All Elite Wrestling (AEW) continues to make headlines with its multi-week residency at Philadelphia’s legendary 2300 Arena, marking a significant chapter for both the company and the venue known as the historic home of ECW. On September 3, 2025, AEW Dynamite sold out the venue once again, drawing approximately 800 passionate fans, as part of the ongoing residency that will run through September 11[3][1].

This residency is the first time AEW has hosted multiple consecutive events at the 2300 Arena, a building steeped in wrestling history and fan reverence. The venue’s hardwood floors and iconic atmosphere have become a hotbed for wrestling nostalgia and high-octane modern performances alike. AEW’s decision to return to 2300 Arena comes amidst some controversy, primarily involving negotiations between the venue and stagehand unions, who are insisting on prevailing wage payments for the duration of the run[2][5].

AEW’s 2300 Arena Residency: A Wrestling Homecoming

The 2300 Arena, often synonymous with Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), carries a legacy that few locations in professional wrestling can match. AEW’s residency is significant as it reaffirms the company’s commitment to honoring wrestling’s rich past while showcasing its current talent. AEW’s regular events at the venue include both the flagship Dynamite program and tapings of ROH (Ring of Honor) content, the latter being AEW’s subsidiary promotion.

Management inside 2300 Arena reportedly expressed excitement about AEW’s presence, citing the packed crowds and vibrant atmosphere as key success indicators. According to staff sources, arena officials were “thrilled” with the turnout and the energy that AEW brought back to the site after a period of limited activity[3].

That enthusiasm, however, contrasts with tensions on the labor front. The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) local representing stagehands has been vocal about fair labor practices, applying sustained pressure on 2300 Arena to meet “prevailing wage” standards. This fight has gained media attention, with union representatives publicly calling for AEW and the arena to honor proper wage agreements, particularly given the lengthy residency and the scale of production required[2][5].

Backstage Buzz at AEW Dynamite on September 3

September 3’s Dynamite show wasn’t just notable for the venue and crowd; reports indicate a slew of interesting backstage arrivals and activities that caught the attention of insiders and fans alike. Wrestling journalists on popular podcasts and Fightful’s sources confirmed that several names with WWE and independent wrestling backgrounds were present backstage, hinting at potential future AEW signings or collaborations.

Sources close to Cody Rhodes and AEW management mentioned the company’s ongoing scouting efforts to strengthen their roster’s depth, especially in light of recent talent departures and the expansion of AEW’s televised brands. While official announcements are pending, the presence of these “interesting names” backstage fueled speculation about AEW’s upcoming recruitment plans and possible storyline integrations[3].

Hologram Injury During ROH Taping Raises Eyebrows

Adding intrigue to the September 3 lineup was an unusual incident reported during the ROH taping that same evening. Wrestling Headline reports noted that a hologram performer, used as part of an innovative storyline or production segment, suffered an injury on-site. While it may sound like something out of sci-fi, modern wrestling productions increasingly incorporate holograms and augmented reality to enhance fan experience.

Details remain sparse on the extent of the injury or how it occurred, but backstage insiders revealed that production staff immediately responded to the situation, prioritizing performer safety. No official AEW or ROH statements have been released yet, but sources suggest that the incident could lead to a review of how such high-tech visuals are integrated into live wrestling shows[3].

AEW and the Broader Wrestling Landscape

AEW’s residency at 2300 Arena not only revitalizes a historical venue but also reinforces its position as a major player competing head-on with WWE. Notably, WWE’s NXT brand staged a one-night special at 2300 Arena in November 2024, signaling that WWE also recognizes the hallmarks of wrestling legacy tied to the site[2].

However, unlike WWE’s occasional visits, AEW’s extended run highlights a strategy of embedding its brand deeply into key wrestling locales, building a grassroots connection with hardcore fans while expanding its production footprint.

Industry analysts from Wrestling Observer and ESPN Wrestling Podcast have praised the move, noting that it helps AEW cater to Northeast wrestling fans and creates a buzz that can translate into sustained TV ratings growth. They also speculate that the backdrop of the 2300 Arena and the electric crowd environment could lead to some of AEW’s most memorable matches of the year.

The Road Ahead for AEW at 2300 Arena

AEW has six more events scheduled at the 2300 Arena through September 11, including AEW Collision showings, promising more sellouts and exciting in-ring action. Despite the labor disputes at the venue, which could potentially affect future bookings, AEW appears committed to maximizing this historic residency.

According to a WWE insider familiar with the scene, “AEW’s move to 2300 Arena is a smart nod to wrestling history, but the real challenge is balancing nostalgic appeal with modern production demands, especially with the union issues in play. How the company manages those hurdles in the coming shows will tell us a lot about AEW’s long-term growth plans.”

Fans and wrestling media will be watching closely as AEW continues to blend its forward-looking storytelling and talent recruitment with the iconic, gritty aura of one of wrestling’s most storied arenas.

This article was compiled using reports from Wrestling Headlines, Allelitewrestling.com, PostWrestling, Ringside News, and insider wrestling podcasts as of September 4, 2025.