Backstage News On Why WWE Chose Not To Broadcast Worlds Collide 2026 Live

AEW and WWE were scheduled to go head-to-head on Saturday night, but the latter chose not to air its Worlds Collide show live, with a report explaining the reason behind WWE's decision.

The two pro wrestling promotions held shows in Chicago on Saturday, with AEW hosting its All Out pay-per-view from the Now Arena, while WWE held its Worlds Collide show — featuring WWE and AAA stars — at the Allstate Arena. While All Out aired live, Worlds Collide will be broadcast on Wednesday, September 30. "Fightful Select" spoke to some insiders in WWE, who informed the outlet that WWE had decided in August to air the show on a delayed basis. According to the source, the reason it didn't air live was that WWE wanted fans in Chicago to buy tickets and attend the show in person, in a bid to impact AEW's ticket sales for All Out.

The source also added that WWE was surprised by ticket sales for All Out, although they admitted they were happy with tickets sold for Worlds Collide, too. 

Reports from earlier in the month had said that WWE viewed their show as a live event. The show, which will air on YouTube, didn't have its commentators on hand, with AAA commentator and WWE Hall of Famer JBL revealing that WWE hadn't asked him to come to the venue, and WWE will reportedly add voiceovers later.

WWE's counter-programming has irked many in the pro wrestling business, with its latest bid to thwart AEW being criticized by many. AEW commentator and WWE legend Jim Ross was among those to criticize the move, expressing his wish that pro wrestling companies could support each other.