AEW WrestleDream is a pay-per-view event created as a tribute to the legendary New Japan Pro-Wrestling founder Antonio Inoki, known for his pioneering influence on global wrestling. The event symbolizes All Elite Wrestling's deep respect for wrestling history and the spirit of international collaboration, reflecting AEW's partnership with NJPW that began in 2021. Tony Khan, AEW's president, conceived WrestleDream as a celebration of Inoki's ideals, describing him as "wrestling's greatest dreamer."