On October 2, 2019, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) aired the inaugural episode of “AEW Dynamite” at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. However, AEW CEO Tony Khan revealed that the original plan was to debut the show at Madison Square Garden (MSG), one of the most iconic venues in New York City. During the December 24 taping of Dynamite at the Hammerstein Ballroom, Khan shared with the audience that the company had initially intended for the “world’s most famous arena” to host the first episode of Dynamite.
Khan explained, “The first episode of Dynamite was actually planned for MSG. They contacted me, proposed a date, and suggested, ‘Why not do the first Dynamite here?'” He added that the individuals who contacted him have since left MSG, but the offer was made about six years ago. Khan was enthusiastic about the idea, but a few months later, MSG withdrew the proposal, citing concerns that it would upset someone. Khan humorously remarked that the situation made him feel like Charlie Brown and Lucy playing football.
The “someone” referenced is WWE, AEW’s long-standing rival ever since AEW’s launch was announced in January 2019 by Khan, Cody Rhodes, and others. After WWE blocked AEW’s debut at MSG, AEW chose to premiere Dynamite in Washington, D.C. The first episode’s main event featured former WWE star Chris Jericho teaming with Mike Santana and Ortiz to defeat Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks.
Fan Take: This revelation shows the high ambitions AEW had from the very start and highlights the intense competition between AEW and WWE. For AEW fans, it underscores the company’s determination to establish itself on a grand stage, which continues to shake up the wrestling industry.
