On March 9, 2025, AEW Revolution took place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, marking a significant moment in the wrestling calendar with impressive attendance and revenue.
AEW President Tony Khan hailed the event as a tremendous success, calling it "one of the best shows we've ever done" during his appearance on the Battleground podcast. According to Khan, AEW Revolution achieved remarkable numbers, with over 12,000 tickets sold and an audience that included more than 10,000 paid attendees, showcasing the fans' enthusiasm in a venue he relished. "This was such a home run. The fans were great in the arena. But also, it was a huge commercial success. We had a huge amount of fans in the building. We also had a huge pay-per-view audience, one of our biggest pay-per-view audiences we've had and the biggest audience we've had since we were at Wembley Stadium last year for All In, for sure," he said. With an overall rating of 8.80 on the Cagematch database, the event has secured a firm place in AEW's history.
The AEW Revolution marked a pivotal event in wrestling, elevating its status among fans with its compelling matches and dramatic finishes. However, not all was smooth sailing; shortly after the main event, which saw Jon Moxley defend his title against Adam Copeland (also known as Edge), audience reactions turned sour.
In a match that many reported as lackluster, the performance of Moxley and Copeland faced heavy scrutiny. TNA veteran Matt Hardy, reflecting on the bout in his podcast, criticized the placement of the match on the card. "I thought it was a good match. It was solid, but I felt they were put in a very weird position because of the stuff that came right before them," he stated. Hardy observed that the preceding matches set an exceedingly high standard, making it difficult for Moxley and Copeland to compete.
Fans were notably disappointed, leading to a backlash against the main event. Hardy pointed out the unrealistic expectations that had been cultivated amongst AEW's fan base, stating, "I think sometimes Tony is fostering some of his fans, some of the AEW sickos, to almost have unrealistic expectations." The intensity of prior matches created a challenging environment for Moxley and Copeland, which only heightened the disappointment felt by the audience.
In response to the negative reception of the Revolution match, AEW announced a rematch on the March 20 episode of Dynamite, rebranding it as a Street Fight. The rematch saw Moxley and Copeland take their rivalry to new lengths, escalating the drama and conflict.
However, once again, Moxley emerged victorious, defeating Copeland despite interference from factions. As the match unfolded, it became clear that even attempts to recapture the audience’s favor were thwarted. FTR and Willow Nightingale attempted to aid Copeland, but Moxley's stranglehold ultimately secured him the win after a tumultuous bout.
After the match, tensions within the AEW roster were palpable. Following Moxley's victory, Copeland sought help from Dax Harwood, who ignored him, creating an ambiguous narrative turn that left fans questioning the dynamics within FTR. The unexpected turn only seemed to deepen disappointment, illustrating the complexities of storytelling in wrestling.
The fallout from AEW Revolution’s main event has spurred a variety of reactions across the wrestling community. Many fans have shared their thoughts online, with some supporting Hardy’s perspective on the event pacing while others felt that the expectations set for these high-profile matches need reevaluation. The feedback reflects a broader concern about how AEW, under Khan's leadership, is managing audience expectations amid stringent competitive pressures.
The AEW on March 20 aimed to utilize the backlash from Revolution to its advantage, creating storylines that can foster greater engagement and loyalty from fans. By promoting a Street Fight rematch and intertwining complex narratives among its wrestlers, AEW is navigating the aftermath of a controversial match while trying to maintain interest and build anticipation for future events.
As the world of professional wrestling evolves, the reactions to AEW Revolution tell a story about the intricate balance between delivering high-octane entertainment and meeting fan expectations. Khan’s leadership, amidst praise and criticism, is crucial as AEW continues to carve out its identity in a highly competitive wrestling landscape.
