AEW Drops A “Saturday Tailgate Brawl” To Fire Up All Out Night!

All Elite Wrestling refuses to let Saturdays go stale. This September 20, 2025, AEW’s All Out pay-per-view—the seventh annual blockbuster—will blaze into Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. But fans may be surprised: AEW has quietly added a new twist to dial up the excitement—a primetime, TNT “lead‑in” special dubbed AEW Saturday Tailgate Brawl, airing at 7 p.m. ET, one hour before the main card launches at 8 p.m. ET.

Why It Matters

Typically, AEW’s pre‑show, known as Zero Hour, takes place online—usually on YouTube. But this time, with Collision preempted by All Out, AEW is stepping onto national television earlier than ever. This is the first pivot of its kind and could redefine how AEW builds momentum for its biggest events.

The Strategic Battleground

This move gains even more weight when viewed through the lens of competition. On the same night, WWE is debuting Wrestlepalooza, the first premium live event in its new ESPN partnership, starting at 7 p.m. ET. That means AEW’s Tailgate Brawl goes head-to-head with WWE’s debut, immediately setting up a ratings showdown.

AEW also pulls out all the stops earlier in the week. On Wednesday, September 17, TBS is hosting a special “September to Remember” tripleheader: Dynamite goes on at 8 p.m., followed by a full hour of Collision starting at 10 p.m., and capped off with Countdown to All Out 2025 during the second hour of Collision. That’s nearly four hours of AEW dominance before All Out even hits.

A Multiplatform Power Play

Let’s not forget AEW’s wider strategy: since January, both Dynamite and Collision have been simulcast on Max, and still air on TBS and TNT respectively. Not only does this maximize exposure, it’s paying off—Collision’s cable viewership is up 25%, and Dynamite’s up 6.5%, particularly in the coveted 25–54 demographic.

What It All Means

A bigger, bolder ramp-up: “Saturday Tailgate Brawl” turns what used to be a soft digital pre‑show into a must-watch, primetime TV event.

Direct competition — not just for PPVs, but for eyeballs: With WWE’s Wrestlepalooza running at the same time, AEW isn’t just airing All Out—they’re challenging WWE to the last second.

Cementing a multiplatform identity: Simulcasting on TV and streaming isn’t just smart—it keeps AEW omnipresent across old and new forms of media.

Why IndyProWrestling.com Fans Should Tune In

The Tailgate Brawl isn’t just AEW thinking outside the box—it’s redefining how to gear up for a major PPV. It’s TV, it’s hype, it’s counterprogramming with teeth. For fans of indies and big-league dynamics alike, this is a bold move worth watching—not just for the matches, but for the wrestling landscape itself.