Last September, upstart wrestling promotion All Elite Wrestling (AEW) shocked fans, by announcing that their first show from New York City wouldn’t emanate from a normal wrestling venue. Not Madison Square Garden, Barclay’s Center or the Hammerstein Ballroom would host AEW’s first NYC event; it would be held inside of the US Tennis Association complex, the home of The US Open. The biggest stadium in the complex is Arthur Ashe Stadium, which seats over 23,000 for tennis. Last year was a spectacle, which is pretty hard to accomplish in an industry build on spectacle. But, considering the recent backstage drama that AEW is desperate to move past, does this Grand Slam, live up to the hype, set by the inaugural show?

AEW made a statement on Wednesday, September 22nd, 2021; a statement best surmised  by Yonkers native, Eddie Kingston: “New York is now AEW’s town”! The first wrestling event held at the largest tennis specific stadium in the world was a groundbreaking moment in wrestling history and serves as clear and present message to fans and detractors alike. It’s a uniquely special feeling to know that you’re walking into the presence of history and over 20,000 of us did exactly that.