The COVID-19 pandemic, which affected the entire globe and the United States deeply, now feels like a distant memory, yet its impact on professional wrestling remains notable. During this period, AEW chose to conduct its shows from Daley’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida, for over a year until conditions improved. Despite the challenges, many within AEW, including staff and fans, recall this era fondly as a unique time of unity within the promotion.
AEW commentator Tony Schiavone recently shared his thoughts on this during an episode of “What Happened When,” reflecting on how unusual the circumstances were but also expressing how much he and others valued the close-knit environment that developed. Schiavone explained, “We built strong relationships during COVID because we stayed in Jacksonville for stretches of three to four days, took a week off, then returned for another few days. We worked in the same venue, shared catered dinners at the hotel, and there was a sense of nostalgic closeness among us. Everyone who was part of AEW then, and is still here, misses those times. Although the coronavirus situation was tough, for AEW it was a very positive, bonding experience.”
If quoting from this article, please credit “What Happened When” and attribute transcription to Wrestling Inc.
Fan Take: This insight into AEW’s tight-knit environment during the pandemic highlights the resilience and camaraderie that helped sustain the company through difficult times. For fans, it underscores how such bonds can strengthen the promotion’s culture and potentially influence the quality and spirit of AEW’s shows moving forward, benefiting the wrestling industry as a whole.
