All In 1 And The Incredible Rise Of AEW

It all started with a bet! Here’s the story of how a few men put on one of the biggest independent shows ever – All In.

Saturday, September 1st, 2018 saw the biggest independent wrestling show in history when Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks put on the event ‘All In’ at the Sears Center in Chicago. The event was the first non-WWE or WCW show in the USA to sell more than 10,000 tickets since 1993.

Held at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, “All In” was the brainchild of Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson), and their compatriots in the elite independent wrestling scene. This landmark pay-per-view (PPV) event not only showcased the immense talent thriving outside the WWE but also planted the seeds for what would become All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a major player in the wrestling industry.

The Genesis of All In

The journey to “All In” began with a challenge. In 2017, a fan asked wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer if Ring of Honor (ROH), a prominent independent wrestling promotion, could sell 10,000 tickets for a single event. Meltzer responded that it was unlikely, prompting Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks to take up the gauntlet. They set out to create a show that would not only meet this challenge but exceed expectations on all fronts.

With backing from ROH and various independent promotions, the trio assembled a diverse and dynamic roster, featuring stars from New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), Impact Wrestling, and other independent circuits. The event was marketed primarily through social media and the trio’s popular YouTube series, “Being The Elite,” which had cultivated a dedicated fanbase.

Cody Rhodes on All In

Rhodes said that funding, planning and executive-producing All In — the biggest independent wrestling show ever, which took place on Saturday, Sept. 1st with a sold-out crowd of more than 11,000 at Sears Centre near Chicago — with The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) is his biggest achievement yet.

“This will be the biggest thing I ever do,” Rhodes said backstage at the ROH television taping in Philadelphia this past weekend. “ … I’m not going to say this is a game-changing thing; I’m not going to say it’s Woodstock for wrestling.

But it definitely does have the potential, when we wake up Sept. 2, to be a completely different wrestling world we live in, because this hasn’t been done. It hasn’t been self-funded, self-promoted, and it hasn’t crossed the different borders that you’re not supposed to cross.”

Rhodes praised ROH COO Joe Koff for not only allowing the show to happen, but also for his willingness to help make it a success.

Forward Thinking

“Joe Koff has been incredibly helpful, because he could’ve shut this all down,” Rhodes said. [The Young Bucks and I] are exclusive to Ring of Honor, [and] this is running in the States. But I like the forward thinking of what he’s done by just saying, ‘Go for it. And you know what, if you want our world champion or [announcer] Ian Riccaboni, then go for it.’”

In addition to the booked ROH talent, Rhodes and The Bucks have also booked stars from New Japan Pro-Wrestling, CMLL, Lucha Libre AAA and Impact Wrestling. This was extremely exciting for wrestling fans, but did create some drama behind the scenes:

“We got reamed over CMLL talent and New Japan talent, and then non-CMLL talent — we’ve crossed some streams that we shouldn’t have crossed,” Rhodes said, “but, hey, we’re just three guys. And you know what? We’re gonna do it.

“[We have] a definitive vision, and the definitive vision is that of the wrestlers. I say all the time how much I loved my time in WWE, but WWE doesn’t own pro wrestling. Nobody can ever own pro wrestling. To give a show back to the wrestlers is giving the show back to the fans, too. … If you don’t see what this show does, then you shouldn’t be behind the scenes in wrestling in the first place.

If you can’t see what this could do for wrestlers who want to make a little bit more money; for wrestlers who don’t necessarily want to go to WWE but still want to wrestle in front of over a thousand people.”

The Card

Zero Hour Pre-Show (On WGN America)

The Briscoes vs. SCU
The Over Budget Battle Royale: Bran Cutler, Colt Cabana, Marko Stunt, Jimmy Jacobs, Billy Gunn, Brian Cage, Rocky Romero, Jordynne Grace, Ethan Page, Moose, and more.

