As the highly anticipated AEW All Out 2025 approaches its September 20 date at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena, insider reports have shed new light on the original main event plans for the show and provide a crucial update on the health status of one of AEW’s top stars, Wardlow, who has recently suffered a significant injury.

Original AEW All Out 2025 Main Event Plans and Changes

AEW’s seventh annual All Out event marks a milestone as it will be the first All Out since the company’s inception held outside of the Chicago metropolitan area and the United States, taking place instead in Toronto, Ontario[1][4]. Fans originally speculated the main event to include the AEW World Champion “Hangman” Adam Page defending his title against Kyle Fletcher—a match that was officially confirmed following a tense face-off segment on AEW Dynamite weeks before the pay-per-view[6].

However, sources close to AEW reveal that the original vision for the Toronto main event featured a different dynamic that had to be altered due to unforeseen circumstances in the roster and ongoing storylines. According to a WWE insider familiar with AEW’s backstage workings, the company initially planned a high-profile match involving a major AEW star returning from injury to challenge for the World Title at All Out, potentially elevating the international debut of the PPV.

The changes ultimately led to the current Adam Page vs. Kyle Fletcher match headlining the card. Other marquee matches slated for All Out 2025, such as Toni Storm defending the Women’s World Championship in a fatal four-way and the intriguing possibility of a brutal Coffin Match between Jon Moxley and Darby Allin, further demonstrate AEW’s commitment to delivering a stacked, memorable event[2][6].

Wardlow’s Injury: Impact and Update

One of AEW’s top stars, Wardlow, suffered a serious injury shortly after his return to the company, which has reportedly reshaped planned AEW storylines, including those connected to All Out[7]. According to a source with knowledge of the situation, Wardlow’s injury—a feared torn pectoral muscle—occurred during his return angle at the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door: London event when he executed a lariat on Prince Nana. The severity of the injury forced AEW to reconsider Wardlow’s immediate wrestling schedule and his involvement in forthcoming high-profile matches.

Wrestling insiders and reports from Fightful confirm that this injury not only sidelined Wardlow but also necessitated a retooling of the All Out card’s main event picture. Wardlow was originally envisioned as a centerpiece of AEW’s premium events following his return, with plans that could have seen him in a marquee Toronto showdown. The setback, however, has pushed AEW to recalibrate the show’s focus and emphasize other top talent currently healthy and ready to perform[7].

Sources close to AEW highlight that while recovery timelines for torn pectoral muscles typically range from several months to half a year, Wardlow’s return date remains tentative as the company places priority on his full rehabilitation. AEW has not officially announced an updated return frame but insiders expect Wardlow to make a dramatic comeback in early 2026, possibly aligned with Road Rager or the next major PPV cycle.

What to Expect at AEW All Out 2025

Despite the last-minute changes forced by Wardlow’s injury, AEW All Out 2025 promises to be a historic and action-packed show. The card currently features:

• AEW World Championship: “Hangman” Adam Page defends against Kyle Fletcher in a “man on man” challenge strictly without outside interference[6].

• AEW Women’s World Championship: Toni Storm faces Thekla, Jamie Hayter, and Kris Statlander in a fatal four-way match, offering a dynamic contest among AEW’s elite female competitors[6].

• Potential Coffin Match: Jon Moxley vs. Darby Allin in a no-rules, hardcore specialty match that reflects the intense rivalry witnessed at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2025[2].

The event is scheduled to air live on HBO Max starting at 3 p.m. ET and will be AEW’s first PPV to air on the platform, reflecting the company’s evolving broadcast strategy[1][3].

Inside Perspective

“AEW’s creative team had big plans for Wardlow as a centerpiece for Toronto — his injury gave everyone a pause,” a WWE.com insider commented recently. “But AEW is known for adapting quickly and making the most out of every situation. The main event shift to Page vs. Fletcher is solid and gives a fresh international spotlight, which fits the Toronto debut perfectly.”

Sources close to Cody Rhodes, AEW’s Executive Vice President, also note that while Wardlow’s setback is unfortunate, the company is ensuring his long-term health is the priority, with no shortcuts. “They want Wardlow to come back fully ready to deliver big moments and not rush his return. AEW has a deep roster, and the show in Toronto will showcase the best of what they’ve got right now,” the source revealed.

Final Thoughts

AEW All Out 2025 in Toronto is shaping up to be a landmark event—not only for AEW’s international expansion but as a showcase of adaptability and grit against the backdrop of unexpected injury challenges. Fans eager to see Wardlow back in action will have to wait a bit longer, but the current match card offers plenty of top-tier wrestling drama and championship intrigue.

As AEW continues to carve its place as a global wrestling powerhouse, updates on Wardlow’s recovery and potential next rivalries are expected to emerge post-All Out, setting the stage for an exciting 2026 landscape.

AEW All Out 2025 takes place Saturday, September 20, live from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto and streams exclusively on HBO Max.

Stay tuned for further exclusive backstage updates, injury reports, and match announcements as the event draws near.