AS I SEE IT
Bob Magee
Pro Wrestling Between the Sheets
PWBTS.com
Last Wednesday, Warner Brothers Discovery, HBO Max and AEW
announced the expansion of their six-year relationship, with
the launch of AEW PPV events on HBO Max for US subscribers,
starting with AEW All Out on Saturday, September 20 at 3:00
pm ET from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada.
HBO Max will stream live AEW PPVs without ads, with all AEW
TV marketing and promotion of AEW PPV events primarily
centered on HBO Max (as seen on last week's TV). Preorders
for AEW All Out on HBO Max launched last Friday (September
5), allowing US HBO Max subscribers with supported devices
to buy the event for the discounted price of $39.99. Access
to PPV content and ability to access may vary by
subscription provider (note: as of this writing...unlike
ESPN Unlimited, ALL OUT is accessible to Xfinity viewers).
So, John...we still can't see you...
HBO Max users with a base subscription and a supported
device can log on to purchase the event, which will be
highlighted throughout the app or found in search. Once a
purchase is complete, subscribers can find the event under
“My Purchases” via the “My Stuff” page on the HBO Max menu.
After the event, replays will be exclusively available for
six months for purchasers.
The Saturday prior to ALL OUT, September 20, TNT and HBO Max
will air AEW Saturday Tailgate Brawl: All Out at 2 p.m. ET,
a one-hour live show that will get fans’ adrenaline pumping
for the afternoon’s main attraction. On the preceding
Wednesday, September 17, TBS and HBO Max will be live from
London, Ontario for a special three-hour show... September
to Remember... starting at 8:00 pm ET featuring AEW’s
biggest names in non-stop high-flying action as they set the
stage for the signature pay-per-view event that weekend.
The Warner Brothers Discovery release continued saying
"The addition of AEW PPV events on HBO Max continues an
incredible year for AEW programming across WBD networks and
platforms, delivering the widest offering for AEW fans
ever."....[then commented } how AEW programming has reached
more than 11 million fans so far this year across TBS/TNT,
with AEW Dynamite on TBS ranking as Wednesday’s #1 cable
entertainment program among 18-49. AEW Collision also ranks
among the top 5 programs in its Saturday time slot among 18-
49. TNT’s April 26 Collision delivered the show’s third
largest total viewers ever, and TBS’ AEW Grand Slam Mexico
on June 18 had the most watched AEW Dynamite episode among
25-54 in nearly a year (July 2024)."
In addition, John Williams of UK's ITV4 said the following:
"The latest installment of #AEWDynamite on ITV4 in the UK
recorded a triple digit increase (year on year) on the same
show in September 20" . Tony Khan clarified it's up
there 104%.
AEW has received a ton of publicity for moving ALL OUT to
the afternoon. There are people both pro and con regarding
the move. Some fans see it as giving in to WWE bullying.
It's not that at all. The business Tony Khan runs is just
that: a business...not a business of comparing whose dick is
bigger. Why go on a suicide mission against a show where WWE
will throw on everyone short of Frank Gotch when you don't
have to and lose $1 million?
First, its clear that AEW has done well with afternoon PPVs,
most notably ALL IN (#4 in all-time buys for AEW) and
Forbidden Door. But here's what critics of the move (and
most everyone) seems to have missed: the move gives a clear
shot for the AEW PPV debut on HBO MAX, an important part of
AEW's business strategy.
As one fan said on BlueSky, AEW has used the WWE machine
against itself. Fans online now know exactly when ALL OUT is
starting, with AEW removing any further WWE counter-
programming opportunities toward ALL OUT. NXT already has a
PPV scheduled for September 27, and likely can't move the
date to counter-program the change with this little notice.
There's a real autumnal feel in the air here in South
Jersey. There are still a few hot days to come, but schools
are open everywhere, the NFL season started this weekend,
pumpkin spice everything is appearing...and Spirit Halloween
has opened. The leaves are getting some color in upstate
Pennsylvania and New York (and one across the street from me
in South Jersey). That means that wrestling indies need to
start thinking about the season of giving...NOW.
Over the fall and Holiday season of 2024, AS I SEE IT
reported on how the independent wrestling community reached
out to those in need.
Independent promotions throughout the United States and
Canada held events to help their communities during the
Holiday season through wrestling shows, Comic-Cons, playing
video games,10-day marathons sitting on top of a trailer,
bowling parties, online trivia contests, chicken BBQ's,
portrait sittings, Twitch streams, and a dozen other means.
