AEW Grand Slam: Australia will mark the promotion’s first event in the country, though feelings on the show remain mixed. What AEW had intended to be a massive event in Suncorp Stadium, will instead be a much smaller affair in the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. With just two matches confirmed at time of writing, it remains to be seen what kind of show awaits fans down under.
On the subreddit r/squaredcircle, one user shared that they were “feeling scammed” by the changes to the show given how much they have already paid.
“I feel totally ripped off and scammed. What went from a 4 hour event with finales to feuds and insane matches has just become a weekly TV taping? This is absolutely shameful.”
Their post led to several fans sharing their backlash to the event. One fan had hoped that the previously-promised massive event would have won over their non-wrestling friends.
“I convinced a bunch of non-wrestling friends to come with me and some to FLY here from across the country… until the recent announcement that the SHOW HAS BEEN DOWNGRADED TO A TV TAPING. From a 4-hour PPV to a 2-hour Collision. That is absolutely such a kick in the balls.”
One fan who is set to attend the show revealed they wouldn’t mind seeing their first time attending an AEW event be cancelled.
“Honestly if they cancelled the show I’d be so bummed out but also would sort of be happy to get my $750 back. Obviously don’t want that to happen but it’s been such a drag that if they did it I’ve already been beat down enough where I’d not care that much.”
One fan said the experience had made them swear off attending any future AEW events, if the company ever returns to Australia at all.
“I hate travelling, money’s tight right now but I figured at least I’d get to see AEW put on a huge show… I’d never go see an AEW show again but honestly I doubt they’ll come back anyway after how this debacle went.”
One of te commenters was in a similar boat and similarly was through paying to attend AEW events after their debacle with Grand Slam: Australia.
“I’ve spent $4,500 for tickets, hotel and flights for the weekend. Only my wife and I going. I honestly wouldn’t go to another AEW show, the amount of money spent on this one show wouldn’t even be worth it with a PPV, let alone what we’re being dished up.”
The move of location, reportedly due to poor ticket sales, has added an extra cost for one commenter on the thread:
“Between tickets, flights & accommodation I spent over $1,000 and now I still have to pay for a 30 minute Uber because the Brisbane Entertainment Centre is no where near Suncorp Stadium and PT isn’t running out to the Entertainment Centre that weekend.”
While one would assume moving to a smaller venue would guarantee fans a better look of the action, one commenter said they’ve been moved to “crap seats at the back of the venue.” They added that AEW Grand Slam: Australia has been a disappointment every step of the way.
“They picked the worst location, did practically zero marketing for it, f****d over fans with the relocation and now cut the show into half of what it’s supposed to be. Unless this event ends up making all this s*** worthwhile, I will not bother attending an AEW event in the future if this is how poorly they handle things.”
AEW saw massive success with its All In events in the UK, but that excitement hasn’t translated over to Australia. With Grand Slam just over a week away, it remains to be seen what can be done, if anything, to win over disgruntled fans.