Perched On The Top Rope

Ahead of the upcoming AEW WrestleDream pay-per-view on October 12th in Tacoma, Washington, Khan took questions from the media call concerning the upcoming show, the new media rights deal and the future of the promotion.

AEW WrestleDream Media Call Notes

• When asked about a possible roster split, Khan said it’s an interesting thought and he is still working on some interesting things in terms of the future. He added that it is early to speculate given the new deal but it is an interesting thought.

• When asked if he has equity in AEW and the Sports Business Journal mentioning the possible stake in an article, Tony Khan said he will not get into the ownership structure but does have 100% of the voting structure and holds the vast majority of shares. Khan also confirmed is the controlling owner.

• Asked about Bryan Danielson and what it is like to work with him and his status, Khan said that one of the highlights of his life has been working with Danielson and watching him win the title at All In. Khan added Danielson has been instrumental in AEW and the story and rivalry with Jon Moxley encompasses all of AEW. Khan doesn’t want to see Danielson’s full-time run come to an end, much like many of the fans.

• In regards to the negotiation process with Daniel Garcia re-signing with AEW, Khan said that he understood why Garcia wanted to take time with a decision of this magnitude. He added it’s a great beacon to the sport that he is someone that a lot of people want to work with and have spent time mentoring. He believes Garcia is a homegrown star and wanted to put him in a prominent spot. Khan outlined the connection Garcia has with the fans and how they have been believing in him more and more, especially coming out of the Continental Classic. Khan was thrilled to extend Garcia’s contract for years to come and very excited about it.

• In regards to the thinking behind the trades of Rush and Lance Archer, Khan said that there have been trades in wrestling in the past but he hasn’t seen it since he was a kid. He noted previous trades in sports and how it can change the scenery, adding that Jake Roberts and Don Callis are great managers. Khan also mentioned that a new coach will help Lance Archer and Rush with their new managers.

• When asked about a possible ROH deal and there being no updates, Khan said while ROH is not part of the deal it is important for the company as a whole and more media rights are set to be determined.

• Asked about more details on the PPV model beginning in 2025 and the Max model, khan stated that he is still finalising details before more details are rolled out. Khan added that live viewers matching wrestling on Max will be huge both live and with the back catalogue and that they have taken a lot of pride in AEW PPVs this year and Max took notice.

• Asked about the rise of women’s wrestling in AEW and ROH, Khan said it is at a real high point and he enjoys working on it. Khan also praiseed the quality of the rosters getting better and better, noting that Mariah May and Toni Storm’s storyline has been a highlight this year. Khan mentioned Baker’s absence and how he had to be in his office until 4 am to make changes to Dynamite and the card while also saying that Baker is a great star for AEW. Khan also highlighted the singing of Mercedes Mone.

• Khan spoke about the victims of Hurricane Helene and that last night’s Dynamite was about promoting hurricane relief as well as the PPV. Khan also added that Adam Copeland has been working directly with FEMA workers in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene’s impact on the area.

• Closing out the call, Khan mentioned the legacy of Antonio Inoki and what the show means to him.

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