Ahead of this Saturday’s massive All In pay-per-view in Texas, AEW President Tony Khan held an expansive media call where he addressed every question thrown his way. Khan discussed the company’s creative philosophy, the status of several top stars, changes to this weekend’s Ring of Honor card, and the business behind AEW’s record-breaking event.
On Recent Litigation and Talent Safety
When asked about recent litigation filed by a production member against Jon Moxley and the company, Khan stated he could not comment on the specifics. However, he emphasized the company’s commitment to safety for everyone involved in the production. “I think we really do care about the safety of everybody here. We always have, whether it’s the talent, the fans or the people working backstage,” Khan said. “We all work together. And that is first and foremost, that this is a family.”
On Mercedes Moné and Creative Control
Addressing rumors that TBS Champion Mercedes Moné has creative control, Khan was unequivocal in his denial. “That’s definitely not true at all,” he stated, clarifying his own role. “I am the only person with creative control over the show.” He explained that he made a resolution at the start of 2025 to have a tighter creative focus, similar to one he made in 2020. “This year, I think you’re seeing the most focused AEW in many, many years… in part because there’s less voices… if I don’t feel 100% about it, I’m not going to do it.” He praised Moné as a “hugely talented star” and a “great person to work with” who is receptive to his creative direction.
On Unifying the Continental & International Titles
Khan clarified the future of the AEW Continental and International Championships following the unification match between Kazuchika Okada and Kenny Omega. He confirmed that the individual lineages of both titles will remain intact. “I have never said I’m retiring the championships,” Khan said. “The champion may even choose to carry all three championship belts.” He explained the new, unified belt was created to signify the prestige of the match and honor its two legendary competitors.
On the All In Gate and Future Stadium Shows
Khan provided an update on the live gate for All In Texas, stating that it was “approaching $3 million” and had already set a new record for the company’s biggest gate in North America. When asked about potentially running more Major League Baseball stadiums in the future, he was optimistic. Citing his role as chairman of TruMedia Networks, which works with 27 of 30 MLB teams, Khan said, “If we can continue doing the things we’re doing and expanding and having this kind of success, I absolutely believe there’s the momentum there to continue having events in these kinds of great venues.”
On Roster Management, Britt Baker, and Surprises
When asked about the status of former AEW Women’s World Champion Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D., Khan denied reports that she has requested her release. “I’ve never had a conversation about Britt departing AEW,” he stated. He compared managing the roster to coaching a sports team, explaining that not every talented person can be featured every week. “I think Britt is a great example of somebody that’s very, very talented and we could utilize in AEW, in the right situation, at the right time.”
Similarly, when asked about potential surprises in the weekend’s two Casino Gauntlet matches, Khan said that while anything is possible, the focus will remain on the core roster. “I would expect to see a lot of focus through the casino gauntlet matches on the people that you’ve been seeing across Collision and Dynamite each week,” he said.
On “Hangman” Page and Mark Briscoe
Khan spoke at length about the importance of “Hangman” Adam Page, who will challenge Jon Moxley for the AEW World Title. He compared Page to a “number one draft pick” who fans have watched mature into a top star. “I think that’s why the journey of hangman has been so fun to watch over the years, and I think that’s why AEW is always a better company when Hangman is thriving,” Khan said. He also had high praise for Mark Briscoe, calling him “one of the real leaders in the AEW locker room” and reminiscing about the emotional significance of the Dallas area to the Briscoe family legacy.
On ROH Supercard of Honor Logistics
Khan also clarified several points regarding Friday’s ROH Supercard of Honor event. He announced that due to an injury to ROH Women’s World Television Champion Red Velvet, an Interim Women’s World TV Champion will be crowned at the event. He also explained the logic behind having Athena defend her ROH Women’s World Title at the ROH show instead of All In, noting that it’s important for the champion to be featured on their brand’s PPV, but that he expects both Athena and her opponent, Thunder Rosa, to also participate in the Casino Gauntlet match at All In. Finally, he debunked a rumor that Supercard of Honor was ever planned for Las Vegas, clarifying there was only one schedule change that saw it swap dates with the Death Before Dishonor event.
