In just over five years, All Elite Wrestling has changed the landscape of professional wrestling around the world. This is not a view that requires litigation or debate, as it is an objective truth. The biggest challenger to WWE since WCW, the company has effectively ended WWE's vicious monopoly on the sport, provided more opportunities than ever for talent, and forced spillover. It brought about an effect. everyone To improve our products for the betterment of wrestlers and talent.
At the center of this revolution is AEW founder and CEO Tony Khan, who has become a lightning rod for criticism — some of it well-deserved, and others that pervade the wrestling world. Some are unfairly leveled at brand tribalism. I spoke to Khan about AEW's first five years, how it has changed, and what's in store for fans.
The biggest hurdle for sports brands is not getting their first TV deal, but getting that all-important second deal. Networks are willing to bet on new shows, but what comes next is the battle. In early September, AEW announced a new multi-year deal with Warner Bros. Discovery that will continue weekly programming on TBS and TNT while expanding to include Max streaming services.
“The beginning of 2025 is going to be a very exciting time for AEW,” Khan said. “We're making history as the first ever simulcast pro wrestling show across television and streaming.” AEW's CEO said it was always his hope that an agreement could be reached with Warner to maintain the program. Ta. Aside from the money, continuing to wrestle on TBS and TNT has a lot of personal meaning for him as he has been an avid wrestler for most of his life.
“TBS and TNT have a really great pro wrestling tradition going back 50 years, and it's really special for AEW to be a part of that tradition,” Khan said. As for the changes in AEW from the first show in 2019 to now, Khan believes it's a continuation of what his company wanted.
“A goal we always had in mind was this media rights renewal, and we want to make it a success. For the entire company, for the fans, and for the future of AEW. To come to an agreement to establish. I think that's what we did with the agreement we made here.”
When asked if it was difficult to honor pro wrestling traditions on TBS and TNT without invoking WCW (whose library and trademarks are owned by WWE), Khan admitted that it was sometimes, but , was quick to point out that Turner Broadcast considers its pro wrestling heritage, dating back to its years of success before WCW, Georgia Championship Wrestling, and the Territory System era.
In other words, a new “area” has been created in the professional wrestling world. The sport is more global than at any point in its history, with unprecedented cross-promotion between various wrestling companies around the world. AEW's two biggest contracts are with Mexico's CMLL and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). I asked if these agreements could lead to the establishment of a multi-promotional title to truly crown wrestling's unified “World Champion.”
“We are entering a new phase of our partnership with New Japan Pro Wrestling with Wrestle Dynasty just around the corner. Therefore, I think there is ample potential to deepen and strengthen the partnership between AEW and New Japan Pro Wrestling. We have Wrestle, which is a great compliment to Wrestle Kingdom and builds on the success of Forbidden Door. We have a great opportunity to develop a new joint venture with Dynasty, which should be a great two nights of wrestling at Tokyo Dome.”
This major international undertaking will also see AEW's major move to pay-per-view format in 2025, with its biggest stadium show, “All In,” moving from London's Wembley Stadium to the home of the Texas Rangers. moved to Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. This is the first time an AEW show will be held at a baseball stadium, so we asked Khan how that will change the nature of the show.
“AEW All In They are more than just tent poles to us. I think it's a huge professional wrestling organization. It was a great success in London. We're excited to bring it to Arlington, Texas on July 12, 2025. Tickets are on sale now, but this is a massive undertaking. It's been decades since an alternative wrestling promotion attempted to put on a major stadium show at a baseball stadium or football stadium. That's what we're trying to do here, and I think it's a very bold play that will pay off. ”
AEW still has a lot of work to do. Even die-hard fans are currently criticizing the company's storytelling and are waiting to see how key players will be reinstated after being sidelined with serious injuries.
With the media rights deal completed, the hope is that AEW will be able to focus more on the creative side of the business, which will allow the show to go beyond incredible in-ring performances and become a more well-rounded company. has been done.
One thing is for sure: AEW is on track to become the world's longest-running professional wrestling television show. it's not WWE. 20 episodes left AEW Dynamite will exceed WCW Monday Nitro In most episodes of non-WWE shows. There will be challenges along the way, but Tony Khan and AEW are ready for whatever happens next.
