Explained: AEW's Smaller Grand Slam Australia Ring (AEW News)
QT Marshall explains AEW using a smaller ring than usual at Grand Slam Australia.
If you were wondering why AEW's ring looked a little smaller than usual at Grand Slam Australia, it's because it was a little smaller than usual at Grand Slam Australia.
AEW Vice Present QT Marshall has confirmed the promotion used an 18-foot ring in Brisbane this Saturday, 15 February, where typically it would use a 20-footer. Marshall added that other companies have been using 18-footers for years.
"The AEW ring is a design that only AEW has," said Marshall on Twitter, responding to writer Steven Muehlhausen. "It’s very rare that an independent company (or a major company) has a 20ft ring. This ring is an 18ft ring. TNA has been using for years and older ROH as well. Why is this a talking point? It’s not our first time using an 18ft ring."
Replying to Marshall, AEW Wrestling Administration Coordinator Will Washington posted a screenshot of another time the company had used an 18-foot ring:
At all. pic.twitter.com/52TVIvRMD6— Will Washington (@WillWashington) February 16, 2025
Nonetheless, the ring was a talking point coming out of Grand Slam Australia. There were a small handful of occasions where the reduced size was apparent, most notably when Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay were running the ropes to hit tandem Terminator dives during their tag opener with Konosuke Takeshita and Kyle Fletcher. At least publically, however, company officials don't appear to be bothered by it.
Nor should they be. It's a nitpick.
Grand Slam Australia brought one title change as Toni Storm became a four-time Women's World Champion, dethroning rival Mariah May. Mercedes Mone defended the TBS Championship against Harley Cameron elsewhere, while Buddy Matthews failed in his challenge for Kazuchika Okada's Continental Title.