All Elite Wrestling is looking to make a statement this year as they look to host three stadium shows. Andrew Zarian reported on February 9 that the company planned to add another stadium show to its 2024 live event schedule.
In a new report from Zarian, AEW could potentially hold two events at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York.
On Twitter, Zarian revealed that AEW and New Japan Pro Wrestling will collaborate for another Forbidden Door show. However, the event will occur at Arthur Ashe Stadium in June instead of in an arena.
It’s worth noting that AEW has not officially announced the location and date for AEWxNJPW Forbidden Door. That said, the event has occurred in June for the last two years, so it seems possible. AEW has also tried to host shows in bigger venues over the previous year, and it is not surprising that they would try to add a third stadium event to their schedule.
AEW To Host Two Events At Arthur Ashe Stadium?
The announcement to have AEWxNJPW Forbidden Door at Arthur Ashe Stadium is surprising as they have held AEW Grand Slam at the venue for three years. However, the annual September event could be moved to a different location this year.
Zarian had shared information on AEW Grand Slam on Twitter but deleted the post, citing that it was “…Too soon to announce the location.”
An hour later, he confirmed plans were being changed and didn’t share where AEW Grand Slam would be held.
AEW Live Attendance Struggles
The decision to have potentially three stadium events is ambitious, as the company struggles with live attendance. On February 21, AEW held their weekly live episode, AEW Dynamite, at the BOK Center in Tusla, Oklahoma. WrestleTix reported on Twitter the show had a low attendance, with less than 3,300 tickets in a venue that can hold over 10,000.
Although the AEW may struggle in attendance weekly, they have been able to do well for their pay-per-views. On March 3, the company will host AEW Revolution at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex in Greensboro, North Carolina. WrestleTix shared on Twitter recently that close to 17,000 tickets have been sold in a venue that can hold over 20,000 in attendance.
AEW also has AEW All In at Wembley Stadium in London, England, on August 25, which is doing well. WrestleTix noted on Twitter, February 17 that 39,190 tickets had been distributed, and the company had yet to announce a match.
The decision to have AEWxNJPW Forbidden Door could be lucrative based on their PPV trends. However, it is unclear if potentially two Arthur Ashe Stadium shows guarantee the same success.