Fans in 31 states and provinces gave and gave at
170 charity shows/events/efforts that took place to
help their communities for the Holidays with that came to
369,707.70 in cash donations, 18,081
pounds (that's OVER NINE TONS) of canned and non-
perishable food, 26,843 toys; at least 60 winter
jackets, at least 70 pairs of socks and underwear,
250 backpacks, "bags full of winter clothes" and "tons of
school supplies", 40 blankets, 8 pairs of gloves, a dozen
pair of wool socks, 4 knit hats, over 200assorted
"personal care items"; as well as animal blankets, cat
litter, indoor dry/wet food, cat/dog toys, and unscented
baby wipes for animal rescue groups.
In all those events, they asked fans to do one small thing.
Just "one small thing". But that "one small thing" meant the
world to someone you will never meet.
One can of soup meant that someone was fed for a meal. One
box of rice meant that a family was fed for a week or more.
One warm coat meant an older person won't shiver
uncontrollably when they walk to the market or to a doctor's
appointment.
One toy meant that a child is allowed a moment of innocence
and joy, often the same child who has gone through fear and
deprivation for far too long.
One "small thing" that was anything but small.
Just take a look at the faces of the thousands of children
given toys in southern Florida by Stuff The Bus in Florida,
or in South Jersey by United Wrestling Coalition in New
Jersey, or Major Wrestling Figure Podcast and Ringside
Collectibles, or ask the survivors of domestic violence
helped with sanctuary and counseling by Women of Nations
Eagles Nest Shelter because Midwest All Star Wrestling
presented the annual Women of Nations Grand Slam, or the
1,000 families fed by an effort of Southern California
indies, or thousands of other families provided toys, winter
jacket, or cans of food through Detroit Warm, Detroit
Goodfellows, and Covenant House from a Juggalo Championship
Wrestling show
Given the current regime in Washington, far, far more help
will be needed from every private source possible to help
the hungry, the sick, the cold, the homeless, LGBT people,
sexual/domestic violence victims, animal welfare, and too
many more causes. Indies, it's time to start planning what
you can do NOW.
Fans, if your local indie hasn't scheduled or announced an
event or events for the Holiday season, ask them why not.
Better yet, offer to help them organize one. It might be you
that needs help tomorrow.
51 indie promotions have scheduled a total of
78 shows and events through the end of the Holiday
Season:
* Big Time Wrestling returned to Newark, CA on August 8 for
Family Giving Tree, and the third annual Back-To-School
Backpack Drive collecting 62 backpacks for local kids in
need, grades K-12.
* EPW Wrestling came to Philadelphia, MS on August 9 for the
annual Headlocks for Toys Toy Drive, with WWE/WCW/nWo star
Buff Bagwell, collecting over 100 toys.
* Ottawa/Gatineau, ON independent Mystery Wrestling ran a
24-hour livestream wrestling match on August 11/12 raising
$36,900 CDN ($26,802.50 US) for the 14th annual Fighting
Back: Wrestling with Cancer effort.
* Capital City Championship Wrestling returned to Ottawa, ON
on August 15, raising a collective total for the Canadian
Cancer Society of $132,000 CDN/$95,517.20 US at the 14th
annual Fighting Back: Wrestling with Cancer.
* Supreme Pro Wrestling teamed up with Alex's Lemonade Stand
Foundation to raise money for its annual fundraiser against
childhood cancer on August 17 in Elk Grove, CA raising
$3,790.
* Mall Mania, a wrestling event and fan expo with Tommy
Dreamer and Arn Anderson, came to the Four Seasons Town
Centre in Greensboro, NC on August 17 and raised $300 for
Blue Hearts for Autism.
* Pro Wrestling King, in cooperation with Fishers BBQ and
Chips' Annual School Supplies Drive, held a Pack a Back Pack
show on August 17 in South Bend, IN, collecting 30 full back
packs with school supplies, and shoes.
* Love Wrestling Canada did their August 19 Quizplex monthly
online fundraiser, raising $150 for Dallas Hope Charities.
* Prestige Wrestling ran its most unique show ever on August
23 in Hillsboro, OR for FJR raising $4,500 for RAINN-
the nation's largest sexual abuse charity.
* No Fold Pro Wrestling returned to Murphysboro, TN on
August 24 and raised $48 for Special Olympics.
* Memphis Wrestling came to Tupelo, MS at the Tupelo
Furniture Market on August 22 to raise money for St. Jude
Children's Research Hospital with Rikishi appearing, raising
at least $25,000 at this event.
* Rock Solid Wrestling returned to Kirkland Lake, ON on
August 23 to benefit the Community Living Kirkland Lake in
Kirkland Lake, ON; which assists developmentally challenged
adults, raising at least $3,000.
