Petition Urges AEW to End Programming After Violent All Out 2024 Spots

AEW All Out delivered a night of intense matches and jaw-dropping moments, with violence being a prominent theme throughout the event. However, the brutality on display has sparked controversy, with some fans now calling for the termination of AEW programming due to its graphic content.

One of the most shocking moments of the night occurred during the brutal Lights Out Steel Cage match between Swerve Strickland and Adam Page. The match took a dark turn when Strickland stabbed Page in the head, leading to Page retaliating by taking Strickland’s grill and using a hypodermic needle on him. The violence escalated until Page sealed his victory with a decisive chair shot, leaving Strickland seriously injured and requiring medical attention after the match.

Earlier in the event, Jon Moxley pushed boundaries even further by attempting to suffocate Bryan Danielson with a plastic bag, causing fans to chant “This is murder!” in response to the disturbing scene.

The level of violence displayed during AEW All Out has now prompted one fan to start an online petition calling for AEW programming to be terminated. The petition, which has gained 29 signatures so far with a goal of 50, was shared on Twitter and tagged prominent organizations like Warner Bros. and Save the Children. In the petition, the fan expressed deep concern over the graphic depictions of violence, as well as accusations of promoting racism and violence towards women.

“I am drafting this petition out of personal concern. As a horrified viewer, I witnessed AEW broadcasts involving graphic depictions of violence and murder, including a scene where a man was suffocated on live TV and another where a hypodermic needle was thrust into a man’s face,” the fan wrote, further emphasizing the potential impact on young viewers who may be exposed to such content.

The petition goes on to cite studies from the American Psychological Association, highlighting the long-term effects of violent media on children and the potential for reinforcing harmful stereotypes through the portrayal of racism and misogyny. The fan calls for regulatory bodies and TV networks to take action and reconsider their support of AEW programming.

Despite the petition, AEW’s leadership has yet to respond publicly to the criticism. The promotion is known for its violent and hard-hitting style, and it’s expected that AEW will continue to maintain its signature brutality in matches, which is a core aspect of their programming.

What do you think about the level of violence in AEW? Should there be limits on what’s shown during matches, or is this part of what makes AEW stand out from other wrestling promotions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!