Main Card

The Young Bucks and Kota Ibushi vs. Rey Mysterio, Rey Fenix and Bandido
Hangman Page vs. Joey Janela
Marty Scurll vs. Kazuchika Okada
Christopher Daniels vs. Stephen Amell
Britt Bakers vs. Tessa Blanchard vs. Ashley Rayne vs. Chelsea Green
Kenny Omega vs. Pentagon Jr.
Jay Lethal vs. The Winner of the Over Budget Battle Royale (Ring of Honor World Championship)
Nick Aldis vs Cody (NWA Championship)

“All In” featured an eclectic mix of matches that highlighted the best of professional wrestling’s independent scene. The card included:

Cody Rhodes vs. Nick Aldis for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship: This match was particularly significant as Cody sought to capture the same title his father, Dusty Rhodes, had held decades earlier. The emotional and hard-fought battle ended with Cody emerging victorious, cementing his status as a top-tier performer and storyteller.
Kenny Omega vs. Penta El Zero: A dream match for many fans, Omega, one of the biggest stars in NJPW, faced off against the enigmatic and charismatic Penta. Their high-octane bout delivered on all fronts, showcasing their unique styles and athletic prowess.
The Golden Elite (Kota Ibushi and The Young Bucks) vs. Rey Mysterio, Bandido, and Fenix: This six-man tag team match served as the main event and epitomized the fast-paced, high-flying action that fans had come to expect from The Young Bucks. Despite time constraints, the match was a thrilling conclusion to the event.
Marty Scurll vs. Kazuchika Okada: Another standout match featured British wrestler Marty Scurll taking on NJPW star Kazuchika Okada. The clash of styles and Scurll’s underdog narrative made this a memorable contest.
Hangman Page vs. Joey Janela in a Chicago Street Fight: This brutal and chaotic encounter showcased the hardcore wrestling genre, with both men taking significant risks to entertain the crowd.

The Impact of All In

“All In” was a resounding success, selling out the Sears Centre with over 11,000 fans in attendance and receiving critical acclaim for its production value and match quality. The event proved that there was a significant market for alternative wrestling products and that independent wrestlers could draw large crowds and create buzz comparable to WWE events.

The success of “All In” had far-reaching implications. It caught the attention of billionaire Tony Khan, a long-time wrestling fan, and the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Inspired by the event, Khan approached Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks, and Kenny Omega with the idea of starting a new wrestling promotion. This led to the formation of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in January 2019.

Critical Reception

“All In” 2018 was not just a landmark event for fans but also received significant praise from wrestling critics. The show’s success was marked by its innovative presentation, high-quality matches, and overall impact on the wrestling industry. Here, we explore some of the notable reviews from well-known critics who covered the event.

Dave Meltzer, editor of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, was one of the most prominent voices praising “All In.” Meltzer awarded high ratings to several matches on the card, highlighting the diverse talent and match quality. He was particularly impressed with the Cody Rhodes vs. Nick Aldis match for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, noting the historical significance and emotional depth of the bout.

Meltzer also commended the event for its seamless production and the electric atmosphere created by the fans. He noted that “All In” was a testament to what independent wrestling could achieve when given a grand stage. Meltzer’s reviews emphasized the importance of the event in showcasing non-WWE talent and its role in paving the way for the formation of AEW.

Wade Keller – Pro Wrestling Torch

Wade Keller, founder and editor of Pro Wrestling Torch, also gave “All In” glowing reviews. Keller praised the event for its variety and pacing, noting that each match brought something unique to the table. He highlighted the Kenny Omega vs. Penta El Zero match as a standout, citing the in-ring chemistry and athleticism displayed by both competitors.

Keller appreciated the storytelling aspects of the event, particularly in the Cody Rhodes vs. Nick Aldis match. He acknowledged the emotional investment from the crowd, which enhanced the viewing experience. Keller concluded that “All In” was a major success and a significant moment in wrestling history, setting a new standard for independent wrestling events.

Bryan Alvarez – Figure Four Online

Bryan Alvarez of Figure Four Online echoed the sentiments of his peers, praising “All In” for its ambitious vision and execution. Alvarez focused on the technical aspects of the matches, noting the high level of performance across the card. He singled out the six-man tag team main event featuring The Golden Elite and the team of Rey Mysterio, Bandido, and Fenix for its fast-paced, high-flying action.

Alvarez also appreciated the diversity of styles showcased at “All In,” from the hardcore street fight between Hangman Page and Joey Janela to the classic wrestling displayed in the Marty Scurll vs. Kazuchika Okada match. He commended the event’s ability to cater to different tastes within the wrestling community, making it a well-rounded show.

Jason Powell – ProWrestling.net

Jason Powell of ProWrestling.net provided a comprehensive review of “All In,” highlighting the event’s successful blend of entertainment and athleticism. Powell was particularly impressed with the production quality, considering it was primarily organized by wrestlers with limited experience in running large-scale events. He noted that the seamless transitions between matches and the overall presentation were on par with major promotions.

