The formation of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2019 marked a seismic shift in the professional wrestling landscape.
Established by Tony Khan as a direct competitor to WWE, which had long dominated the industry, AEW sought to offer an alternative product that captivated fans in fresh and innovative ways.
Interestingly, AEW's rise has coincided with the rapid growth of the iGaming industry, which has seen a surge in online casinos and sports betting platforms.
More and more operators are optimising their product offering by allowing wrestling bets on the best online sportsbooks, highlighting the growing synergy between combat sports and gambling. AEW has capitalised on this trend even more than the WWE by incorporating casino-style matches, such as the Casino Battle Royale, bridging the gap between wrestling fans and casino enthusiasts.
These matches not only differentiate AEW from the competition but also provide an immersive experience that enhances the drama and unpredictability of professional wrestling.
The Casino-Themed Match Format
The Casino Battle Royale has become a staple of AEW's major events, offering a unique take on the traditional battle royal format.
Unlike the conventional approach, where all participants begin the match simultaneously or enter at timed intervals, AEW's version incorporates a deck-of-cards-inspired entry system. Wrestlers enter the ring in groups based on card suits—hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades.
Every few minutes, a new group joins the fray, culminating with the appearance of the "Joker," a final surprise entrant whose identity remains a mystery until they arrive. This structure builds suspense and ensures an unpredictable and engaging match.
Another casino-style match that AEW has popularised is the Casino Ladder Match. Debuting at Double or Nothing 2020, this high-stakes contest sees competitors enter at timed intervals with the goal of retrieving a poker chip suspended above the ring.
The staggered entry format, combined with high-flying action, adds layers of excitement, while the inclusion of a Joker entrant further elevates the element of surprise. These matches are designed to keep the audience engaged, mirroring the thrill of casino games where fortunes can change in an instant.
AEW's Top Talent
AEW's ability to attract high-profile wrestlers has played a significant role in its rise. Many of the promotion's biggest stars were once part of WWE but have found new life in AEW's more dynamic environment.
Wrestlers such as Bryan Danielson (formerly Daniel Bryan), Jon Moxley (formerly Dean Ambrose), Adam Copeland (formerly Edge), and Claudio Castagnoli (formerly Cesaro) have brought mainstream recognition to the company.
Alongside AEW originals like Kenny Omega, MJF, Darby Allin, and Hangman Adam Page, these stars have helped AEW cultivate a strong fanbase that craves alternative wrestling storytelling.
The Casino Battle Royale has also provided a platform for emerging talents to make a name for themselves.
Wrestlers such as Ricky Starks, Swerve Strickland, and Wardlow have used the match as a stepping stone to establish themselves as legitimate contenders, adding another layer of intrigue to AEW's roster depth.
The Road to WrestleMania and AEW's Response
As WWE gears up for WrestleMania, the biggest event in professional wrestling, AEW must find ways to maintain fan interest and prevent viewers from shifting their focus entirely to WWE’s spectacle.
Themed matches like the Casino Battle Royale are a crucial part of this strategy, offering AEW a way to differentiate itself while delivering must-watch moments for fans. By consistently pushing the envelope with innovative match formats, AEW can ensure that its product remains compelling even during periods when WWE's dominance is most pronounced.
Additionally, AEW’s casino-style matches fit perfectly within the modern entertainment landscape, where fans crave engagement and unpredictability.
Whether it’s the strategic nature of the Casino Battle Royale or the high-risk excitement of the Casino Ladder Match, these contests provide the kind of immersive experience that keeps fans invested.
Conclusion
AEW’s approach to wrestling has always been about offering something fresh, and the Casino Battle Royale is a perfect example of this philosophy. By blending elements of casino gaming with professional wrestling, AEW has created a match format that is both unique and dramatic, ensuring its place as a must-watch attraction.
With WWE's WrestleMania looming, AEW needs to keep its audience engaged, and by continuing to innovate with matches like these, the company strengthens its position as a genuine alternative in the wrestling world.