* West Coast Pro Wrestling returned to Oakland, CA on
September 4, to benefit Oakland for All.
* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Barrie, ON on
September 6; canned food collection for local food bank
* EMERGE Professional Wrestling returned to Columbus, IN on
September 6, with a food pantry collection for Love Chapel,
filling a truck with around 50 pounds of canned/non-
perishable food
* Smash Master Wrasslin/Phantom Six Wrestling/5XW presented
Smash Family Picnic in Bethlehem, PA on September 7; raising
$700 for cancer research
*GCW Charity Wrestling will also hold its fall and winter
series of wrestling shows and Comic-Cons, collecting food
for the local community food banks in each town in which
they run events; collecting non-perishable and food items
including kids school snacks, juice (boxes and large),
canned veggies/fruit, canned pasta, cereal, toothpaste/
soap/toiletries, pet foods, diapers and baby supplies.
As of September 5, they have collected 12,000pounds
(6 tons) so far this year and season.
Future shows scheduled thus far are: Peterborough,
ON/September 26, Kingston, ON/September 27, Fenelon Falls,
ON/September 28, Cobourg, ON/October 4, Aurora, ON/October 5
, Collingwood, ON/October 18, Bolton, ON/October 20, Great
Canadian Wrestling Expo/Oshawa, ON October 31-November 2,
Lindsay, ON/November 8, Meaford, ON/November 15, Orillia,
ON/November 16, Owen Sound, ON/November 22, Smith's Falls
ON/November 29, Brockville, ON/November 30, Newmarket,
ON/December 6, Oshawa, ON/December 27, Peterborough,
ON/January 3
* Insane Wrestling Revolution will be holding a drive to
bring back to school items, backpacks, or snacks for school
kids at their September 11 show in Monroe, MI.
* Show-Me State Wrestling presents Freedom Bash 2025 on
September 12 to benefit the Jefferson City Salvation Army
* 1CW Pro Wrestling presented Lines Cross on September 13 in
Houston, DE to benefit Autism Awareness
* NEOPro Wrestling returns to Niagara Falls, ON on September
13, collecting food for Project Share
* Wrestle Against Hunger returned to Tulsa, OK on September
13.
* Indiana Powerhouse Wrestling returns to Muncie, IN on
September 13, benefits suicide awareness.
* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Belleville, ON on
September 13; canned food collection for local food bank
* GCW Charity Wrestling returned to Whitby, ON/ on September
14; canned food collection for local food bank
* Cannonball Fest takes place on September 14 in New
Providence, NJ, to benefit Jeff Cannonball in his fight
against ALS
* 4Ever Pro Wrestling comes to Scottsburg, IN on September
19 for Going Gold for a childhood cancer awareness
fundraiser with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Bree's
Blessings.
* Limitless Wrestling returns to Westbrook, ME on September
20 to collect food for Locker Project Maine
* Ruthless Pro Wrestling takes part in BLEED FOR THE CAUSE:
Tables, Ladders, And Charity on September 20 at 1720 Venue
in Los Angeles with a pre-party taking place the night
before on the 19th at Knucklehead in Hollywood. A night of
ultra-violent wrestling and death metal for a good cause.
All profits will be donated directly to the LA Children's
hospital cancer ward. If you purchase a ticket for the main
event on the September 20 show that ticket to get into the
pre-party on the 19th! There will be vendors as well as
charity raffles to win merch and other prizes.
* No Fold Pro Wrestling returned to Murphysboro, IL on
September 21 to raise funds for Special Olympics.
* Journey Independent Championship Wrestling returned on
September 27 in Martinsville, IN for the Austin Fury
Memorial Tournament, raising money to benefit Suicide
Awareness.
* AML Wrestling returns to Winston-Salem, NC on September
27, benefits Bustin’ For Autism
* Crossfire Wrestling returned to The Merritton Lions Club,
St Catharines, ON on September 28, for FIRED UP 2025.
Partial proceeds will go to The Niagara Peninsula Foundation
for Children.
* Insane Wrestling Revolution will be holding a
toy/food/clothing drive at their October show (date to be
announced in September)
* Magnum Wrestling presents Over The Top at Granary Green,
Ralston, NE on October 3 to raise funds for All proceeds
from this event will go to Little Leaf Learning Center.
* Wrestling With Purpose presents A Night For Marcus on
October 3 in Pembroke, NC to benefit an area cancer victim.
* Did you get your tickets yet? IWF returns to North
Arlington, NJ on October 4th and limited seats remain!
