First Look At AEW Grand Slam Australia Stage

AEW is back in Australia — and this time, the first images hitting social media are already changing the conversation.

Footage from inside the Sydney venue has surfaced ahead of AEW Grand Slam: Australia, giving fans their first look at the stage and ring setup for today’s show. The large LED panels, vibrant entrance display, and arena-wide lighting make it clear the company is aiming for a bigger visual presentation than last year.

That matters. In 2025, Grand Slam: Australia had its share of issues, but one of the biggest talking points wasn’t just the seating complaints — it was the ring itself. Fans watching the February 15 broadcast couldn’t ignore how small it looked on television. Social media lit up, with one viewer joking, “Was this ring built for ants?”

The reason was simple. Instead of shipping its own ring overseas, AEW borrowed one locally. Ringside News confirmed at the time that the company opted not to fly in its standard setup. On television, the difference was obvious. The ring looked dwarfed inside the venue, and the presentation felt off compared to AEW’s usual production standards.

Now, the early footage circulating online tells a different story. The ring visible in the new clips appears to be a full-sized AEW setup, filling the floor space properly and matching the scale of the stage design. Visually, it looks far more in line with what fans expect from a major international broadcast.

Last year’s event was already under scrutiny after fans paid premium prices for seats that didn’t match expectations. The smaller ring only fueled frustration. This time around, AEW seems determined to avoid those same mistakes — at least from a production standpoint.

What’s your reaction to the first look at this year’s setup? Drop your thoughts and feedback in the comments below.