From Mick McManus to AEW All In: Why I’m Finally Giving Modern Wrestling a Go.
I’ll admit it – professional wrestling wasn’t exactly something I expected to find on my summer calendar this year.
Growing up, however, it was almost impossible to avoid. Saturday afternoons often meant the television was tuned into wrestling, where larger-than-life characters like Mick McManus and Giant Haystacks battled it out in front of cheering crowds. Whether you loved it or not, it was part of British popular culture, and names like Big Daddy, Giant Haystacks and Mick McManus became household legends.
Fast forward to 2026 and wrestling has transformed into something far bigger than I ever imagined.
This August Bank Holiday weekend, I’ll be heading to AEW All In: London at Wembley Stadium, and I have absolutely no idea what to expect—which is actually rather exciting.
Wrestling Has Come a Long Way
Back in the days of World of Sport, wrestling felt theatrical, family-friendly and wonderfully over the top. Today’s wrestling has evolved into a spectacular blend of elite athleticism, storytelling, live entertainment and incredible production values.
AEW (All Elite Wrestling) has become one of the biggest wrestling promotions in the world, attracting fans from every continent. When the company first brought All In to Wembley Stadium in 2023, it made history by drawing more than 81,000 fans from over 70 countries, making it one of the largest professional wrestling events ever staged.
Now, AEW returns to Wembley for another huge show on Sunday 30 August 2026, promising championship matches, dramatic rivalries and plenty of surprises.
Why I’m Looking Forward to It
If you’d asked me a few months ago whether I’d be spending a Bank Holiday Sunday watching professional wrestling, I’d probably have laughed.
But one of the joys of writing for Women Talking is discovering experiences I might never have considered otherwise.
Sometimes it’s a new restaurant.
Sometimes it’s the latest kitchen gadget.
And sometimes…it’s 80,000 wrestling fans filling Wembley Stadium!
There’s something rather wonderful about stepping outside your comfort zone. Even if you don’t know every wrestler or understand every storyline, the atmosphere alone promises to be something special.
From everything I’ve seen, AEW isn’t simply about wrestling—it’s a full-scale entertainment event. Think sporting spectacle meets theatre, with incredible athletic performances, dramatic entrances, fireworks, music and an audience that’s completely invested in every moment.
It’s Not Just for Wrestling Fans
One thing that surprised me while researching the event is just how broad the audience has become.
Families, long-time wrestling enthusiasts, casual viewers and complete newcomers all come together to experience the show. It seems you don’t have to know every championship title or every wrestler’s backstory to enjoy the excitement.
Modern wrestling is as much about the live experience as it is about the matches themselves.
A New Generation of Stars
Today’s stars include names such as Will Ospreay, Mercedes Moné, Bryan Danielson, Swerve Strickland, Kris Statlander, Harley Cameron and Willow Nightingale, performers renowned not only for their athletic ability but also for their larger-than-life personalities.
For many younger fans, these athletes are every bit as iconic as Giant Haystacks and Mick McManus were to previous generations.
I’ll Let You Know What I Think…
One of the best things about this job is having the chance to try something completely different.
So, I’m heading to Wembley with an open mind, plenty of curiosity and perhaps just a little nostalgia for those childhood afternoons watching Mick McManus trying to outwit Giant Haystacks.
Will I become a wrestling convert?
Who knows!
But I’m looking forward to finding out why tens of thousands of people travel from around the world for this event.
Keep an eye on Women Talking after the show, as I’ll be sharing my first-hand experience of AEW All In 2026, the atmosphere, the spectacle and whether modern wrestling lives up to all the hype.
One thing’s for certain – it’s always good to try something new, and this promises to be one unforgettable Bank Holiday.
For ticket information visit Live nation here.
Poppy Watt