AEW and WWE Headed for Venue Showdown at ECW’s Old Home in Philly

AEW might have locked in a massive seven-show run at the legendary 2300 Arena this August—but WWE is jumping in first with a bold move of their own.

According to a new report from WrestleVotes on May 29, “We’re told WWE has an interesting location lined up for an upcoming NXT TV — Tuesday, August 19 at the 2300 Arena in Philly. That show comes just one week before AEW kicks off its 7-show residency at the same venue.”

That update adds a major twist to the escalating turf war between AEW and WWE, especially with both companies now targeting the former ECW stronghold within days of each other.

AEW previously confirmed its first-ever residency at the 2300 Arena, with seven shows between August 27 and September 11. It kicks off with AEW Dynamite on August 27, followed by Collision on August 30, another Dynamite on September 3, ROH Death Before Dishonor on September 5, another Collision on September 6, a third Dynamite on September 10, and a special Collision taping on September 11. There’s also unconfirmed chatter that AEW may co-promote a Dean Rasmussen tribute show during the same stretch.

And now WWE is jumping in early with NXT—firing the first shot just days before AEW takes over the building.

This news adds to the ongoing rivalry between the two companies, especially after AEW already blocked WWE from running the Hammerstein Ballroom this December. WWE NXT had wanted to return there after a successful night in Philly earlier this month, but AEW swooped in and locked down December 20 and 21 for ROH Final Battle and Collision instead.

With the 2300 Arena—aka the original ECW Arena—being such sacred ground for hardcore wrestling fans, both companies are clearly trying to tap into that history while staking their claim on the East Coast.

AEW and WWE aren’t just fighting over ratings anymore—they’re fighting for the soul of pro wrestling’s most iconic venues.