After watching AEW All In: London 2024 at Wembley Stadium, I wanted to share my thoughts. In my view, the event was a resounding success, despite critiques about lower attendance compared to last year. Gathering 50,000 passionate fans at such a historic venue—outside the WWE context—should be celebrated as a major achievement for professional wrestling.
(Image Credit: AEW)
As someone who has extensively researched the history of British wrestling for my PhD thesis, I was especially thrilled to see elite British talent take centre stage. Watching Zack Sabre Jr., a seasoned veteran fresh off his NJPW G1 tournament win, extend that prestige by performing at Wembley was a highlight. Alongside him, fellow veterans like PAC, with his commanding presence, and the much-anticipated return of Nigel McGuinness, underscored that British wrestling is thriving. McGuinness, with his vast experience in the ring, will undoubtedly contribute to some great wrestling, whether his return is brief and manifests as a ‘final run’ or not. Beyond his in-ring prowess, McGuinness's deep knowledge and passion for the heritage and history of British professional wrestling will continue to be essential in preserving these traditions, skills, and cultural aspects for future generations.
The appearance of the Grizzled Young Veterans was also particularly significant. They are prime examples of the talent produced by the UK wrestling scene, whose success on the independent circuit led to their initial recruitment by WWE. After leaving WWE, they continued to build on their legacy, and seeing them perform on a grand stage again with AEW was a testament to their enduring influence.
Of course, one of the standout moments of the night was Will Ospreay’s show-stealing match. Ospreay, whose style is a dynamic blend of international influences—ranging from lucha libre to Japanese strong style—has become a global sensation. However, as I explored in my thesis, the adaptability of British wrestling identity is one of its greatest strengths. While Ospreay often showcases a more international style, he is equally capable of incorporating traditional British catch elements into his repertoire. His success on such a prominent stage holds significant implications for the British wrestling scene.
(Image Credit: AEW)
Ospreay’s ability to captivate audiences worldwide, while still representing the UK, could spark renewed interest in the British independent wrestling industry. His character and performances resonate with fans on an international level, and this might lead to greater public interest and lucrative opportunities for the UK scene, especially if Ospreay continues to perform in the UK outside of AEW, such as with promotions like RevPro. Although the scene is far from unhealthy, this success could result in a bigger revitalisation of the independent circuit, drawing more eyes to the rich talent pool within the UK, and perhaps encouraging more fans to engage with British wrestling in its various forms.
My passion for this moment stems not from nationalism, but from a deep commitment to the development and identity of professional wrestling in Britain. One of the key points I examined in my research is how British wrestling has often been overshadowed by larger, international promotions. However, what excites me most about this event is seeing that future UK grassroots talent now have another avenue to grow, succeed, and impact the industry without compromising their aspirations—something often unavoidable when joining WWE. While AEW is a major corporation and far from perfect, it has shown that cultural identity in professional wrestling can still flourish, allowing wrestlers to stay true to their roots.
This event highlighted how British wrestling, with its rich traditions, continues to contribute meaningfully to the global wrestling community. The prominent showcase of classic British styles, like catch wrestling, is a testament to the resilience and evolution of the sport in the UK—an evolution I discussed in detail in my thesis.
For those of us who care about the future of British wrestling, AEW All In: London 2024 was a pivotal moment. It demonstrated that British wrestling has a vibrant future—one that honours its storied past while embracing new opportunities. This is an exciting time not just for fans and practitioners, but for anyone passionate about the growth of British wrestling from the grassroots level, and the ability for these talents to thrive without compromising their vision.
Comments