World-class athletes compete for the Heavyweight, American,
Tag Team and Women's Championships - all to benefit the
Michael Robert Cammett Jr. Memorial Foundation.
* Imperial Wrestling Entertainment returns to Houghton Lake,
MI on October 4, collecting new and gently used costumes to
donate to needy families
* Timmy Global Health presents the 24th annual Timmy
Takedown on Saturday, October 11 in Kirklin, IN. Timmy
Global Health works to connect people to primary healthcare,
and supports community leadership and engage global health
advocates in a community-oriented primary care mode. It
engages students and volunteers to impact both our
international partner’s work and their local home
communities.
* 1CW Pro Wrestling returned on October 11 in Houston, DE to
benefit the American Cancer Society.
* Dropkick Depression presents It's Fun to Play on October
11 at the YMCA of Piscataway, NJ. Come see some family
friendly, action-packed professional wrestling as we raise
money for a good cause. Proceeds from this event will
benefit ALS United, an organization helping those who have
been diagnosed with ALS live a long, comfortable life with
medical care, resources, programs, and support.
* Appalachian Championship Wrestling returns to Winfield, WV
on October 18 for Barnyard Beatdown 5, benefits West
Virginia Horse Network, Inc.
* Interspecies Wrestling presents the Canadian version of
Cannonbrawl on October 18, in Chateauguay, QU, Canada as
ISW and friends honor and fundraise for one of their own.
Jeff Cannonball, who has been diagnosed with ALS. We want to
help lighten that load a little - for Jeff, Sam, and little
Milo. This event will feature wrestlers from all over Canada
and the United States,100% of the proceeds from this event,
and all things associated with it (streams, auctions,
raffles) will go directly to Jeff and his family to help
with the costs associated with his care
* 365 Pro Wrestling returns to Goderich, ON at Goderich
Memorial Arena on October 18 for a benefit wrestling show
and BBQ to benefit the Hunter Costello Memorial Fun-dation,
which works to build an accessible playground in Goderich,
and to provide financial relief to families with ill or
injured children in the local community.
* Midwest All-Star Wrestling will hold its annual
fundraising dinner and Q&A with Great Muta on October 31 in
Bloomington, MN; then the annual Women of Nations Grand Slam
7 on November 1 in North St. Paul, MN, raising funds for the
Women of Nations shelter that works with survivors of
domestic violence/sexual abuse.
* Independent Pro Wrestling presented Hammering Cancer 6 on
November 9 in Hamilton, ON to raise money and awareness for
the Juravinski Cancer Centre.
*United Pro Wrestling debuts in Scottsville, KY on November
14th at the James E. Bazzell Middle School. This event will
be a Toys for Tots toy drive event.
* Total Wrestling Federation presents Wreck the Halls on
November 15, at the Colonial Theatre, 3522 Stockton Blvd,
Sacramento, CA in its annual Shriners Hospital toy drive
show.
* Supreme Pro Wrestling held its annual food drive show,
Still Hungry, on November 16 in Elk Grove, CA, collecting
canned and non-perishables for the Elk Grove Food Bank
* 1CW Pro Wrestling returned on November 22 to Harrington,
DE for a Boys and Girls Club benefit
* UWC Pro Wrestling returns for its annual Toys for Tots
Show on November 29 at 2 Meadowbrook Lane, New Egypt, NJ.
Admission is FREE with a $20 suggested value new toy
donation, or $20 at the door (all ages). This event happens
conveniently after all those wonderful Black Friday
sales!!!!
* MCW Pro Wrestling returns in December for its annual Toys
for Tots Show.
* Wrestling With Purpose presents December 5 in Pembroke, NC
for the Clash 4 The Kids Toys for Tots show
* KSWA has scheduled its annual FanFest and Holiday Toy
Drive for Saturday, December 6, in Pittsburgh, PA
* 1CW Pro Wrestling returned on December 6 in Houston, DE
for the annual Toys for Tots show.
* Revolt Ministries will hold its annual 12 day Stuff The
Bus Toy Drive at The Guardian's Legacy show in Florida this
December 7-17.
* New Breed Wrestling returns to Eldon, MO on December 13
for its annual Toys for Tots Show.
* Mall Mania presents the Christmas Chaos Wrestling & Gaming
Expo on December 14 in Greensboro, NC
* Winter Wonderslam returns in Pahrump, NV on December 21 at
the Mccullough Arena, distributing toys in southern Nevada.
* Wrestling Figure Podcast will be involved in another Toy
Drive this Holiday season. Details to come.
If you'd like to contact me, you can do so at my
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