AEW All In: Texas Week – Full Schedule of Events

EventDateTime (Local – CT)Venue
AEW DynamiteWed, July 97:00 PMCurtis Culwell Center, Garland
AEW CollisionThu, July 107:00 PMCurtis Culwell Center, Garland
AEW All In KaraokeThu, July 1010:00 PMSheraton Arlington Hotel
ROH Supercard of HonorFri, July 116:00 PMEsports Stadium Arlington
Starrcast ConventionFri, July 11 & Sat, July 12TBDSheraton Arlington Hotel
Texas TailgateSat, July 1210:00 AM – 12:00 PMTexas Live! (Shift4 Arena)
AEW All In: Zero HourSat, July 1212:00 PMGlobe Life Field
AEW All In: Texas PPVSat, July 122:00 PMGlobe Life Field
All In After PartySat, July 12Immediately Post-ShowTexas Live! (The Arlington Backyard)

Conclusion: The Final Bet – What’s at Stake at All In: Texas?

All In: Texas stands as a landmark event for All Elite Wrestling. It is a critical test of its growth, narrative ambition, and brand power on American soil. It is far more than just another pay-per-view. It marks the culmination of a journey. This journey began with a rebellious, independent gamble in 2018. That initial bet on themselves has evolved. They now make a more audacious wager. AEW can redefine the landscape of stadium-level professional wrestling in North America.

The outcomes of this event will create a significant domino effect. It will dictate the creative direction of the company for the foreseeable future. The three main events are poised to crown definitive champions, settle long-simmering blood feuds, and forge new legacies. The undercard is strategically crafted to manage a deep roster, create new rivalries, and elevate future stars. The results will not exist in a vacuum. They will set the stage for the next year of AEW programming. This will establish who holds the power. It will determine who is next in line. It will decide what stories will capture the imagination of its audience. The violent finality of a Texas Death Match will have consequences. The crowning of a new Unified Champion is also significant. Every match carries consequences that will ripple through the promotion. This is AEW going all in, once again.

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