AEW Grand Slam Brisbane: Australia Proves It Belongs on the World Stage
"You're Gonna Notice Us" — Mission Accomplished!
Nearly a decade ago, Mick Moretti lit the fuse on Australian wrestling’s global ambitions with the defiant battle cry: “You’re Gonna Notice Us.” This past weekend, from February 14-16, those words echoed louder than ever as Australian wrestling took centre stage alongside All Elite Wrestling (AEW) Grand Slam in Brisbane.
AEW’s arrival was a monumental occasion, but the Australian scene wasn’t content to play the supporting act. Independent promotions seized the moment, delivering four spectacular satellite shows that proved — beyond a shadow of a doubt — that Aussie wrestling stands toe-to-toe with the world's best.
A Weekend of Wrestling Excellence Kicks Off
AEW Grand Slam may have been the crown jewel, but the weekend opened with a double dose of high-octane Aussie action.
At Brisbane’s iconic Caxton Hotel, Rock & Roll Wrestling delivered a raucous showcase of homegrown talent. Rising stars like Lee Morrow, The Bachelor, Otis, and ‘The One’ Moses shared the ring with Toa from the dominant Queensland faction Kulture. The event even featured former NRL star Alex Glenn making his professional wrestling debut, tagging alongside another ex-rugby league player turned wrestling sensation, Daniel Vidot (aka Xyon Quinn).
Meanwhile, just north of the city at Eatons Hill Hotel, Pro Wrestling League and Renegades of Wrestling joined forces to present the Australian Super Show — an ambitious cross-promotional spectacle featuring talent from five Australian states and 13 different promotions. With championship matches, interpromotional dream bouts, and international-calibre performances from the likes of Robbie Eagles, Lena Kross, Zeke Andino, Eugenie, Matt Hayter, and Dean Brady etc this show wasn’t just a showcase — it was a declaration. Australia has the depth, the skill, and the spectacle to sustain a top-tier national wrestling promotion. Now, all we need is our own Tony Khan — so, Rove and Chris Hemsworth, if you’re reading this, Australian wrestling is calling.
Late-Night Bangers and International Prestige
As AEW Grand Slam approached, the energy in Brisbane only intensified. Pro Wrestling Australia (PWA) teamed up with AM/PM: Emo Night to host a post-AEW party at The Brightside, an event that blurred the lines between wrestling and underground music culture.
Then, to cap off the local action, NJPW Tamashii partnered with Red Castle Entertainment to showcase even more top-tier talent. The lineup featured some of Australia’s best, including Victoria’s JXT and Erika Reid, Queensland’s Moko Kai and Toa, and Tasmania’s own Doomslayer. These events weren’t just sideshows — they were statement pieces, proving that Aussie wrestling can hold its own alongside the biggest names in the business.
AEW Grand Slam: A Spectacle with Growing Pains
When the dust settled, the main event of the weekend was, of course, AEW Grand Slam at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. The card was stacked with Australian pride, featuring Robbie Eagles and Tommy Knight making special appearances alongside AEW regulars Mark Davis, Kyle Fletcher, Buddy Matthews, Harley Cameron, Toni Storm, and honorary Aussie, Jay White.
From bell to bell, the in-ring action lived up to AEW’s reputation. The matches delivered everything fans have come to expect from the company’s special events — hard-hitting, high-flying, emotionally charged encounters. In terms of wrestling quality, AEW and the surrounding local shows were in a dead heat.
But AEW’s presence down under wasn’t without its missteps. The biggest issues? Logistics and communication.
The Growing Pains of AEW's Aussie Debut
Merchandise was in short supply, with many items selling out before general admission doors even opened. Fans who were hoping to grab exclusive AEW gear were left disappointed, with some resorting to resale markets almost instantly.
On the media side, AEW’s communication was, frankly, a mess. Right up until doors opened, there was no clear information on credential pickup, interview access, or post-show media arrangements. For a company with global aspirations, this was a glaring oversight. AEW nailed the wrestling side of things, but operationally, they need to sharpen up before their inevitable return.
The Future Is Aussie
As I boarded my flight home, already counting down to AEW’s 2026 return, one thing was crystal clear: Australian wrestling is no longer just knocking on the door — it’s kicking it down.
AEW’s debut on Aussie soil was a massive success, but more importantly, the Australian wrestling community — promoters, wrestlers, and fans alike — showed that our homegrown scene isn’t just thriving; it’s as Aysha would say “first-class”.
AEW came to make a statement. Instead, they became part of one. Australia doesn’t need to be noticed anymore. #NowWeConquer!
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