Before diving in, I should clarify something: I’m not a lifelong fan of professional wrestling.
Honestly, I barely know much about it. Sure, like many kids in my generation, I heard names like Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Undertaker thrown around during recess—but I never really got into WWE or AEW.
But then, on November 22nd, I found myself at All Elite Wrestling’s Full Gear event at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, thanks to my brother-in-law, who genuinely enjoys it. Surprisingly, I had a blast.
So, here’s what went down.
Road Trip to Newark
Leading up to the AEW Full Gear event, I hopped on a train from Penn Station in New York to Newark. Two trains came shortly after one another, at 5:58 and 6:01. The seats filled up fast. Clearly, this was going to be an eventful night.
Arriving in Newark, my hunch was validated. Fans were packed onto the escalators, and the energy was palpable, much more intense than any concert I’d been to.
As we exited the train station, thousands of fans walked together toward the arena. Along the way, wrestling aficionados joined our conversation, even chiming in on a discussion about Mr. T’s WrestleMania history. It hit me—this wasn’t just a sporting event; it was more like a community gathering, full of camaraderie.
Every moment felt electric, and I couldn’t wait to see what awaited us inside.
Inside the Prudential Center
Once we stepped into the arena, we rushed to our cushy seats as the show kicked off.
The vibe was special for newcomers, as a 9-year-old named Rizler engaged in a playful bout with the popular internet duo, AJ and Big Justice—referred to as “The Costco Guys.”
It was entertaining, really.
AJ introduced his catchphrase, “Big 5 Booms,” prompting the audience to shout “BOOM” in unison. The crowd got super into it, reacting to the wrestlers’ antics with roaring enthusiasm.
And Then the Real Show Began
After a dramatic introduction, Eddie Kingston and his tag partner Hook entered the ring, easily taking down the duo known as The WorkHorsemen. I couldn’t resist asking my brother-in-law the age-old question every wrestling fan dreads: “Is this all choreographed?”
He sighed and compared it to a movie, advising me to “suspend my disbelief and just enjoy.” Well, that made sense. Even if the fights aren’t real in the conventional sense, the performers definitely bring a gladiatorial spirit that’s hard to ignore.
More Undercard Matches
Next was the CMLL World Trios Championship. While it seemed significant, it wrapped up quickly as El Sky Team quickly took down the Don Callis Family.
What stood out more than the acrobatics was the audience itself. I’ve rarely experienced a crowd that chanted with such sincerity and enthusiasm. We all felt united in our support for the wrestlers.
Throughout the evening, we chanted positive affirmations, but also cheeky comments like “f—you, ref.” Regardless of what was happening in the ring, the fans elevated the experience in a way that’s hard to match in a traditional sports environment.
My Favorite Match of the Night
By this point, I still hadn’t completely bought into wrestling. The earlier matches were enjoyable, but nothing too gripping. It felt somewhat subdued, almost like watching an action movie without sound.
Then, everything changed when Darby Allin stepped onto the scene, facing off against the formidable PAC.
Allin, a 32-year-old from Seattle, was a sight to behold. With his painted face, distinctive hair, and burns visible through bandages, he looked more like a character from a horror movie than an athlete.
There’s something unnerving about a wrestler showing up in street clothes, especially one adorned with tattoos. As the match unfolded, Allin kept getting back up despite the odds stacked against him, proving his tenacity.
This was the first match that truly gripped me, giving off palpable tension. It felt like watching old-school villains go head-to-head without their hero around.
And just like that, I found myself getting into wrestling.
I’m Really Starting to Enjoy Prudential
A chaotic four-way tag team match followed, featuring an energetic mix of teams and colorful costumes. The matchup was fierce, and the excitement in the arena was infectious. Who doesn’t enjoy chaos like that?
This led up to a dramatic showdown for the AEW Women’s World Championship between Kris Statlander and Mercedes Mohn. There was a clear build-up of tension, even though I wasn’t entirely familiar with their background.
Real or not, the emotions packed a punch.
Let’s Wrap This Up
Although Full Gear ran until 11:30, I had to duck out by 10. I was exhausted from the long day and needed rest. I missed some big moments, including Samoa Joe’s victory over “Hangman” Adam Page in a steel cage and the Young Bucks’ remarkable win.
Still, I had a fantastic time. I witnessed some unbelievable stunts, including backflips and incredible aerial maneuvers that had me questioning reality.
I was apprehensive about writing this at first, understanding how passionate wrestling fans can be. But once I immersed myself in the experience, I realized my previous assumptions were all wrong. While they take their sport seriously, the community is incredibly welcoming.
Because of that, I definitely want to come back—particularly to see what Darby Allin has in store next.
Random Thoughts
- Wrestling really is like watching acrobats perform a dance that occasionally collides.
- I saw someone bring a toddler to the event; that tells you something, right?
- The fans chanting “AEW” all night was unique. I’ve watched countless films; it’s rare to hear such enthusiasm for a production studio. Can you imagine a crowd cheering, “A24! A24!” after a movie ends?
Looking to attend? AEW: Christmas Collision is happening on December 21st at the Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan.
Upcoming AEW Matches 2025-26
If you’re interested in seeing some AEW action soon, here’s the schedule for upcoming events:
- AEW Dynamite – December 3rd at Fishers Event Center, Fishers, Indiana.
- AEW Dynamite – December 10th at Gateway Center Arena, College Park, Georgia.
- AEW Collision – December 13th at Utilita Arena, Cardiff, UK.
- AEW Dynamite – December 17th at Co-op Live, Manchester, UK.
- AEW Dynamite – December 20th at Hammerstein Ballroom, New York, NY.
- AEW Dynamite – December 21st at Hammerstein Ballroom, New York, NY at 4pm.
- AEW: Christmas Collision – December 21st at Hammerstein Ballroom, New York, NY at 7pm.
- AEW World End – December 27th at NOW Arena, Hoffman Estates, Illinois.
- AEW Dynamite: New Year Smash – December 31st at Liberty First Credit Union Arena, Ralston, Nebraska.
- AEW Collision – January 3, 2026 at Esports Stadium, Arlington, Texas.
- AEW Dynamite – January 7, 2026 at BOK Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
- AEW Collision – January 10, 2026 at Esports Stadium, Arlington, Texas.
- AEW Dynamite – January 21st at Addition Financial Arena, Orlando, Florida.
- AEW Collision – January 24, 2026 at Esports Stadium, Arlington, Texas.
- AEW Collision – January 31, 2026 at Esports Stadium, Arlington, Texas.
And that’s just a glimpse of what’s coming in the wrestling world.
WWE events are also available, should you be interested in those as well.
