In a strategic clash building up to September, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) appears to be planning its own homage to the legendary Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) with a special-themed event during its upcoming Philadelphia residency. This move follows WWE’s recent announcement to revive the classic ECW pay-per-view (PPV) name, Wrestlepalooza, for an unannounced premium live event slated for September 20, scheduled to directly compete with AEW’s All Out: Toronto.
According to trademark filings, AEW has officially registered the name “September To Remember”, a clear nod to ECW’s historic December To Remember pay-per-view series, signaling a potential special event or themed show under that banner. Sources indicate this initiative will likely occur within AEW’s extended run at the iconic 2300 Arena in Philadelphia—the famed former ECW Arena—between late August and mid-September[2].
AEW’s ‘September To Remember’: A Tribute Set in ECW’s Heartland
AEW’s historically strategic residency at the 2300 Arena is set to begin on August 27 and run through September 11. This residency includes three episodes of AEW Dynamite, three AEW Collision tapings, and the ROH Death Before Dishonor PPV on September 5[2]. The trademark registration specifies “entertainment services in the nature of live professional wrestling performances” and “production of professional wrestling programs and events,” confirming intent to make the event a marquee attraction[2].
An industry insider commented, “AEW’s booking of ‘September To Remember’ during the Philly residency speaks volumes about their respect for wrestling history, especially ECW’s roots. It’s also a savvy marketing move to connect with longtime fans who cherish that legacy.” This move further amplifies AEW’s broader strategy of leveraging wrestling’s rich past while building its future.
WWE’s Wrestlepalooza: The Other Side of the Coin
In parallel, WWE is dusting off “Wrestlepalooza,” another classic ECW PPV name, for a premium live event scheduled for September 20. This event is expected to air on ESPN or one of its associated channels as part of WWE’s new media rights strategy, aiming to draw strong viewership by positioning a star-studded card reportedly headlined by Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena[3].
Wrestlepalooza originally ran as an ECW event between 1995 and 2000, and WWE’s revival of the name symbolizes their interest in reacquiring nostalgic ECW branding following WWE’s acquisition of ECW assets years ago. Likewise, AEW’s September To Remember echoes a tradition ECW fanbase treasures, though with a slight rebranding to avoid direct naming conflicts[2].
The Battle for Philadelphia’s Historic 2300 Arena
AEW and WWE are not just competing in terms of event names and dates, but they are also intensifying their rivalry on location—the historic 2300 Arena. WWE booked a special edition of NXT on August 19 at the venue, just a week before AEW’s residency begins with Dynamite on August 27[1]. This scheduling war emphasizes the strategic importance both promotions place on the Philadelphia venue, synonymous with ECW’s legendary hardcore wrestling style.
According to WrestleVotes, WWE’s tactic to book a show before AEW’s takeover of the 2300 Arena is viewed as a direct counter-booking effort, boosting WWE’s presence in ECW’s spiritual home while potentially diluting AEW’s fan impact[1]. AEW’s residency, however, will be a much larger scale commitment spanning multiple TV tapings and live events, including the rumored September To Remember show.
Fan Anticipation and Industry Impact
News of AEW’s trademark and WWE’s Wrestlepalooza revival has stoked significant excitement among wrestling fans. Both companies are clearly tapping into nostalgia to boost live attendance and viewership during a competitive late summer and early fall window. This also shows how the ECW brand, despite being defunct since 2001, continues to influence modern wrestling marketing and event strategies.
Fightful Wrestling and Wrestling Headlines have reported that AEW’s schedule will allow for creative storytelling that honors ECW’s spirit without copying it outright, giving fans a fresh yet familiar experience during the Philadelphia shows[2]. The “September To Remember” branding could serve as a launching pad for unique matches or hardcore-themed bouts reminiscent of ECW’s heyday.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
Though AEW has yet to confirm official card details or exact programming formats for September To Remember, sources suggest it could be one of the show’s Dynamite or Collision episodes treated as a special event or even a standalone PPV-style show. Wrestling journalist Matt Boone points out that the timing during AEW’s 2300 Arena run provides an ideal window to capitalize on ECW nostalgia while delivering new storylines and surprises to fans[2].
Meanwhile, WWE’s Wrestlepalooza, facing AEW All Out head-to-head on the same weekend, could feature major star power and high-profile matches like the rumored Lesnar-Cena bout, aimed at grabbing mainstream attention and ESPN viewership[3].
Backstage reports indicate each promotion is closely monitoring the other’s moves. A WWE insider noted: “There’s a renewed intensity to WWE’s approach this fall. With AEW making deep runs in historic venues, WWE is pulling out every stop to keep fans engaged and feeling the weight of wrestling history.” Similarly, AEW officials remain confident their blend of nostalgia and innovation will carve out a unique identity for September To Remember[2].
Summary of Event Plans
| Promotion | Event Name | Location | Date Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEW | September To Remember | 2300 Arena, Philadelphia | August 27 – September 11 | Part of Philadelphia residency; exact date TBA |
| WWE | Wrestlepalooza | Undisclosed (likely arena in US) | September 20 | Premium Live Event; Lesnar vs. Cena rumored main event |
Final Thoughts
The coming months mark a pivotal moment in AEW and WWE’s rivalry, centered on wrestling’s ECW heritage. AEW’s registration of September To Remember and WWE’s Wrestlepalooza revival demonstrate how both promotions intend to leverage nostalgia and historic branding for strategic advantage.
As the two companies escalate their battle—through venue bookings, event names, and marquee matchups—fans stand to benefit from a creative renaissance steeped in wrestling lore. For those tracking wrestling’s evolution, these developments underscore how history remains a powerful tool in today’s sports entertainment landscape.
This article is based on reports from Wrestling Headlines, SEScoops, Fightful, WrestleVotes, and WWE.com.