A few months ago, we had the chance to present you all you needed to know about All In, this major event created by Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks. As we’re just hours away from it, it’s time to refresh everyone’s mind and tell even more things you really need to know about this very unique event. The success of this event could make many promotions change their mind on how to create their own shows, promote them and give them the spicy sauce that could drive the fans crazy.
What?
By the end of last year, when The Young Bucks and Cody Rhodes announced they wanted to self-finance a 10,000 seat Arena Wrestling show, very few people thought they would fail. It all started from wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer writing on a tweet that he didn’t think Ring of Honor, Cody and The Young Bucks could draw 10,000 seats. All three welcomed the challenge and with ROH’s blessing, “All In” would happen, whether they succeed or fail. At that time, they had no place, no wrestlers, but they were decided to make it happen.
Last March, it was revealed All In would take place in the Sears Centre in Chicago at the announced date of September 1st. The show was sold-out in less than 30 minutes. A massive wrestling convention was also announced around the show. Starrcast will take place from Thursday, August 30th at 6 PM EST to Sunday, September 2nd at 3 PM EST, with loads of guests.
Who?
When the first names were revealed on Twitter, people started to understand All In would something very special. Cody and The Young Bucks have reunited the cream of the crop of what Ring of Honor, NJPW, Impact Wrestling and indy wrestling could offer. Despite many attempts, Flip Gordon has never been able to secure a spot for the show…
The list of wrestlers involved is just impressive. Current IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega, Brandi Rhodes, and actor Stephen Amell were the first names announced alongside Cody and the Bucks. Over the comings weeks, independent wrestlers would be announced to take part in the show, including Lucha Underground Champion Pentagon Junior, Fénix, former IWGP Heavyweight Champion “Rainmaker” Kazuchika Okada, current Impact Knockouts Champion Tessa Blanchard, current ROH World Champion Jay Lethal, Chelsea Green, Marty Scurll, and Hangman Page.
During the All In 2018 press conference on May 13, it was announced that Rey Mysterio and NWA World Heavyweight Champion Nick Aldis would be taking part in the event. In the months leading up to the event, All In announced more wrestlers to take part, including MJF, Madison Rayne, Kota Ibushi, SoCal Uncensored (Christopher Daniels, Frankie Kazarian, and Scorpio Sky), Best Friends (Chuck Taylor and Trent?) and The Briscoe Brothers (Jay Briscoe and Mark Briscoe).
Additionally, Jordynne Grace, Moose, Rocky Romero, Colt Cabana, Ethan Page, Impact X-Division Champion Brian Cage, Billy Gunn, Jimmy Jacobs, Brandon Cutter, Punishment Martinez and Marko Stunt were announced for the show.
The matches
As of today, 10 matches have been confirmed. Here’s the complete card.
Preshow matches
- Over Budget 15- People Battle Royale: Jordynne Grace, Moose, Rocky Romero, Colt Cabana, Hangman Page, Brian Cage, Billy Gunn, Jimmy Jacobs, Marko Stunt, Brandon Cutler, Punishment Martinez and 4 more names yet to be announced
- ROH World Tag Team Champions The Briscoe Brothers (Jay Briscoe and Mark Briscoe) vs. SoCal Uncensored (Frankie Kazarian and Scorpio Sky)
Main show
- IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega vs. Pentagon Junior
- ROH World Championship match: Jay Lethal (c) vs. Over Budget Battle Royale winner
- Four-Way match: Madison Rayne vs. Britt Baker vs. Chelsea Green vs. Impact Knockouts Champion Tessa Blanchard
- Christopher Daniels vs. Stephen Amell
- Six-Man Tag Team Match: Rey Mysterio, Fénix, and Bandido (with Theo Rossi) vs. The Golden Elite (Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson, and Kota Ibushi)
- Chicago Street Fight: Joey Janela (with Penelope Ford) vs. Hangman Page
- Kazuchika Okada vs. Marty Scurll
- NWA World Heavyweight Championship match: Nick Aldis (c) vs. Cody Rhodes (with Brandi Rhodes)
Where to watch?
All In‘s main card would broadcast on PPV and Fite TV, with an hour-long pre-show called Zero Hour airing on WGN America at 6 PM EST. The event’s main card would also broadcast on ROH’s streaming service Honor Club. All In would be available for on-demand viewing on NJPW World, after being broadcast live.
WGN America is unfortunately unavailable in the UK. The main show is available on Fite.tv for 39.99$ here. You can subscribe to Honor Club here for 9.99$ a month, with full access to Ring of Honor events and on-demand contents. NJPW World is also a monthly service, with NJPW live events and on-demand contents, for 9$ (7 pounds)
All pics courtesy of All In Official Twitter.