AEW Dynamite’s recent “September To Remember” episode delivered plenty of intrigue, not just inside the ring but behind the scenes, with multiple references to top WWE superstars and surprising comments about Tony Khan’s feelings toward the live audience—sparking significant controversy in the wrestling world.
During the three-hour special broadcast live from Canada Life Place in London, Ontario, several WWE names were directly mentioned by AEW talent, highlighting the ongoing interplay between the wrestling giants. Most notably, tag team specialist Dax Harwood called out a collection of WWE’s most prominent duos in a heated promo segment. Harwood referenced legendary WWE tag teams like Enzo & Cass, American Alpha, and DIY, while also calling out current AEW stars such as the Young Bucks, Bullet Club Gold, and the Briscoes, underscoring the fierce competition and respect across promotions[1].
This nod to WWE’s tag team legacy happened in the context of a face-off between AEW’s FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) and Christian Cage with Adam Copeland (formerly Edge in WWE), building anticipation for their imminent clash at AEW All Out 2025. The mutual references to WWE stars during AEW programming show how intertwined the wrestling worlds remain despite the competitive rivalry[2][4].
Beyond the in-ring storytelling, Tony Khan, AEW’s President and CEO, publicly expressed high praise for the Dynamite crowd’s energy at “September To Remember.” Speaking to reports after the show, Khan confirmed that AEW plans on returning annually to London, Ontario, citing the crowd’s passionate response as a key driver for this decision[6].
However, backstage tensions have emerged as accusations against Khan have surfaced, painting a more complicated picture. Brandon, part of the tag team The Outrunners, publicly accused Khan of pulling AEW talent from independent wrestling shows, specifically an ECC Wrestling event slated for September 28. Brandon described how this move affected not only independent wrestling promotions and fans but also wrestlers’ livelihoods. He stated that he and his brother struggled to rebuild their careers after hardships caused by AEW’s scheduling decisions and lamented how the company “ruined ROH” while still labeling AEW wrestlers as “independent contractors” to retain control over their bookings[3].
This controversy shines a light on some of the ongoing tensions within the wrestling industry regarding talent management, contractual status, and the impact AEW’s rapid growth has had on the indie scene, echoing similar historical disputes seen between WWE and independent circuits. Brandon also apologized on behalf of both himself and ECC Wrestling to fans disappointed by the match cancellation, highlighting the personal toll these decisions have taken on smaller promotions and athletes[3].
On the in-ring front, AEW’s storytelling continues evolving with promising match-ups and character development. One highlight was the intense contract signing and confrontation between Hangman Page and Kyle Fletcher. Fletcher positioned himself as the “Protostar” destined to surpass previous AEW greats like Page and Kenny Omega, escalating their rivalry ahead of a major encounter at All Out. The presence of Don Callis as a managerial figure added further narrative depth, emphasizing Fletcher’s ambition and Hangman’s resilience even in the face of a threatening future[2][5].
Commentary from notable voices such as Excalibur, Taz, and Bryan Danielson helped frame the drama on Dynamite, contextualizing conflicts within the broader AEW and wrestling landscape[2]. Additionally, other top matches delivered solid entertainment, with Jon Moxley beating Roderick Strong and the Young Bucks securing a win against the Bang-Bang Gang, reinforcing AEW’s reputation for consistently strong wrestling displays[7].
In summary, AEW Dynamite’s “September To Remember” episode showcased direct nods to WWE superstars, maintaining the high-stakes atmosphere between rival promotions while highlighting the growing influence of AEW’s brand. Tony Khan’s admiration for the live crowd was tempered by significant backlash from indie wrestlers affected by AEW’s business decisions, sparking fierce debate about the promotion’s impact on the wrestling ecosystem. Fans and insiders alike await how these issues will evolve amid AEW’s ongoing rise and the ever-present WWE shadow.
Sources: WWE.com, Fightful, Wrestling Headlines, Sportskeeda, Last Word On Sports, EWrestlingNews.com, WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast.