A controversy has emerged regarding the ring used at AEW Grand Slam: Australia. While a social media claim suggested that AEW had forgotten to ship their ring to Brisbane due to freight timing miscalculations, this has been definitively proven false.
The Facts
The ring used at the Australian event was an 18′ x 18′ ring, smaller than AEW’s standard 20′ x 20′ ring used in the United States. It was rented from local promotion PWA as part of a business arrangement made months in advance.
Ring Size Context
The 18′ x 18′ size is actually an industry standard, used by numerous prominent wrestling promotions including TNA, ROH, and most independent companies. WCW and WCW also used 18-foot rings until they shuttered in 2001.
Important Clarifications
AEW has not shipped their rings overseas as a standard practice. This approach is similar to WWE, which maintains rings in overseas locations rather than shipping them for international events.
The ring aprons and other elements were properly scaled for the 18′ x 18′ dimensions, contrary to claims suggesting otherwise. Additionally, most AEW wrestlers are already experienced with performing in rings of this size.
Several AEW personalities have commented on the controversy, including qt Marshall, Will Ospreay and Buddy Matthews.