AEWs Arena Mexico Sellout Sparks Frustration Over Lack of Card Announcement

While the sellout is a major milestone, especially for a first-time AEW event in the historic venue with a 16,500-seat capacity, fans and media in Mexico are already expressing confusion and frustration over AEWs typical announce-it-late style of booking.

On the May 22 episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer addressed the tension brewing south of the border. The AEW TV taping is Wednesday, and theres already likebecause these shows [CMLLs Tuesday and Friday Arena Mexico cards] have been announced and nothing has been announced for AEWits one of those things where people are kind of like I dont want to say getting panicked, but

He explained that fans in Mexico are used to knowing what theyre paying for weeks in advance, which clashes with AEWs U.S.-centric booking style. In Mexico its imperative to announce a card, Meltzer said, adding, Tony Khan, when it comes to these Wednesday shows, he announces it a week out and thats just how he does things.

AEW hasnt confirmed a single match yet, even though top stars like Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay are featured on the posters and are reportedly expected to wrestle. Meltzer acknowledged the speculation, saying, The two guys they really want to see, from what everyone tells me, are Kenny Omegawho has wrestled in Mexico before but never in Arena Mexicoand Will Ospreay, who I dont believe has ever wrestled in Mexico at all, definitely not in Arena Mexico.

Despite the strong ticket sales, Meltzer said the silence is generating questions: Theres just a lot of questions on, Why isnt the card announced?not realizing theyre probably going to announce it at the last minute.

So yes, AEW sold out a legendary arenabut theyve also sparked confusion by not confirming a lineup. Thats standard in the U.S., but in Mexico, its rubbing people the wrong way.

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