Powell praised the storytelling throughout the event, particularly in the Cody Rhodes vs. Nick Aldis match, which he described as a “masterclass in wrestling psychology.” He also highlighted the crowd’s enthusiasm, which contributed to the event’s success and created a memorable experience for both attendees and viewers at home.

Scott Fishman – TV Insider

Scott Fishman of TV Insider lauded “All In” for its innovative approach and the way it broke new ground in the wrestling industry. Fishman emphasized the significance of the event in providing a platform for independent wrestlers to showcase their talents on a grand stage. He noted that “All In” succeeded in creating a buzz that extended beyond the wrestling community, drawing attention from mainstream media.

Fishman also highlighted the importance of the event in setting the stage for AEW. He noted that “All In” demonstrated the viability of an alternative wrestling promotion and showcased the potential for new stars to emerge outside of WWE. Fishman’s review underscored the event’s role in changing the wrestling landscape and inspiring future projects.

Conclusion

The critical acclaim for “All In” 2018 from prominent wrestling journalists and critics highlighted the event’s success in multiple dimensions. Reviews consistently praised the diverse match card, high-quality performances, and innovative storytelling. The event’s production quality and the electric atmosphere created by the fans were also key points of admiration.

“All In” was not just a wrestling show; it was a statement of intent and a proof of concept for what independent wrestling could achieve. The positive reviews from respected critics underscored its impact on the industry and its role in paving the way for the rise of AEW. The event’s success demonstrated that there was a significant market for alternative wrestling products, setting the stage for a new era in professional wrestling.

You can read our review of the event right here.

The Rise of AEW

With financial backing from Khan and creative direction from Rhodes, The Young Bucks, and Omega, AEW quickly positioned itself as a formidable competitor to WWE. The promotion’s inaugural event, “Double or Nothing,” took place in May 2019 and was met with widespread acclaim, solidifying AEW’s presence in the wrestling world.

AEW’s weekly television show, “Dynamite,” debuted on TNT in October 2019, bringing professional wrestling back to the network for the first time since the end of WCW in 2001. “Dynamite” has consistently garnered strong ratings and has become a platform for showcasing a mix of established stars and emerging talent. There is a lot of debate amongst fans now however, that AEW is using too many ex WWE stars and not focusing on solid storylines. This will all be debated in another article.

Key Factors in AEW’s Success

Diverse Roster: AEW’s roster includes a blend of wrestling veterans, indie darlings, and rising stars, providing a fresh and varied viewing experience. Stars like Chris Jericho, Jon Moxley (formerly Dean Ambrose in WWE), and Kenny Omega have been instrumental in drawing fans to the promotion. However, some fans would argue that these names, particularly Chris Jericho, are keeping other worthy talent off the shows.
Creative Freedom: AEW has emphasized creative freedom for its wrestlers, allowing them to develop their characters and storylines organically. This approach has resonated with fans tired of the often rigid and scripted nature of WWE programming. Once again though, there is an argument to be had about a lack of storytelling with it’s stars, leading to thrown together matches with no real backstory.
Fan Engagement: AEW has leveraged social media and its YouTube series, “Being The Elite,” to build a strong connection with its fanbase. This direct engagement has fostered a sense of community and loyalty among fans.
Quality Matches: AEW has prioritized high-quality matches and this is obviously great, but the feeling is the company needs to also focus on quality storytelling to boost these great matches.

“All In” was more than just a wrestling event; it was a statement of intent and a catalyst for change in the professional wrestling industry. The show’s success proved that there was a hunger for alternative wrestling content and that independent wrestlers could thrive on a major stage. The rise of AEW can be directly traced back to the vision and determination that brought “All In” to life. Today, AEW continues to grow, offering fans a compelling and dynamic alternative to WWE and ensuring that the spirit of “All In” lives on in the world of professional wrestling.

General Info

Name of the event: ALL IN – “The Biggest Independent Wrestling Show Ever”

Date: 01.09.2018

Promotion: Wrestling In The USA – Freelance Shows

Type: Pay Per View

Location: Hoffman Estates, Illinois, USA

Arena: Sears Centre Arena

Attendance: 11.263

Broadcast type: Live

Broadcast date: 01.09.2018

TV station/network: FITE TV

Commentary by: Don Callis, Excalibur, Ian Riccaboni, Mandy Leon, Tenille Dashwood & Brent Tarring

Thanks to Sportingnews.com for the Cody Rhodes quotes.

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