Double or Nothing 2020

Lore & Background

The event is legendary for Jon Moxley's first title defense as AEW World Champion, as he defeated Chris Jericho in the main event to retain the championship he had won at AEW Revolution. This moment solidified his reign and set the stage for a new era of violence and intensity. Furthermore, the main event saw Jon Moxley defeat Chris Jericho in a grueling contest that redefined their rivalry, proving that even without fans, the stakes were as high as ever.

In Their Own Story

The lights dimmed over the Jacksonville facility, casting long shadows across the empty seats. There was no roar of the crowd, only the hum of the arena lights and the heavy breathing of the competitors inside the ring. As the bell rang for the main event, the silence felt heavier than any boos ever could. Every move, every slam, and every near-fall was amplified by the lack of noise, making the impact feel personal and visceral. It was a battle not just between two men, but against the uncertainty of the times.

Reader's Guide

The road to Double or Nothing 2020 began with the cancellation of live events worldwide, forcing AEW to rethink its entire infrastructure for the summer blockbuster. The decision to move from Las Vegas to Jacksonville was a strategic masterstroke that allowed the company to continue operations while adhering to safety protocols. As the event approached, the narrative focus shifted to the debut of Jon Moxley, whose arrival promised a new level of intensity. His introduction was carefully crafted to emphasize his status as a veteran returning with a vengeance, setting the tone for the night's darker themes. The main event between Chris Jericho and Kenny Omega became the centerpiece of the show. Their rivalry had been building for months, culminating in a match that tested their physical limits. The outcome not only determined the AEW World Champion but also solidified the direction of the promotion moving forward, proving that AEW could thrive even in isolation.

Did You Know?

• Double or Nothing 2020 was the first AEW pay-per-view without a live audience, but it wasn't the first major wrestling pay-per-view under those conditions—WWE's WrestleMania 36 (April 2020) and Money in the Bank (May 202
• Jon Moxley made his official AEW debut at Double or Nothing 2019, not this event.
• The entire show was produced in Jacksonville, Florida, utilizing Daily's Place.
• Jon Moxley's victory over Chris Jericho was his first title defense as AEW World Champion, having won the championship at AEW Revolution.

Origins and Naming

The concept for Double or Nothing emerged directly from the momentum generated by the September 2018 All In event, an independent pay-per-view born from a wager between Cody Rhodes and journalist Dave Meltzer. Following that historic night, Rhodes delivered a memorable promo stating that when making a bet, one sometimes goes "double or nothing," a phrase that would eventually define AEW's flagship show. This sentiment catalyzed the formation of All Elite Wrestling in January 2019, with Double or Nothing immediately scheduled as its inaugural pay-per-view for Memorial Day weekend. The name was not merely a catchphrase but also reflected the event's traditional setting on the Las Vegas Strip, capitalizing on the city's famous gambling culture. For years, the show served as AEW's marquee presentation, standing alongside All Out, Full Gear, and Revolution as one of the promotion's premier annual attractions before being surpassed by All In in 2023.

Pandemic Adaptations and Venues

The COVID-19 pandemic forced a dramatic shift in location for the 2020 and 2021 editions of Double or Nothing. Originally slated to return to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, both events were relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, due to venue cancellations and health protocols. The 2020 show took place at Daily's Place and the adjacent TIAA Bank Field, while the 2021 event also utilized these facilities before AEW resumed live touring later that summer. Notably, the 2021 edition marked a significant milestone as the first AEW pay-per-view to operate with full capacity crowds following relaxed state restrictions. This period represented the final time Daily's Place hosted a major PPV. The tradition of holding the event in Las Vegas eventually ended in 2025 when it moved to Glendale, Arizona, and continued evolving in 2026 by traveling to New York City for the first time.

Signature Match Concepts

Since its inception during the pandemic era, Double or Nothing has distinguished itself through unique, large-scale match stipulations that often serve as the main event. The 2020 and 2021 editions introduced the Stadium Stampede match, a cinematic spectacle designed to utilize both the intimate Daily's Place arena and the expansive TIAA Bank Field stadium simultaneously. This format capitalized on the creative freedom available during the lockdown period. When AEW returned to touring in 2022, the concept evolved into Anarchy in the Arena, allowing competitors to battle throughout the entire host venue rather than a specific ring or field. The Stadium Stampede made a notable return in 2026, adapted for the Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, proving that these specialized formats remain central to the event's identity regardless of the location.

Evolution of Location and Theme

Double or Nothing used to mean Las Vegas, with the Strip in Paradise, Nevada hosting several editions that leaned into its gambling motif. That changed for the 2025 show at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona; leaving the city kept the betting angle alive via local casino ties. The 2026 event pushed boundaries further by moving to Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York—the first AEW pay-per-view in that market and the first Double or Nothing without a direct casino link, opening a new chapter for the annual spectacle.