Tony Schiavone Fires Back at Critics: AEW All Out Card “Stacked Without Ospreay, Omega, or Swerve”
As AEW heads into All Out weekend in Toronto, the company’s loaded card has faced some doubt from fans and critics who questioned whether the absence of stars like Will Ospreay, Kenny Omega, and Swerve Strickland would hurt the event. AEW commentator Tony Schiavone isn’t having any of it.
On the latest episode of What Happened When with co-host Conrad Thompson, Schiavone didn’t hold back:
“The critics were saying we weren’t going to have a good card? Why don’t we get one of those critics on here and have them book a card for us? See how they come up with one. I’m all for that. Find them, bring them on, have them book a card — and as we have them book a card, have them go f*** themselves, too. How’s that sound?”
AEW All Out: A Stacked Lineup
Despite the chatter, All Out’s card is arguably one of AEW’s deepest this year. Marquee matches include:
- AEW World Championship: Hangman Adam Page (c) vs. Kyle Fletcher —
Fletcher must compete alone (no interference from Don Callis family) - Four-Way Match for AEW Women’s World Championship:
Toni Storm (c) vs. Jamie Hayter vs. Kris Statlander vs. Thekla - AEW TBS Championship: Mercedes Moné (c) vs. Riho
- AEW Unified Championship Three-Way:
Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Konosuke Takeshita vs. (Máscara Dorada or The Beast Mortos)
Throw in Eddie Kingston’s return versus Big Bill, thumbtacks-and-tables chaos with MJF vs. Mark Briscoe, and a full slate of undercard battles, and it’s hard to argue with Schiavone’s passion.
👉 View the Full AEW All Out Preview Guide Here
Why the Critics Were Wrong
Conrad Thompson pointed out that while Omega, Ospreay, and Swerve’s absences left some questioning the depth, AEW still boasts an embarrassment of riches. “The answer is simple,” Schiavone shot back. “We have about 14 top guys.”
🗣️ Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
Tony Schiavone may be blunt, but he’s not wrong. All Out is proof that AEW has built a roster deep enough to withstand the loss of its biggest names and still deliver a pay-per-view with global buzz. AEW has leaned on its philosophy of variety: ladder matches, grudge fights, international stars, and hometown legends all under one roof. For fans worried the card would feel thin — just look at the lineup. It screams “stacked.”
