WWE is reportedly taking aggressive steps to overshadow All Elite Wrestling (AEW) by planning to counter-program AEW’s December 27 pay-per-view, Worlds End, with a major event featuring John Cena’s final WWE match. Industry insiders suggest WWE’s strategy aims not only to compete but to potentially put AEW out of business before their current TV deal expires in 2027 or 2028[3][4].

AEW Worlds End 2025 is scheduled for December 27 at the NOW Arena in Chicago, a site steeped in AEW history, with Tony Khan highlighting the significance of the location for their legacy[2]. However, WWE appears poised to challenge this event directly by booking a high-profile show the same night, where Cena is expected to close his WWE career in the ring. Originally, Cena’s farewell bout was penciled in for early December on WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, but reports from Bryan Alvarez and others reveal internal deliberations about shifting the match to December 27 to maximize counter-programming impact against AEW[5].

This move builds on a pattern of WWE counter-programming AEW events, which has escalated notably in 2025. Earlier examples include WWE’s multi-event takeover in Atlanta directly competing with All In Texas and plans for a yet-to-be-announced Premium Live Event on September 20 in Indianapolis, headlined by the anticipated Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena match. This event is set to clash head-to-head with AEW’s flagship pay-per-view, All Out 2025, held in Toronto at Scotiabank Arena[1][2][3].

Dave Meltzer, speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, has characterized WWE’s scheduling as more than mere competition or “petty” rivalry, describing it as an “underhanded tactic” intending to blunt AEW’s growth and profitability. WWE’s concern reportedly centers on AEW’s lucrative TV deal with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), which runs through 2027 with an option for extension. A renewal with increased financial terms could solidify AEW’s position as a highly profitable wrestling promotion that threatens WWE’s dominance[3][4].

Meltzer further explained that WWE’s aggressive counter-programming aims to reduce AEW’s TV revenue leverage by siphoning attention away from AEW’s pay-per-views and major events. According to sources familiar with WWE’s internal strategy, the company is simultaneously attempting to position itself as the singular powerhouse in professional wrestling while potentially paving the way for Impact Wrestling (TNA) to ascend as the second-largest company, sidelining AEW if WWE’s campaign succeeds[4].

AEW’s roster and talent have commented on WWE’s strategy, with top AEW star MJF publicly acknowledging that WWE’s counter-programming is a savvy business move, crediting WWE executives Nick Khan and Triple H. MJF even indicated he would adopt similar tactics if in WWE’s position while criticizing detractors of WWE’s approach[1].

In other AEW-related news, CM Punk recently found himself the recipient of an unusual gift that has generated buzz among fans and insiders alike. The details of the gift and its significance remain a topic of speculation, but it adds to the ongoing intrigue surrounding Punk’s role and status in AEW[Reference Summary].

Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes remains a central figure in AEW’s ongoing storylines and business operations. Sources close to Rhodes reveal his commitment to bolstering AEW’s standing in the wrestling world despite WWE’s intensified competitive pressure. Rhodes has been instrumental in crafting AEW’s long-term vision, navigating challenges posed by WWE’s aggressive counter-programming and maintaining the company’s creative momentum[Reference Summary].

WWE’s escalated attack on AEW’s market share via direct event conflicts reflects the broader battle for supremacy in professional wrestling. With John Cena’s farewell match pegged as a marquee attraction on December 27, industry watchers expect this clash with AEW’s Worlds End to be a pivotal moment, potentially reshaping fan allegiances and the promotional landscape heading into the late 2020s.

As 2025 progresses, wrestling fans will closely monitor the fallout of WWE’s strategy to “put AEW out of business,” as reported by multiple wrestling media outlets and analysts. Whether AEW can withstand and possibly outmaneuver WWE’s substantial resources and counter-programming remains a major storyline beyond scripted promos and matches.

According to a WWE insider, “The company sees this as a critical moment to reinforce their market dominance. Booking Cena’s final match opposite Worlds End is about sending a message—not just to AEW, but to the industry at large.” This insider insight underscores the high stakes involved as WWE and AEW prepare for their upcoming head-to-head confrontations.

Fans and wrestling pundits alike continue to debate whether WWE’s approach will stifle AEW’s momentum or drive AEW to innovate and strengthen its fan base. Regardless, the race to December 27 promises a landmark episode in the pro wrestling saga, with John Cena’s sendoff and AEW’s ambitious Worlds End event in the spotlight.

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