AEW Grand Slam: Australia Backlash Grows as Fans Feel “Ripped Off” Over Event Changes

AEW’s first-ever event in Australia isn’t going as planned, and fans aren’t happy. What was originally set to be a massive stadium show at Suncorp Stadium has now been downsized to a much smaller event at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre—and many fans are feeling scammed over the changes.

Over on r/squaredcircle, one frustrated fan wrote, “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.” That post quickly set off a wave of backlash, with others expressing their disappointment.

One fan had hoped AEW’s original vision for the show would have been enough to win over their non-wrestling friends but now feels completely let down. “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.”

Another fan who planned to attend admitted they wouldn’t be too upset if AEW just scrapped the whole thing. “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.”

Some have even said they won’t bother with AEW in the future if this is how the company handles international events. “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 fan who spent $4,500 on tickets, hotels, and flights says AEW has lost them as a customer. “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.”

Adding to the frustration, moving to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre means fans have to deal with extra travel costs. “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 nowhere near Suncorp Stadium and PT isn’t running out to the Entertainment Centre that weekend.”

One would think a smaller venue would mean better seats, but one fan says their new placement is even worse. “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.”

Originally slated for Suncorp Stadium, the February 15, 2025 the event was relocated due to low ticket sales. WrestleRadio Australia confirmed the new venue back in November 2024 as the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, which holds 13,500 fans—a major drop from Suncorp’s 52,000-seat setup.

AEW’s Grand Slam: Australia was meant to be a huge statement for the company’s international expansion, but ticket sales didn’t matched the expectations. After moving the event to the smaller Brisbane Entertainment Centre, AEW started offering two-for-one ticket deals to help fill the seats.

AEW made history with All In at Wembley Stadium, but the same excitement hasn’t carried over to Australia. With AEW Grand Slam: Australia just over a week away, will the company find a way to make it up to fans, or is this event already doomed?

Would you still attend AEW Grand Slam: Australia, or has the event already been ruined? Drop your thoughts in the comments!